Page 9 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“We, darling. Areweable to afford it,” he said absently, his eyes on one of the papers at his side.
“Fine, areweable to afford it,husband?”
He glanced briefly at her before returning his attention to the pages. “Yes, now we can, and of course, I intend to make sure we continue to do well. To that end, if you will kindly excuse me, I have work to do. Notley will help you with anything you need, and should he be unable, you may consult my aunt.” He paused on his way to the door and gave her a warning look. “Don’t let her walk all over you, though.” Then he walked out of the room, papers clutched in hand.
Ava stared after him, nonplussed, as Notley placed the tray in front of her. She looked down at it to see a well-laden plate. Scrambled eggs, toast, beans, kippers, and fried tomatoes weretastefully arranged on a plate. She blanched, wondering if she was supposed to finish it all.
Notley poured her a cup of tea and then stepped back smartly and stood to attention. She turned to study him before picking up her cup and taking a sip. “Were you also in the navy with His Grace?” she asked.
“Beg pardon, Your Grace?” He sounded startled.
“I asked if you were in the service with my husband.”
He gaped at her for a moment, “Uh… no. Not with him, Ma’am, but I did serve before retiring—in His Majesty’s army.”
“Mm, I thought you might have with a posture like yours. I do hope you do not mind helping me in getting the castle in better shape. Are there any people you can recommend for employment? We need at least two other footmen and upstairs maids,” she said as she ate. “I imagine Mrs. Sutton could use some help in the kitchen as well.”
Notley cleared his throat. “You would have to ask her, Your Grace.”
“Good. We shall begin after breakfast.”
The butler bowed before retreating into a corner. With an internal sigh, Ava set about finishing her breakfast. She was used to the rough and tumble of having breakfast with Lily and hersister Margaret. All of a sudden, she missed them terribly. There was a loud silence in this castle which she simply did not like. Everything felt gloomy and miserable, especially the Duke.
Will I manage to live here happily?
She looked around the room, noting that the red velvet curtains were drawn and therefore shutting out any sunlight that might brighten the place. She looked up to the butler. “Would you open the curtains if you do not mind, Mr. Notley?”
“Of course, Ma’am.” He moved to the side, pulling the curtains open and allowing the sunlight to burst into the room, lighting it up significantly.
She smiled. “First things first, Mr. Notley. Those curtains need to go. They are way too dark for this room.”
He nodded. “Yes, Ma’am. What would you like to replace them with?”
She floundered for a moment but then rallied, “I have no idea, Mr. Notley. I suppose we shall just have to see what is available.”
“There are several boxes of fabric in the attic. Shall I have the footman bring them down?”
“Splendid idea, Notley. You see. This is what I mean about you and I working together. We can transform this castle into a home.”
She hoped she was not doing too much brown, but getting the butler on her side was important if she wanted to get anything done. The way that the Dowager spoke to her, she knew she would need allies if she was indeed to make this her home. She had not needed Edward to tell her that his aunt would step all over her given the chance. She had learned in her five years of motherhood that it was important to make a stand right away and stick to it, otherwise people would take liberties.
She vividly remembered Lord Stanton, seeking her out during an anniversary celebration at her parents’ home and proposing that they adjourn somewhere private. “You have done it at least once, so I know you would want to do it again. I can offer youcarte blanche.”
She had been so shocked that all she could do was stand stiffly and gawp at him like a fool. Then she turned around and ran as fast and as far as she could. She got to her room, threw herself on the bed, and burst into tears. That had been the beginning of her self-isolation from thetonand all its wickedness.
Suddenly, she was not hungry anymore. She put down her spoon and nodded to the butler, indicating that she was done with her breakfast. He marched forward and took her plate away. She sat in the dining hall for a few more minutes, wondering how to go about her day until Lily came.
She couldn’t really start cleaning before more maids had been hired.
That should be my first order of business.
Stretching out her hand, she took the bell and rang it, summoning the footman. She gave him an embarrassed look, “Forgive me, I have forgotten your name.”
He bowed low. “It is Drake, Your Grace.”
“Indeed. Now, Drake, I need you to take a message to the village for me.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
