“Of course not. The only matter I wish to pursue is marriage. That is the way of things, Your Grace.”
“Indeed, it is,” Nathaniel agreed, taking another sip of champagne. “Do you perhaps read as well?”
“I have read the Bible many times as well as popular books regarding etiquette and the right way for a lady to behave. I’m sure such things would not hold much interest for you, however, Your Grace.”
“We have an extensive library here. You are free to peruse its contents as you wish. Perhaps you might find something that piques your curiosity. I am fond of the classics myself.”
“I would love to hear your opinions, Your Grace.”
Nathaniel was all too happy to share them. He launched into his thoughts aboutThe IliadandThe Odyssey, comparing elements to them, drawing comparisons between the themes, and speaking about the characters that appealed to him.
At first, it seemed as though they had found a natural rhythm of conversation, but it quickly became apparent that Honoria was offering nothing more than small murmurs of agreement or comments that encouraged Nathaniel to continue.
He wasn’t having a conversation so much as giving a lecture. When he offered his interpretation of Homer’s meaning, it went unchallenged. He glanced at Charlotte, knowing that she would have fought back, countered every point he made, and even shown him a new way of looking at the classical texts.
“I think that’s enough of that for now. I would hate to bore you,” he said.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” she replied. She was perfectly gracious, perfectly accommodating. In fact, she was exactly what he had asked for.
He shook the thoughts from his mind, telling himself that she was likely nervous and things would be better when they relaxed into each other’s company.
The main courses were finished, and the plates were cleared. Honoria was sitting with a back so straight it might well have been made of wood itself. The dessert tray was brought over. Clara clapped her hands with delight.
“Cake, please!” she shouted and winked at Nathaniel. Nathaniel chuckled under his breath and gestured to the nearest servant.
“Make sure she has the biggest slice of cake at the table,” he said under his breath.
The servant nodded and did as he was asked. There was cake, a trifle, and a pie baked with apples from a nearby orchard. Cream and custard were offered as well as bread and jam. The sweet scent filled the room. Nathaniel had a slice of apple pie with custard swimming over it.
Honoria had a small piece of trifle.
“Is it really appropriate for a child to have such a large piece of cake, Your Grace?” Honoria asked, leaning into him.
Nathaniel smirked.
“She’s earned it.”
“I see,” Honoria replied, although from the tone of her voice, it was clear that she did not see at all. Everyone expressed their delight at the desserts. Beatrice, who was eager to escape Agatha’s attention, turned to Honoria.
“Might I interrupt?” she asked. Nathaniel ceded Honoria’s attention for the time being, secretly feeling relieved.
Alfred was quick to talk to him.
“You are a lucky man, brother. She seems to be everything you desire. Mother chose well.”
“Indeed, she did,” Nathaniel agreed.
“Although I can’t picture her playing games with us in the garden. She doesn’t look the type to get muddy boots.”
“No duchess should,” Nathaniel replied, pressing his lips together as he was irked by his brother’s words. He continued eating his apple pie, the rich flavor of the fruit mixing with the custard.
He glanced toward the other end of the table. Clara was enjoying her cake so much that much of the icing plastered her cheeks. Charlotte wiped it away, tenderly doting on Clara.
Given that Charlotte did not want to get married, Nathaniel assumed that motherhood was not in her future as well. It was a shame, he thought, because it suited her well.
At that moment, she looked up and caught his gaze. His cheeks burned because it felt as though she heard his thoughts. She offered a quick smile. Her lips were glazed with sugar, making them sparkle.
It was the kind of smile that could destroy a man weaker than Nathaniel. Weaker than the Iron Duke. Nathaniel tore his gaze away and cleared his throat, returning his gaze to his dessert. Charlotte didn’t mean anything to him.
