Page 30 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“That is quite understandable, and it’s certainly a very small request,” Frances agreed. Anthony smiled at that, and once again she felt that unexpected fluttering in her chest.

His countenance quickly darkened, though.

“The other rule is only that you remember this—there is part of the house that is very special to me. It is my private domain and I do not permit anyone to enter it, not even Mrs. Barrett or the ones who are hired on to clean thoroughly each spring. The rest of the house and the grounds are yours to enjoy, and I hope youfeel like this is truly your home. But I do expect you to respect my wishes and permit me to keep this one portion of the house private.”

“I see,” Frances said with uncertainty. “That is uncommon, to be sure, but I am happy to respect your privacy. How will I know where to avoid?”

“Mrs. Barrett will take you around shortly and show you the house and the gardens. And please remember, Frances, anything you require you need only say the word.”

With that, Anthony smiled and looked like he wished to say something further. Instead, he shuffled his feet awkwardly, then quickly darted closer and kissed her on the forehead. Before Frances knew it, he strode away to somewhere else in the house.

CHAPTER 12

Frances did not see Anthony for the rest of the afternoon. He was not around in the evening either. Just as she wondered whether he’d been serious about dining together, Mrs. Barrett knocked on the door to her chambers.

“Dinner will be ready within the hour if you would like to begin getting dressed, Your Grace.”

“I fear I am dressed, at least until my friend’s trunk arrives.” Frances looked down at the gown she’d worn throughout the day and grimaced, knowing that it wasn’t exactly ideal for her first dinner with Anthony.

“I see. Well, never fear, your gown is lovely and will be perfectly suitable. How are you finding your rooms?”

“They’re very nice,” Frances answered, though she didn’t mention how plain they seemed.

“No one has used these rooms for quite some time, so though I can assure you they have been scrubbed from floor to rafter, I fear they are in need of some livening up. If you would like to do anything to them, I’m happy to take down your instructions and send for the work.”

“Truly?” Frances asked, feeling cheered by the offer. “I was thinking that perhaps some curtains and a new bedcover might be nice. I have no need of expensive wallpaper or other furnishings, though a coat of paint in something other than this mourning dove grey would be much appreciated.”

“Your Grace, you are welcome to make any change you like. There are parts of the house where the duke is more particular, but these are your chambers now.”

“I suppose it’s hard to change one’s viewpoint so quickly,” she said sheepishly. “Going from being someone’s spare relation and something of a burden to overseeing the house will take some time to get used to.”

“I’m sure you’ll do marvelously,” Mrs. Barrett said warmly. “Do remember what the duke has said about mealtimes, though. He is quite adamant about that.”

“Yes, I’ll remember. But tell me, if you’ll pardon my asking, is there some reason he is so intent on me joining him?”

Mrs. Barrett looked down, and for a moment, Frances feared she’d said something wrong. She should have known better than to ask someone to speak about her employer, especially if she’squite loyal to him. Fortunately, the housekeeper didn’t seem to mind.

“Your Grace, you may not have noticed in the short time since you first met the duke, but he has some peculiar ways about him. At times, he seems to find it difficult to speak plainly with people. Forgive me for saying so, but I’ve been with his family since I was just a young thing starting out, and I’ve known this to always be true about him. I’m sorry if this is too bold of me to say, but… is your marriage a love match?”

“What an unexpected question, Mrs. Barrett!” Frances said at once, unsure of how to respond.

“Forgive me, Your Grace, I beg you! But I think my meaning is this—even if you haven’t known His Grace long enough to form any sort of affection for him, I wonder if that isn’t the case for him.”

“What do you mean?”

“I shouldn’t speak ill of him, but—” Mrs. Barrett stopped when someone knocked on the door behind her, causing her to startle. She opened it to find Miss O’Reilly, the nurse, standing there.

“Mrs. Barrett, I need you!” the younger woman said before rushing off.

Without so much as a word of explanation, the housekeeper followed after her, leaving Frances to wonder what that was all about.

And what had she been about to tell me? Something about Anthony and his reasons for marriage?Frances thought, a chill of suspense and concern settling over her.

She peered out through the open door but didn’t see any sign of either of the women. After closing her door behind her, Frances made her way along the hallway and down the grand staircase that led to the main floor. There, she was startled by the butler coming around the corner with a watchful look on his face.

“Oh, Vickers! I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting you there,” she said brightly.

“My apologies, Your Grace,” he said evenly, bowing as he spoke.

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