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“Master William, there are certain expectations,” the housekeeper intervened. “A duchess must learn how to run a household. Eventually, a duchess must host parties and balls and be known among society. There is more to it than the title.”

Marina grimaced. “That is what I cannot yet do, for there is no book on how to be a duchess. Although, I have been reading a rather dull book about hosting.” She hesitated, wondering how honest she could be. “I think I make the staff uncomfortable.”

“Why would you say that?” Mrs. Havers asked, frowning.

“At Stadley, the servants were… friends, really,” Marina explained. “They did not use formalities. They were a beloved part of the household. I do not think the staff here trust my way of doing things.”

“Ah…” The housekeeper nodded. “Well, perhaps I can teach you, help you adjust to your new role.”

“Not today, you won’t,” William chimed in, pulling on Marina’s hand. “I want to show her all the best places on the estate and hear about how to fix broken bones. Then, I thought Miss Longman and I could have a picnic, and then we can read.”

Marina thought that sounded rather wonderful, especially after the difficult week she had had.

“You can’t call her ‘Miss Longman’ anymore, Master William,” the housekeeper chided mildly. “She is married to your father now. You should call her ‘Mother’ or Duchess, I suppose.”

Marina shook her head. “I cannot take a title I have not earned,” she insisted, with a reassuring wink at William. “As such, my name will suffice. Just Marina.”

The boy seemed relieved that he would not have to call her ‘Mother’. After all, her uncle had never insisted on being called ‘Father’, for he knew that was not what he was.

“Come on, Marina,” William chirped. “There is a hollowed out tree that I think you will like!”

He pulled her along and she did not resist, laughing as they wended their way through the orchard, heavy with apples and pears, while Mrs. Havers trailed after them, no doubt wishing she was still in London.

This might not be so bad after all, Marina hoped, for now that she had the promise of her greenhouse and the company of her stepson, it felt like it might be a rather good day.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Anthony frowned as he watched the figures vanish into the trees.

“Where are they going?” he murmured. “Can they not see it is about to rain?”

He had been avoiding his wife for the past week; he could not deny it. Several times, he had considered meeting her in the breakfast room or sitting down to dine with her of an evening, but the memory of their last interaction had prevented him.

That did not, however, mean he had stopped thinking of that interaction. It pestered him while he was trying to work. It plagued him at night as he lay, alone, in his bed. It had robbed him of his concentration and his peace, while he cursed himself for getting that close to her.

Should a boy not come to greet his father before anyone else?

He narrowed his eyes at the spot where Marina, William, and Mrs. Havers had been.

“Perhaps I should follow them,” he mused aloud, ignoring the pile of correspondence he had to get through.

No… No, I shall not chase my own family.

His son would come to him in due course, where he would be reminded that he should respect his father first and foremost. And that was not a conversation that Anthony wished to have in Marina’s presence.

After all, she was here to take care of William. Anthony reasoned that he ought to let her do that without intervention, unless he heard word that she was providing the wrong kind of influence. Until that happened, he would keep to himself, and let things proceed as agreed.

Maybe she will correct him herself and bring him to me. That would certainly be reassuring.

He sat back down at his desk, flexed his aching hands and muttered, “Now, where was I?”

“Why do you think your father does not like you?” Marina asked, as she stood beneath a long-limbed tree, watching William climb the sturdy boughs.

Mrs. Havers had fallen asleep on a nearby bench, allowing Marina to stretch her curiosity.

William looked down at her. “Come up here and I’ll tell you.”

“Do you think I will not?” she said, grinning.