Her eyes flashed. “No. You were protecting yourself. And I’m supposed to accept that?”
The moment stretched. Her brows lifted, just slightly. Then she looked forward again. “If you intend to keep your mask, do not ask me to take off mine.”
”
Twenty-Three
What manner of life have I agreed to?
April stood in the middle of her chambers in Stone Hall, her fingers brushing lightly against the curve of a velvet-backed chair. The sitting room was charming in its way—soft pale greens and delicate cream, the sort of colors that invited peace. It should have comforted her.
It did not.
Theo had handed her to the housekeeper Mrs. Maple upon their arrival and left without answering any of the questions she’d asked him. She wandered slowly toward the adjoining bedchamber which bore the same serene palette. Her skirts whispered along the polished floor as she approached the tall windows. The bed stood grand and untouched, its frame a subtle ivory, and its covers crisp and unmarred. To the left was a narrow connecting door. She didn’t try it, but she knew.
That will be his room. Of course, it will.
She turned away and crossed the room to the windows. The gardens below stretched wide and ordered, each hedge and path meticulously shaped. Roses, lilies, and bluebells nodded gently in the breeze.
How such beauty existed in the life of a man so emotionally impenetrable was beyond her.
A knock interrupted her thoughts. Before she could cross the room, the door opened and in bustled Mrs. Maple, a round woman with an energetic gait and flaming red hair that seemed to defy the strict pins trying to contain it.
“Your Grace! Begging your pardon, I did knock but there was no response. His Grace sent me to be sure you’re settling well and find the chambers to your liking.”
April glanced around again. “They are quite lovely.”
Mrs. Maple beamed. “Dinner is at eight, but if you like, I can show you around before then. It’s a large place, and it’s always better to learn it with company.”
April nodded. “I would like that very much.”
The tour began on the ground floor with parlors, studies, and drawing rooms, each as elegantly appointed as the last. The walls bore tasteful art, and the furniture was chosen with therestraint and precision of someone who disliked excess. Yet it was not cold.
“The Duke said the Duchess is to make changes where she sees fit,” Mrs. Maple added as they entered the music room.
April turned. “Did he truly?”
“Indeed. Said this was your home now too.”
The words lodged somewhere between her ribs.
She walked slowly, eyes sweeping the room. “May I ask, what kind of master is the Duke?”
Mrs. Maple’s eyes lit. “Oh, firm to be sure. But fair. I’ve served this house since he was a boy of seven. He came back from school early once and told Cook her stew was the best in England. Cook’s been loyal ever since. He keeps his servants well. Never cruel. Quiet, mostly, but he listens, and when his aunt visits, he changes. He warms right up, and you can see the boy he was.”
April smiled faintly. “You are fond of him.”
“Everyone who stays long is.”
Then why does he feel like a stranger to me still?
When the tour concluded, April returned to her chambers. Miss Evans, her new lady’s maid, assisted her with a dress of dusky lavender trimmed in silver. Her hair was pinned with care, a pearl comb tucked behind one ear. After the final touches, she descended.
The drawing room was already lit. Theo stood near the hearth, a small leather-bound book in hand. He closed it and tucked it into his coat as she entered.
He rose.
“April,” he greeted, and her breath quickened.How dare he look handsome and affect me thusly?
