Opening the door to his study, Daniel stomped inside and headed straight toward the fireplace, where he dropped to his haunches and lit it. “Claire does not have a nefarious bone in her body, you idiot, but with the threat of Huxley still looming, I hardly think it a wise move to leave Stratton alone.”
Simon found the brandy and poured two measures.
“How do you know she has gone alone? She could have taken an army of servants with her.”
Rising, Daniel took the glass Simon handed him and then fell into the nearest chair.
“She should be here, not cavorting around the bloody countryside.”
“What are you annoyed about, Daniel? Should your wife have spent her days at Stratton seeing or visiting no one? That hardly seems fair or indeed, worthy of you.”
“She is an innocent who knows nothing of the world but what she learned in her father’s home! She dresses like a servant and is timid and skinny. The woman should not leave here until she has gained experience.”
Daniel could hear himself and how stupid he sounded yet did not seem to be able to stop. Arriving at Stratton to find his wife was not where he had left her had rocked him. He was angry and worried and and frustrated by both emotions, especially the first, as he had sworn he would not show her his anger again when next they met.
“Your reaction seems a bit dramatic, my friend. However, as the food has arrived, I shall not continue this conversation, as it may lead to you roaring again, and I intend savor this plum cake and give it the respect it deserves.”
“She’s a lovely lady, that Miss Belmont.”
“Yes, she is, Molly.” Eva smiled across the carriage at her maid.
She had spent the afternoon and evening with Claire. They had discussed fashions and the latest hairstyles and Claire had told her about society and some of its more colorful people. Never having mastered the art of womanly conversation due to the lack of friends, it had come as a shock that she actually enjoyed it. She’d caught herself giggling a few times and marveled at the feeling. She was changing. Her life was so different now that she lived without the abuse from her family. Eva had enough food and rest, and more importantly, she had a friend. And although she was consumed with worry for Reggie, she was content for the first time in her life. A child would complete her - a child and a husband - but Eva knew that neither of these was likely to happen anytime soon, if ever. Therefore, she would content herself with this life. She could ride when she chose to, play her piano for hours at a time and read under a tree if the mood struck.
“Thank you for accompanying me, Geoffrey,” Eva told the footman as he opened the door and helped her and Molly down.
“It was a nice night for a drive, your Grace,” the young man said, looking at Molly.
Eva watched her maid return the look and swallowed her smile.
“I will not need you until later, Molly.” She waved a hand over her head as she headed toward the house. She liked both Molly and Geoffrey and would not stand in the way of any blossoming relationship.
“Good evening, Luton. I hope you’ve had a pleasant night,” Eva said, taking off her bonnet and gloves.
“The duke and Viscount Kelkirk have arrived, your Grace, and are at present awaiting you in the study.”
Much like the duke earlier, Eva stood still for several heartbeats as she took in this news.
“He’s here at Stratton?”
“Yes, your Grace.”
Why?She had not thought to see him for a very long time. Why had he returned now and with company? Panic made her chest tighten as she clutched her gloves. She wasn’t ready to see him. Would she ever be ready to see him? What did he want?
“I, uh…should go up then,” she finally managed to say.
“That is the duke’s wish, your Grace.” Luton smiled.
“All right then, I will,” Eva said this time with more force.
Pausing in the mirror, she checked her appearance and was pleased she still looked presentable. Squaring her shoulders, she then made her way upstairs. Pausing briefly outside the door, Eva drew a deep, steadying breath and then tapped lightly on the wood.
“Enter.”
Pushing it open, she walked inside.
Daniel looked up as his duchess walked through the door and his first thought was that she’d played him for a fool.
“Good evening, your Grace. I had not expected your return or I would have been here to greet you.”
