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“Six pastries. Eggs. And perhaps some bacon.” Arthur appeared to consider the matter with entirely unnecessary seriousness.

Eliza laughed. “Very well. And what do I receive in return?”

“Anything you ask of me.” His expression changed at once, amusement giving way to something warmer.

That was rather different too. Once, Arthur had offered her everything except himself. Now, somehow, he was offering precisely that.

“Then I accept your bargain.”

His grin returned. “Excellent. I think we shall begin in the drawing room.”

“The drawing room?” Eliza asked.

“In front of the mirrors,” he added with a wry smile.

Heat rushed immediately into Eliza’s cheeks and continued traitorously towards her chest. Arthur looked exceedingly pleased with himself.

Some bargains, Eliza decided, were more agreeable than others.

“If we don’t leave for Breakfast, we may never leave this room, Eliza.” Arthur pulled away, as if it pained him, and stood as he searched for breeches.

She answered with a laugh and agreed, and slowly began to dress herself. The pair made their way to the dining room once they were dressed and found Radnor and Cecily already seated at the table. To Eliza’s surprise, the table was almost at maximum capacity, with the Dowager Duchess and Laurence seated opposite, leaving only room at the head and foot of the table.

“Good morning, all,” Eliza exclaimed, perhaps a little too brightly as she entered the breakfast room with her husband following close behind. She took her place at one end of the table as a chorus of greetings rose to meet them.

“I hear it was a good morning indeed, Your Grace,” Laurence remarked with a smirk, before allowing his gaze to wander towards the decidedly tired faces of Radnor and Cecily. “Though I fear perhaps not for every member of the household.”

“Well, it is rather difficult to determine where the evening ended and the morning began when one was kept awake in one’s chambers,” Cecily observed, lifting her teacup with remarkable composure.

“Still, it is reassuring to know that marriage thrills you so thoroughly, sister.”

She took a pointed sip of her tea, as though the institution itself had left a distinctly sour taste in her mouth.

A collection of poorly suppressed snickers and sudden coughs erupted around the table.

Heat began somewhere beneath Eliza’s collar and swept mercilessly upwards until she was quite certain even the tips of her ears had turned scarlet.

Arthur pulled out his chair and cleared his throat.

Silence descended upon the breakfast room with astonishing efficiency.

The Dowager raised her glass.

“May I propose a toast? I am aware it is so early, but to our Duchess of Buckingham, congratulations, truly, on your successful debut.”

A chorus greeted them. Even Cecily joined in.

“And to Buck, for finally finding happiness." Radnor shared.

“Given your newfound happiness, I fear my presence at Winworth is no longer required, so there shall be no need for me to join you on the return journey,” Laurence announced.

“Oh no, Laurence, please. You are always welcome to join us. We love having you at Winworth.” Eliza rushed to reassure him, reaching across the table for his hand.

“If last night was any indication, I fear none of us may wish to return to a house occupied by newlyweds,” Radnor muttered from behind his coffee.

“At least you have the privilege to decline, I shall have to endure them for another five long weeks.” Cecily said.

Arthur's jaw tightened.