Page 6 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
“Your Grace?” Timothy called.
Magnus turned to look at him.
The man seemed uneasy, like he was about to say something he should not.
“What is it?”
“Begging your pardon, but… I believe you could rid yourself of some… burdens if you were to take a wife very soon.”
Magnus stared him down, summoning all the condescension he could so that the man had to avert his gaze.
“I do not have the time to take a wife, Timothy,” he grunted.
He thought that would be enough to dissuade the man from pressing the issue, but Timothy seemed determined to either be heard or killed trying.
“Oh, but everybody has the time to?—”
Magnus shot him a look that froze the words in his mouth.
Timothy immediately looked away. “Forgive me.”
Good.
That should teach him to speak on matters that didn’t concern him.
“I believe I mentioned planting more trees in the estate the last time we spoke,” Magnus said, in a bid to change the subject. “What have you done about that?”
“I have acquired some seeds to plant, Your Grace,” Timothy replied. “You only need to choose the best spots for them. I have fruit trees and shade trees that could live for two centuries and still remain standing. As for the pavilion, Your Grace, we can place that right by the oak tree where…”
But Magnus had stopped listening, and was now trying to discern who was speaking with Hastings.
As they neared the doors, it became clear that the butler wasarguingwith the stranger. Magnus squinted his eyes and saw that it was a woman. Judging from her clothes, she didn’t look like a peasant.
“Leave,” he ordered, cutting Timothy off. “We shall discuss this another time.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Timothy said, nodding once.
“I will send for you when I need you,” Magnus added.
“Very well, Your Grace.” Timothy sketched an exaggerated bow and turned to walk away.
Magnus shook his head at the man’s antics and quickened his steps, wanting to find out what was happening at his door. Thetwo didn’t seem to notice his presence, as they were arguing quite loudly.
He strained his ears, trying to listen in on their argument.
“… need to see the Duke.”
“Sorry, My Lady, but His Grace isn’t receiving visitors at the moment.”
Magnus felt a stab of satisfaction, for he had instructed his butler not to let anyone in without an appointment.
The lady looked demanding, and she sounded it. From where he was standing, he couldn’t see her clearly enough to identify her.
It didn’t seem like she would give up anytime soon, and Hastings didn’t look like he would back down either.
I had better step in.
Magnus closed the gap between them and cleared his throat as loudly as he could. They both stopped talking and whirled around, as though stunned.
