“Our secret, then. I used to make them for my older brother. He wore them as an indulgence to me,” Georgia smiled sadly, thinking of Elias.
If he is still living, then why would he abandon me like this? No matter what Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Clarissa say, he was never feckless.
After leaving the tea things, Dorothy left to take care of the rooms Georgia had been given and the unpacking of her clothes. These had been delivered by carriage the day before, which was the day after the wedding. Georgia turned her attention to the letter that was in progress on the table in front of her.
“...as I was saying, Hermione. The wedding itself was the strangest affair. Almost no one in attendance but the bare minimum required as witnesses. The chapel was old and very chilly and dark. Which was much like its master. I do not think I need fear my new husband forcing himself upon me. He has made it very clear that this is to be entirely a marriage of convenience. My rooms are at the opposite end of this sprawling monstrosity of a house from the Duke's.
And what of the Duke? I have not seen him. Not since the ceremony, in fact. Apart from servants, I have seen no one, which is making for rather a lonely existence. With the exception of my lady's maid, the staff appear to have beeninstructed to keep me at arm's length. They will not engage with me beyond what is needed for politeness.
When can you come and visit me, Hermione? I do so need a friendly face.”
She paused, feeling a sudden upwelling of emotion. She blinked back tears, angry at herself for giving in to her emotions.
He has promised to aid me in my search for Elias. The Duke, I suppose I must call him by his name, we are married after all—Keaton has promised it, and I must take him at his word until I have reason to doubt.
“Miss Roseton,” Keaton's voice was clipped, cold, and abrupt.
Georgia whirled, seeing the Duke appear in a doorway of the veranda.
“My name is Georgia. And according to my marriage certificate, I am no longer Miss Roseton,” she rolled her eyes.
Keaton's head swiveled to her, and he strode towards her, stopping halfway, his cane exploring the air in front of him.
“There is usually a table here,” he noted.
“I had it moved into the sunshine,” she replied, “the shade was chilly this morning.”
Keaton advanced towards her, slower this time, cane questing ahead of him until it struck the leg of a chair opposite her.
“I should have made myself clear, though I did order the staff to make sure you were aware of my standing orders. No furniture is to be moved or routines altered without my express orders.”
Georgia immediately felt guilty, suddenly understanding how such an order would be essential for a blind man to navigate about his home. Furniture would need to be in expected places, or Keaton would be constantly colliding with things.
I should have thought more carefully about the kind of house I was coming into. I will be more thoughtful in the future...
“I understand, Keaton,” she said carefully.
She waited for a reaction to her use of his name. His head twitched towards her for a moment, catching the absence of an honorific. He opened his mouth, drew breath as though to speak. Then he appeared to think better of it, simply nodding.
“I will endeavor to be more considerate,” Georgia finished, satisfied with her small victory.
“I would greatly appreciate it,” he replied, and there was even a hint of warmth in his voice.
She smiled. “On such a splendid day, it would be a shame to be indoors. Do you think we could walk in the gardens? I have notseen you since the wedding day and don’t know when I might see you again. Perhaps you could show me around?”
Georgia was more than capable of exploring the gardens on her own, but she wanted to make an overture of peace to Keaton. The only way they would be able to co-exist for a month together would be for there to be peace between them.
But I will not bend the knee. I will make an effort, but I am not the one being difficult. It is for him to thaw out.
Keaton reached into a pocket of his waistcoat and took out a fob watch. It seemed the same as a normal watch but lacked a glass to cover it. He touched the hands absently and nodded to himself.
“I have an appointment in one hour. But in the meantime, I can take you for a tour about the gardens.”
He rose gracefully, as did Georgia. She was initially uncertain about what to do next.
Do I let him put a hand to my shoulder, or will he offer his arm?
The answer came when the Duke set off along a paved path, cane sweeping ahead of him.Neither.Georgia hurried to catch up. As they walked, Keaton pointed out particular flowers, naming them and inviting her to sample their scent.
