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“How so?” Isabel moved closer to the edge of her seat.

Lilian just waved a hand. “The master was young when he inherited the marquessate, inexperienced. Made a few mistakes. It took him a long time to earn back their trust. But now he spends a lot of time with the farmers and comes to visit the tenants quite often.”

“He visits the tenants himself?”

Lilian gave Isabel an odd look, and Isabel realized she gave away too much with her questioning. It was evident that she and the marquess were not conversing much.

“Yes. He cares for the villagers. He brings us all the necessary supplies. He even reads to the children every other week at the book shop. The village children don’t get much education, so they all treasure it.”

Lilian looked at Isabel bright-eyed, but something sank inside Isabel’s chest.

She did not know her husband at all. And as much as she was angry at him for judging her prematurely without knowing anything about her, she realized she was doing the same thing. She needed to change that, she decided. But, in the meantime, an idea came to her that would help her with the tenants.

Isabel stood. “Thank you, Lilian, for tea and conversation. I am beyond grateful to you. But the sun is going down already. I need to return home.”

“Of course.” Lilian tipped her head. “You are welcome at my home anytime!”

Chapter 13

Dear Isabel,

I am glad to hear that you decided to make your chamber on that estate your own. Incidentally, my cousin, Julie, knows a perfect artist who decorated her houses a few years ago, painting the entire walls and ceilings. I have just spoken to Julie, and the artist lives not far from your residence. So, if you wish, I can send her a note, and she will come to help you decorate the place to your liking.

Evie

Isabel penned a quick reply to Evie and put it with the rest of her correspondence to be sent out. She needed all the help she could get to make the estate ready for the house party. She had written to Sam and her brothers, and all of them were excited to visit her and witness her first event as the Marchioness of Vane.

The last few days had been incredibly busy but also rewarding.

The household was bustling with work, and the change was obvious. The house had already shed its gloomy look as it filled with flowers and new paintings Isabel had acquired during fairs.

The gardens were taking on a heavenly look, and the only thing that needed some polish was the walls. But if Evie’s recommended artist started her work soon, then everything would be ready ahead of time.

The servants did not look at her with contempt anymore. Both James and Anthea, the servants Isabel had brought from her household, seemed happier, too. They both had made friends and went about their duty looking content.

Isabel visited the village daily. She loved checking up on her new friend Lilian and interacting with the children. People had stopped being distrustful and happily shared their woes and joys with her.

Everything seemed to be working out nicely except for her personal life. Her husband barely spoke to her during meals, and Millie continued pointedly ignoring her. And now that things were going well in the other parts of her life, she decided to pay special attention to mending the relationship with her husband and his daughter.

For one thing, her courses had come and gone, but her husband still hadn’t graced her bed with his presence.

Not that he knew about her courses. She hadn’t provided him the evidence he desired, which was a ridiculous demand.

And not that Isabel desired his presence in her bed. But she did want children, and if so, she’d have to seduce her husband somehow.

Not yet. She wasn’t prepared to deal with it yet. One step at a time. Millie first, Vane second.

With that resolution in mind, Isabel headed to find her husband.

Vane wasn’t in his study. He wasn’t in his chamber either.

After asking Mr. Monroe, Isabel ascended the steps toward Millie’s nursery.

She walked slowly, the thick carpet in the corridor swallowing her steps. The door to Millie’s room was half-open, and Isabel heard the murmurs coming from within.

As she came closer, to her immense surprise, she realized that the voice she heard was not Vane speaking to his daughter. He was singing.

Isabel stalked closer to the door and stopped at the threshold, not daring to interrupt her husband’s song. She leaned her shoulder and head against the doorjamb, silently absorbing the picture before her.