“Oh, you’re making her blush,” Simon chuckled, his gaze darting between her and his aunt.
“I am only stating the truth. You must get accustomed to receiving compliments, my dear,” the older woman advised her.
It occurred to her then that Rachel had never really been one to be on the receiving end of many compliments. Her life back home was actually the opposite. Taunts and jeers. Only reminders of how she wasnot good enoughor a burden.
She must have paled slightly at the memory, for Aunt Jean immediately reached out to touch her hands.
“Are you feeling well, dear?” Concern was laced in her voice—but it felt genuine instead of superficial. “Have you come down with a fever?”
Rachel shook her head. “No, I’m perfectly all right.”
“No, no.” Aunt Jean stood up from her place. “I think you may be coming down with something. What you need is rest so that you can recuperate in time. I cannot risk you being sick later.”
Simon raised an eyebrow.
“What islater?”
“A ball at Bernight Estate. It would be the perfect opportunity to introduce you properly to the ton. Don’t you agree, Simon?”
Simon’s expression hardened slightly, his shoulders tensing at the mention of the ton. “I’m not sure that’s necessary,” he said.
“Nonsense,” Aunt Jean replied, waving away his protest. “You’ve been hiding away in this manor for far too long, Simon. And your lovely wife deserves to be seen. It’s high time the two of you made an appearance.”
Rachel glanced at Simon, unsure of how he should respond. He seemed torn, his jaw tightening as he considered his aunt’s suggestion. Finally, he exhaled sharply, his gaze flicking to Rachel. “If Rachel wishes to attend, then I’ll escort her.”
Rachel hesitated, her own nerves warring with the desire to make a good impression on Aunt Jean. But as she met Simon’s gaze, she saw something in his eyes—an unspoken challenge, perhaps, or an invitation she didn’t quite understand.
“I would like to go,” she said softly.
Aunt Jean beamed, clearly pleased with the decision. “Wonderful! Now, I shall let the duchess rest so she can prepare for the ball later on,” she paused, her gaze narrowing playfully at Simon. “And as for you, my dear nephew, I’ll expect at least one smile before the night is over.”
Simon shook his head with a faint smirk, but Rachel couldn’t help noticing how much more at ease he seemed around his aunt. He was softer, more human, in a way that made her heart ache with longing. She wanted to see more of this side of him, to understand the man behind the walls he kept so carefully constructed.
As Aunt Jean swept out of the room to make preparations, Rachel stood beside Simon.
“She’s wonderful,” she said. “I can see why you’re so fond of her.”
“Rest up, Duchess. It seems that you have a ball to attend later,” Simon said, leaving the room.
“You’re unusually quiet, dear,” Aunt Jean said to Simon, who had agreed to take a walk with her. “Brighten up, for you have so much to be happy about. Andsomuch to tell me.”
Simon smirked faintly. “Perhaps I’ve simply run out of things to say.”
“Nonsense,” she replied, waving a hand dismissively. “You’ve married a beautiful young woman, taken her under your wing, and thrust her into this vast house filled with rules and shadows. Surely you havesomethingto say about her.”
Simon’s jaw tightened slightly, though his expression remained calm. “Rachel is… adjusting to life in the estate.”
Aunt Jean’s brows lifted, her smile widening with amusement. “Adjusting, is she? Is that all you have to say? My dear boy, if I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were being deliberately evasive.”
“I’m not evasive.”
“She’s quite charming, you know,” she continued, her tone light but pointed. “Lovely manners, a sharp wit, and that delightful glint of determination in her eye. I rather like her.”
Simon’s gaze flicked to his aunt, and for a moment, something almost like relief crossed his face. “I’m glad,” he said.
Her approval meant something to him. In fact, it meant a great deal to him.
Aunt Jean studied him for a beat, her expression softening. “But?”
