"Politeness doesn't produce heirs, Miss Whitfield."
Clara felt her cheeks heat. "I wouldn't presume to comment on such matters."
"No? Even though you're sharing his bed?"
The words hung in the air like a sword. Clara forced herself to maintain eye contact. "I don't know what you've been told…"
"I've been told nothing. I have eyes, Miss Whitfield. The way he looks at you, the way you carefully don't look at him, the particular tension in the air when you're in the same room…it's all rather obvious."
"You're mistaken, my lady."
"Am I? Then you won't mind if I suggest to Gabriel that he escort Miss Ashworth to the assembly next week?"
"Why would I mind? His Grace's social engagements are his own affair."
"Indeed. And you won't mind if I suggest he consider seriously courting her? Her dowry would solve all the estate's financial problems."
"The estate's financial problems are well in hand, as the ledgers demonstrate."
"Temporary improvements. The estate needs significant investment to return to its former glory."
"Perhaps His Grace doesn't want former glory. Perhaps he's content with current functionality."
"Content? Gabriel doesn't know the meaning of the word. He's been miserable since he returned from war, and frankly, I'm not convinced that hiring a few servants and cleaning some windows represents genuine improvement."
"Then what would convince you?"
"Seeing him genuinely engaged with life again. Taking interest in something beyond his own misery."
"He's taken interest in the estate improvements."
"Has he? Or has he simply allowed you to make improvements while he broods in his study?"
Clara wanted to protest, to explain how Gabriel had helped with the planning, how he'd actually laughed at dinner last night, how he'd played piano for the first time in years. But those weren't things a housekeeper should know.
"His Grace has been actively involved in all household decisions," she said carefully.
"How actively?"
"He reviews all major expenditures, approves staff decisions, and participates in planning discussions."
"Planning discussions? How exceedingly domestic."
"Professional planning discussions about household management."
"Of course. Tell me, Miss Whitfield, what will you do when your position here ends?"
"I hadn't considered that yet."
"No? A woman of your intelligence surely has plans beyond temporary employment?"
"My focus is on fulfilling my current obligations to His Grace's satisfaction."
"And when those obligations are fulfilled?"
"Then I'll seek employment elsewhere."
"Far from here?"
