“... a
nd I believe only about three rooms within the west wing are still awaiting a few pieces of furniture to be delivered before the refurbishment is completed.”
Jane blinked, trying to figure out if she was the one being spoken to. Uncertainly, she glanced by her side, only finding Adele who coughed shyly, and then she faced the housekeeper.
“Oh,” she blinked again, trying to remember what Mrs Greene had just spoken about, barely able to make out three words swirling around in her head. “I-I see. Thank you, Mrs Greene.”
It appeared that her acting performance was lacking, because the housekeeper narrowed her eyes.
“Are you truly all right, Your Grace? You have not been quite yourself, all morning. Did you fall ill after all? Your face isslightly flushed. Shall I summon a physician?” the older woman fussed.
Jane quickly shook her head, worried that the woman might make good on her word and actually send for a physician to exam her, which would be rather embarrassing because no doctor would be able to help her. Not when the remedy she required could not be ingested or applied to the body for wellness.
After her little tryst with the duke, she had awoken alone in his bed, horrified to find out that she had fallen asleep before she even managed to put herself together. It seemed that did not matter, because her clothes had been restored to their original form of order, and she had been tucked beneath the covers while she slept.
It had been humiliating, to have slept so deeply she did not notice him adjusting her clothes, or leaving the room and as she sat on his bed by herself, she feared he would think her unworthy of his time and effort moving forward.
Jane had left his room, barely making it to her own before Adele had found her, worry etched onto her innocent expression.
“Your Grace! We have searched very inch of the house for you? Where have you been?” her maid questioned in concern.
“Oh,” Jane rubbed at her eyes tiredly, hoping she sounded as exhausted as she aimed to. “I felt unwell, all of a sudden and I simply fell asleep in the first room I saw.”
“What room? We have been looking for you for the better part of half an hour,” Adele informed, her eyes alight with curiosity.
“The library,” Jane blurted out suddenly. “I found a cozy little nook where you can hide in and rest. I simply meant to test it out for a moment and see if I could turn it into a special little alcove for Reuben, but I suppose I was far more comfortable than I had intended to bed, and as such, I fell asleep. I am sorry, you all must have been so worried.”
“Do not worry about us, Your Grace. We are just grateful to have found you, safe and sound... though I think perhaps you should get some more rest. You look tired still,” Adele suggested softly.
Jane thought the girl was right, because she still felt as though her skin was abut to slip off her flesh, still seemingly thrumming with lightening dancing over it. Her body recalled his touch all too clearly, craved to have it once more.
She did not know what it meant, but it was clear there was something not quite right with her and she needed to sort that out, as soon as possible.
The duchess had agreed to rest some more then, slipping into her room immediately, forgoing breakfast and even a visit to Reuben. And now, despite it being the dawn of a new day, she could still remember it all, could still smell the spicy musk tinged with the scent of paint that clung to his skin. She could still feel the roughness of his scars, could still feel his fingers exploring her body, teasing and pleasuring her.
It was as though she had opened a new door and was too curious to shut it after everything had been said and done.
“I –” she cleared her throat. “I think... I am still a tad weary. I am sorry.”
Mrs Greene shook her head instantly. “Do not apologize, Your Grace. We have all borne witness to how hard you have worked in the last few days. You have been exceptionally persistent about every detail and the estate has not looked better in many years. You should rest.”
Jane nodded, forcing thoughts of the... absolutely wicked things her husband’s fingers did to her, in favor of enquiring about Reuben.
“How is Reuben? I was meant to see him last night before I was side track– ahem, I mean... before I feel asleep. Is he well?” she questioned delicately.
“He is quite well today, Your Grace. It seems he awoke with the desire to read because he was already seated in bed with a book in his hands when Miss Becker arrived to rouse him. Do not worry about him at all, Your Grace. We will take good care of him if you wish to take some time to recuperate,” Mrs Greene assured strongly.
Jane paused, her gaze straying to a window longingly.
She had not gone out at all since she arrived at the estate. Granted, it had only been about a week since her wedding, but she was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. It was as though she had forced herself to take on the role without thinking and she was gradually running herself ragged with every passing day.
“Actually... I think I might spend the day away from the estate. It is high time I called on a dear friend,” she mused out loud.
“Excellent idea, Your Grace,” the housekeeper agreed with a clap. “You do not have to worry about a single thing in your absence. Lord Wetherby will be watched closely and we shall handle the rest of the arrangements around the house.”
With everything seemingly in order, Jane simply nodded in acceptance.
“Well then, since all that is settled, please have the carriage prepared,” she instructed, rising to her feet. “I shall change and be on my way shortly.”
