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"So I was not expecting to find sleep so easily, but it was an incredibly long day.”

"I must say, it is awfully dark on this side of the room. Shall I open the curtains?" Eliza asked.

The gentleman to Arthur's right froze mid-sip, his teacup halfway to his lips and a bite of toast forgotten. At the opposite end of the table, the Dowager gave a small cough as she hurriedly covered her mouth, narrowly concealing her shock.

"Your Grace, His Grace has a standing order to ensure there is partial shade in every room," an attendant said as he appeared beside her, poured her tea, and began serving her breakfast.

Shade in every room? What an odd request. It was a beautiful morning. From what she could see, there was not a cloud in the sky. Why would anyone seek darkness?

She looked towards Arthur but could not meet his gaze behind the newspaper. She resigned herself. That was certainly a question worthy of asking, but today she would pick her battles wisely, and she needed to regain her strength first.

"Well then, if that's the arrangement..." she clasped her hands together and turned towards the gentleman seated beside Lord Benedict.

"I do not believe we have formally been introduced yet." Eliza continued.

"Your Grace, forgive me. I am Lieutenant Colonel Giles Radnor."

Anticipating her next question, he continued. "I served alongside Buck, some eleven years ago in the war. In fact, much to his regret, I'm sure, he saved my life, pulling me from beneath a horse before I was trampled."

She gasped. She knew war was dangerous; she was not that naïve. But the realities of war never failed to shock her. In fact, she had never known anyone close to constant danger until Richard had joined the Navy; the information that Arthur had served in wars was a surprise. She immediately found herself concerned that he could return to a battlefield.

The thought made her uneasy. Then she was plagued by thoughts of her brother and prayed that Richard was safe at sea. She had not heard from him in several months, and she felt the uneasiness begin to take root in her throat.

Doing her best to muster a smile, she looked into the Colonel's eyes.

"I am so glad all is well with you now. How long will you be staying at Winworth?"

"Unlike some people," he jested, nudging Laurence's elbow, "some of us have real responsibilities. So I must depart this afternoon, but I am sure we shall meet again."

Eliza nodded distractedly, tucking into her breakfast and helping herself to another piece of bread. The Dowager chimed in from the end of the table.

"So, Your Grace, the Duke has asked me to help you settle into your new role."

He had? What a thoughtful gesture. He probably sensed just how out of her depth she felt, and though most would find that detection embarrassing, she was grateful.

"That would be wonderful. Any help would be most welcome. And, when we are done, you can regale me with tales of my husband's youth."

At her latest request, she heard the newspaper beside her shift ever so slightly.

"Well," the Dowager smiled, "the Duke had always been a rather menacing boy. Since inheriting his dukedom at seven years old, he has rarely changed beyond his stature."

Visions of a dark-haired boy, scowling in a morning suit flooded her mind.

"As for some counsel, if I may begin now, Your Grace?"

Eliza nodded, continuing to eat as her mother-in-law spoke.

"Well, first of all, a Duchess does not move furniture. It's... not fashionable."

Earlier embarrassment returned. Still, it was only her first full day as a duchess. She was bound to have a few mishaps.

"Oh dear, you must forgive me if I have caused offence," Eliza said. She looked around to see if she had caused offence. Instead, Laurence gave her an encouraging smile and Colonel Radnor's eyes warmed. The coast seemed to be clear on that front.

Arthur remained hidden behind his newspaper, so she had no idea whether he was exasperated by her seating arrangements. As she spread marmalade onto her second piece of bread, the Dowager spoke again.

"Furthermore, Your Grace. A Duchess, and well, ladies in general, do not take more than one plate at the dining table."

She paused.