Page 40 of A Duchess to Unravel
Mrs. Mackenzie had led Theo to her quarters, which to her surprise were by far the cleanest and most updated parts of the castle. The duchess quarters consisted of five rooms. A sitting room, a changing room and clothing closet, a writing room, a bathing room, and a bedroom. The decor was sparse, but the fireplace and walls were clean, fresh candles placed in her chandeliers, and new furniture and linens had been brought in.
“His Grace sent my husband and me here just four days ago, my lady,” Mrs. Mackenzie replied, pouring their tea. “Though the rest of the staff was sent on a week earlier, save for the cook. We were told to ensure your rooms were ready first and foremost, which is why we have not been able to attend to the rest of the castle yet.”
Theo’s brows drew up in surprise as she accepted the cup of tea, surprised that Alistair would take such care in regard to her. Not sure what to say about it, she pressed her palms into it for warmth and thought of her next question. Though it was summer, the stone walls kept the castle cooler than she normally liked.
“When did he choose to take up residence in this place?” She asked next.
“Och, not long ago at all,” Mrs. Mackenzie replied, “We’ve all only been in England less than a month.”
“Yes,” Theo mused, then sipped at her tea. “I did notice you all spoke with a similar brogue. Did you all come from Scotland with His Grace?”
“We did,” Mrs. Mackenzie agreed, a note of pride in her voice. “Mr. Mackenzie and I have been with his family for nearly twenty years now.”
“And his family,” Theo gently urged, “They were prominent there?”
“Prominentandwealthy,” Mrs. Mackenzie agreed. “The late Lord was a master of the coin. Could turn a penny into a brick of gold, he could. His Grace inherited the trait and their family became the envy of every Laird in Scotland.”
Theo rose a brow in intrigue.
“How so?” She asked.
“The Lairds and Ladies in Glasgow made their wealth within the city,” Mrs. Mackenzie explained, “But His Lordship expanded beyond that. Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling.”
Theo was silent a moment, mulling over all of the new information. Alistair was arrogant and had an annoying sense of superiority, but now she was starting to understand why. Hehadn’t just built businesses. He’d built an empire. And he and his father had done so without any help from their family in London. Theo had to admit she was impressed.
“Thank you for the conversation, Mrs. Mackenzie,” Theo said, putting down her tea. “And for your assistance earlier. I believe we should both retire now. We are going to be very busy these upcoming days.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Mrs. Mackenzie replied politely. She picked up the tray and curtseyed.
“And thank you for inviting me to a cup of tea. That was most gracious of you. Shall I send Anne up to help you ready for bed?”
Theo smiled at the housekeeper, deciding already that she liked her.
“We will do so again. And no, thank you. I shall handle it myself this evening.”
“As you wish, Your Grace,” Mrs. Mackenzie replied. “Rest well. And welcome home.”
Theo’s smile dipped a little as she was left alone, and she looked around.Home.This monstrous, cold place was to be her home now. With a sigh, she stood from the table and left the sitting room to go into her bedroom. She was grateful that Mrs. Mackenzie had already lit the fire in the hearth there. Not justfor the warmth, but for the light. Like the rest of the place, the room felt big and empty.
As she pulled her nightgown from the single chest that she’d brought along with her and readied herself for bed, Theo’s thoughts turned to Alistair yet again. Not to his apparent wealth or arrogant nature, however, but to what had happened between them in the carriage.
Her skin warmed and hummed as she thought of how delicious his lips and hands had felt. How with just a simple touch of his thumb he’d made every anxiety slip away under a murky surface of desire and had her melting into his arms. Sliding between the clean sheets of her new bed, she closed her eyes and hung on to that feeling until she fell asleep.
CHAPTER TEN
“Norma!” Theo exclaimed happily.
She dropped her new list into Mrs. Mackenzie’s hands and hurried toward her maid. It had only been two days since Theo had arrived at the castle, but her heart swelled with happiness when she saw the familiar face.
“My lady!” Norma said excitedly back, curtseying deeply. “My goodness, what a vast place! And so far away from London!”
“Oh, I know,” Theo sighed, gesturing for Norma to come along with her. “It is vast indeed. And decrepit. It will need so much work. However, I am actually quite pleased with the distance from London. Despite all this massive stone, it truly is quite beautiful out here.”
“Oh, I am sure that it is, my lady,” Norma replied.
From behind them, Theo heard the large doors open again, and she turned to see Jonas, Ailean, Callum, and Gavin carrying the rest of her belongings into the house.
“They will need more help,” Norma mentioned. “Lord Briarwood not only sent along your things but an entire wagon of gifts well.”
