“The ton believe him to be cursed. A beast, they call him, because he is marred and marked by what he has survived. It is not fair,” the housekeeper spat angrily, the next moment taking in a deep breath, likely to calm herself. “All he wishes to do – all he has done is care for us. For this household and his son. I hope that you are able to help him with that, at least, Your Grace.”
Before Jane could speak, the woman left the library.
The duchess remained for a moment longer, trying her best to think clearly. Much like the others Mrs Greene had mentioned, she too, had perceived the duke to be a dangerous man who could not be trusted. But she had been wrong, like they were.
“Why is this so difficult all of a sudden?” she whispered to herself.
Three days ago, the most difficult thing she was meant to face was a man on an alter who was known as a cruel prince. Now, it seemed as though those worries hardly held any water, not because they were founded on lies, but because they were ridiculous in comparison to what was expected of her now.
After walking around the library, a little bit and taking notes of things she wished to change, Jane walked out of it, only to find Mrs Greene waiting for her right outside the door.
Mustering up a little bit of cheer, she asked,
“Where to next?”
Jane was not sure what the housekeeper expected from her at that time, or if her expectations were met, but she supposed it meant something that the older woman went on as though nothing had happened.
They continued with the tour of the house and Jane continued to make more plans quietly. She would need to sit down later andput it all on paper, but it felt good to hear the ideas rattling about in her head.
Perhaps she really could make a difference in the house if she really tried.
Mrs Greene had pointed to a door at some point and stated that it was one of “The duke’s private rooms. No one is allowed in there without his express permission. I do not know if the rule extends to you, Your Grace, but you might want to enquire about it, to be safe.”
Memories from the night before flooded Jane’s head, along with the deep heat of embarrassment, settling warmly over her face.
She had tried to forget all about it all morning, opting to remain busy instead of bothered in a bid to find out what it all meant. It did not matter in the grander scheme of things, anyway, and was likely a mistake.
“I will keep that in mind,” she assured Mrs Greene, following her closely as she walked around a corner, into a different corridor.
The journey ended shortly after that, and Jane was eager to put some of her ideas down as soon as possible.
“Thank you, Mrs Greene. That was an illuminating walk and discussion. I am truly grateful for your guidance.” Jane expressed warmly.
“It was my pleasure, Your Grace. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you perhaps have some needs to be met, do let me know,” the housekeeper curtsied.
Jane smiled, suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to see Reuben. She resisted the urge to run to him for a minute, telling the older woman,
“I know my expertise might not be as grand as those of the previous duchesses, but what I lack for in experience and skill, I am determined to make up for in determination and hard work. This estate is beautiful, but I believe it could even be more so, with a few changes. And I will need your help to carry out those changes when the time comes. I want to make this a good home. For the duke and his son. They deserve that much, after what they have been through.”
Mrs Greene smiled, slow and hopeful.
“I look forward to what you will do, Your Grace. I am at your service.”
CHAPTER NINE
It had taken Jane the rest of the day to put things in order for her plans to redecorate the house to commence.
Right after the tour, Mrs Greene had instructed Adele to find some paper, pen and ink and Jane spent nearly two hours writing down the ideas that had come to her while she studied the house. When she was done, another walk was taken around the house, with the two of them present as Jane explained her goals and the overall effect she hoped to obtain once the redecorations were done.
“How wonderful,” Mrs Greene beamed, looking as excited as Jane felt. “I will speak with Mr Johnson to make the final arrangements in order to procure the necessary manpower and materials you need to carry out all your desire. We should be ready to begin in two days time.”
“Excellent,” Jane nodded, relived that her ideas were so well received. “Do let me know when everything is in place.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” the older woman curtsied before taking her leave.
Adele lingered uncertainly and Jane couldn’t help but feel sorry for the girl, because Mrs Greene had informed her that she had just been a maid who helped care for Reuben occasionally. Now that it had also become her responsibility to look after the duchess as well, it was clear she was nervous.
“Thank you for your assistance, Adele. You many have the rest of the evening off, and we’ll reconvene in the morning,” Jane smiled easily, dismissing her.
