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He had never expected those words to matter to him, yet they did. Olivia had taken to Felix with a tenderness James had never witnessed from anyone, and James had begun to think of her as the child's mother even when no one else knew the truth.

Hubert apparently decided not to press the matter and shifted his attention elsewhere. "How is the estate?" he asked, crossing one ankle over the other.

James relaxed slightly. "The eastern tenants are doing reasonably well," he answered, leaning back in his chair. "There are several roofs that require repair, and I have ordered timber and thatch. The western fields will need attention before winter, and I have instructed Ross to rotate the grazing."

Hubert nodded approvingly. "And the sheep?" he asked.

James reached for the relevant ledger. "The stock is healthy. We have increased the breeding flock, although several older ewes will need replacing." He paused before adding, "Olivia has also taken an interest in the household provisions. She noticed that some of the kitchens were ordering more than necessary, so she has reorganized the accounts."

Hubert's mouth twitched. "Has she?" he asked, amusement creeping into his voice.

James nodded, turning a page. "She has taken over most of the household duties as duchess. She has also arranged the supper invitations, overseen the servants, and made certain Louiza is settled comfortably."

He stopped, suddenly aware that Olivia had somehow entered nearly every part of the conversation.

Why do I keep mentioning her?

He returned his attention to the ledger. "She is efficient," he said, as though that explained everything.

Hubert chuckled. "It sounds as though the missus has you wrapped around her little finger."

James gave him a flat look. "She does not."

Hubert's smile widened. "Of course not."

James ignored him, though he could not stop himself remembering Olivia standing beside him at the party, quietly asking whether she had done well, and the way he had answered that she was remarkable.

Hubert eventually rose and wandered toward a side table where several estate ledgers had been left. James watched him pick one up and begin flipping through the pages. Something about the movement immediately unsettled him.

"Those are the estate accounts," James said, his voice sharper than necessary.

Hubert glanced over. "I can see that."

He turned another page, and James's eyes narrowed. The ledgers represented the portion of the estate still under Hubert's trusteeship, and James had never had reason to question his uncle's management. Yet circumstances had changed. The estate would soon be reunited once Felix was publicly recognized as his heir, and James intended to understand every corner of what would once again belong directly to him.

"How are you managing your portion of the estate?" James asked, rising from his chair.

Hubert closed the ledger. "Quite well."

James walked toward him, holding his gaze. "I think I should come take a look over some of those accounts myself. The estate will soon be reunited, after all."

Hubert's expression changed almost imperceptibly. He chuckled and set the ledger down. "Of course, nephew. Any time you like."

His tone was agreeable, but there was a nervousness beneath it that James immediately noticed. "Come to the house, and I will show you whatever you like."

James nodded slowly. "I will."

As Hubert turned away, James remained still, watching him. Something had shifted in the room, and he could not quite determine what it was. His uncle had always been one of the few people James trusted without question, but now a small, unwelcome doubt had taken root. And James had learned long ago that doubts were rarely born without reason.

James let the matter of the ledgers settle at the back of his mind, refusing to allow Hubert's nervous expression to distract him from what he actually needed. Whatever questions had begun to form could wait. There were more immediate concerns, and for once, James found himself grateful to have his uncle within reach.

He picked up his glass and regarded Hubert steadily. "I need your help," he said, his voice quieter now.

Hubert turned toward him, his expression immediately becoming serious. "Anything," he replied. "You know that, James."

"I need you to go to London and make some wedding preparations," James said, watching his uncle's face.

Hubert stared at him for a moment before giving a short, incredulous laugh. "Wedding preparations? Again?" he repeated, as though he suspected he had misheard.