How could she have trusted him easily? What if he was an adept liar who was merely trying to trap her in an unfavorable situation?
Out of the countless rumors she has heard about him, she had heard nothing about him having a son or being a father. It was strange to think that his child’s troubles could only be resolved with a motherly figure.
The carriage came to a stop and Thomas raised his head, his dark eyes meeting hers as he announced,
“We’ve arrived.”
He got out of the carriage first and held a hand out to help her disembark and she was a little confused by the act of chivalry. Jane had expected him to ignore her but he was seemingly intent to do otherwise.
She accepted his help, glancing around the grounds once she was out of the carriage. The lawns were nearly trimmed and before it sat a large house.
It was certainly one of the most impressive ones she had ever laid her eyes on, but something about it felt void and almost haunting.
Once they were inside, Jane hoped they would go their separate ways. The closeness between them was making her nervous and she found it difficult to think.
“Well, it has been quite a long day, Your Grace, so I think we should get some rest,” she stated as she tried to step away.
But the Duke held her back, just as a woman entered the foyer.
“Your Grace! I’d wondered when you would —”
The woman’s words faded into silence as she stared at Jane’s face, shock highlighting her features for a moment.
“This is Jane Wetherby, the new duchess. Your Grace, this is Mrs. Greene, the housekeeper of the estate.” Thomas said in swift introduction as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
The woman’s face relaxed but Jane couldn’t help but wonder why she had reacted that way in the first place. And she was distracted by the warmth of her husband’s touch, so much so, she nearly missed what the housekeeper said.
“Welcome, Your Grace,” Mrs. Greene smiled with a curtsey. “It is a pleasure to have you here. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to inform me.”
“Thank you,” Jane managed to smile slightly.
“How is Reuben?” The duke asked and Jane surmised that was his son’s name, relieved to find out that she had not been fooled into marriage.
“He is well, Your Grace. He fell asleep a while ago, as I read to him. He was rather listless this morning, so most of the day was spent trying to keep his spirits up.” Mrs. Greene informed them.
Jane was somewhat disappointed she would not get to meet the child so soon, but she was also relieved because she knew she wasn’t prepared to face him.
Not without some answers first.
“Well then, get acquainted and settled. Let her know if you have any questions or needs.” Thomas instructed, finally releasing his hold over Jane.
Strangely, she was both thankful and disappointed by the loss of warmth, but before she could address with of those feelings, the duke walked down a hall and disappeared from her sight.
“Would you like to be seen to your room now, Your Grace? We can prepare a bath right away and the chef would be more than thrilled to put a meal together for you.” Mrs. Greene suggested kindly.
Jane suddenly became aware of the weakness in her bones, and a bath, followed by an early retirement to bed sounded like a wonderful idea.
“That sounds lovely,” Jane sighed wistfully.
The housekeeper beamed and gestured in the direction the duke had gone before she began to lead the way.
Jane followed her closely, glancing around at the décor. The house bore no signs of a child living there, lacked the brightness or warmth one would expect within a home that gave a child solace.
It only added to the list of things Jane was curious about, regarding the child.
They walked past a door that was slightly ajar and Jane spotted the duke seated inside behind a desk. The questions burning in Jane urged her impulsively and she swiftly turned around and headed into the room.
A conversation was required before she was to meet her husband’s son tomorrow and it was better to get it done as soon as possible.
