His fork paused again and his eyes lifted, burning into hers. In a moment, his features grew darker.
“In– In your life… Is there any part of your life,” Eleanor continued, “that is not an inspection, a schedule, or a set of rules?”
James’s gaze iced over as he exhaled, the fire doused as quickly as it had been lit. “This is becoming quite tedious.”
Eleanor’s pulse stuttered, but she kept her expression calm. “Just answer.”
His eyes narrowed. “You are impertinent this morning.”
“I am allowed to be. I am your wife,” Eleanor replied.
Silence stretched. The servants moved as quietly as mice, pretending not to hear, though Eleanor knew every ear in the room was straining toward their conversation.
James set his fork down with deliberate care. “I ride,” he said.
Eleanor blinked. “That is it?”
“It is an answer. It is the truth.”
“It is,” she agreed, and softened her voice slightly. “Do you like music?”
James’s gaze did not flicker. “I tolerate it.”
Eleanor almost laughed. “That is an answer one offers about medicine, not music.”
His mouth twitched. The faintest sign that her absurd questions were beginning to slip under his defenses.
Encouraged, Eleanor asked, “Do you like dogs?”
James stared at her.
“I am compiling a complete portrait of the Duke of Langford,” Eleanor said solemnly. “Dogs are important to this endeavor.”
He looked at her as though he might be deciding whether to throw his napkin at her.
After a long moment, he said, “I do not dislike dogs.”
Eleanor leaned forward a fraction. “But do you like them?”
James’s eyes narrowed. “Do you always press when you sense weakness?”
Eleanor held his gaze. “Do you always avoid when you sense a scrap of emotion?”
His jaw tightened. The air between them sharpened.
Then James reached for his cup and took a sip of coffee, as if to restore control.
Eleanor watched him. “You are not accustomed to anyone asking you questions that are not about land or money. I am tired of asking you of such tedious topics that get me no closer to you.”
James set the cup down. “No.”
Eleanor nodded slowly, then asked more carefully, “May I ask about your family?”
The shift in him was immediate.
His face did not change dramatically. He did not scowl. He did not raise his voice.
He simply went still.
