“Well,” Louisa began, grateful for the change in subject, “I had planned to visit Violet and Colin this afternoon. Unless you need me for something?”
“No, that will be fine. I have an obscene number of letters to write this afternoon.”
And then it hit her. They sounded like an old married couple.
“Well,” she said, her voice a bit too shrill. Robert seemed to notice, his brow quirking. “I had best get going. I told Violet I would be there for tea.”
Robert nodded, keeping a close eye on her. “Very well. I will see you at dinner?”
“Of course!” Her shrill tone only increased, and she could have slapped herself. She cleared her throat. “Excuse me. Perhaps I am coming down with a bit of a cold.”
Robert put the back of his hand to her forehead, his brow puckering. “Do you not feel well? Perhaps you should lie down and get some rest.”
“Nonsense. My throat is only a bit sore. Tea should be sufficient to remedy it.”
Robert pulled his hand away, nodding. “If you are sure. I do not plan to leave the house today, if you find you need anything.”
“If I require anything, I can simply have Beatrice help me. I would not bother you with such a needless thing.”
“But I would like it if you would.” He held her gaze too long for her liking before breaking it and adjusting the cuff of his jacket. “Have a nice visit with your family. In fact,” he stopped, looking up in thought, “you should invite them for dinner this week. It’s a bit rude on my part that we haven’t yet.”
Oh dear. Her family? Here? Watching her and Robert interact in their own home? It made her stomach uneasy. “Of course. That is a splendid idea.”
He met her eyes. “Then it is a plan.”
She watched as he left the room, heading to do his work, letting her eyes trail over his lean form. How had she ever thought the man intimidating? It was almost humorous now. Who would have thought that underneath the duke’s crusty exterior, he was a gooey puddle of sweet jam?
And she wanted to slather him all over a biscuit.
Goodness. She had to get a hold of herself.
The ride over to Violet’s was a much-needed distraction. But when her sister-in-law began pouring Louisa a cup of tea, she noticed a knowing grin spread across Violet’s lips.
“What?” Louisa asked, accepting the warm cup.
Violet gave an innocent shrug of her shoulder. “Oh, nothing. You just seem quite smitten is all.”
“Smitten? How can you say such a thing when I have only spoken about five words of greeting?”
“I know you well, Louisa. Let’s not forget.”
“So well that you can read minds?” She took a sip, closing her eyes as the warm tea slid down her throat.
“No, but I can readyou.”
“Nonsense. I am an enigma.”
Violet grinned, settling back with her own cup. “Unless I am very well mistaken, you wear the expression of a woman who has been well and thoroughly kissed.”
“Violet!” Louisa gasped, setting her cup down. “I cannot believe your crass words.”
“What is crass about a woman kissing her husband?” Violet chuckled.
“Robert and I agreed on a contractual, mutually beneficial marriage.”
Violet’s eyes danced as she leaned forward for a biscuit. “I would say kissing is mutually beneficial.”
Louisa snatched up her cup, sloshing warm tea on her hand. She grabbed a napkin, blotting her hand dry. “You are quite entertained. Might I ask what has brought this out?”
