Page 34 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Beatrice nodded, her mind already racing with plans for her new space. As she stood there, surrounded by her trunks, she felt a sense of determination settle over her.
Since I am all alone in this new place, I can spend time on my art. My sanctuary, my escape.
Chapter Eleven
“What’s going on here?” Kenneth asked, drawing their attention.
Beatrice turned to face him, her eyes widening momentarily before she composed herself. “Your Grace, I was just instructing the footmen to leave my trunks here. I will unpack them myself.”
Kenneth frowned. “I don’t know what life was like in Wales, but here, I cannot let my Duchess do such tasks. The servants will handle it.”
Beatrice lifted her chin defiantly. “These are my possessions, Your Grace. I will take care of them. However, I would appreciate it if the rest of my things, such as my dresses, could be put in my room. I’ll help the servants unpack upstairs.”
Kenneth stepped closer, his towering presence meant to intimidate her. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low so the servants couldn’t hear.
“Why are you so interested in my movements?” Beatrice shot back, her eyes flashing with irritation.
“You’re living under my roof. I have every right to be interested,” Kenneth replied frustratedly.
Beatrice stood her ground, her posture straight and unyielding. “It’s also my house now,” she retorted, meeting his gaze without flinching.
She was infuriating, yet undeniably beautiful. He stepped even closer, their faces mere inches apart.
“You are a stubborn woman,” he said, something deeper lacing his voice.
“And you are a controlling man,” Beatrice scoffed.
They stood there for a moment, the air between them crackling with tension.
Finally, Beatrice broke the silence. “Please, just let the footmen do as I ask.”
Kenneth’s jaw tightened, but he stepped back, giving a sharp nod. He turned to the footmen, his voice authoritative. “Carry the rest of her things upstairs.”
Beatrice turned to the footmen, her voice softening. “Thank you, gentlemen.”
With that, she walked away, heading towards the staircase.
Kenneth watched her go, his eyes lingering on her retreating form. The remaining footmen stared at him, waiting for instructions. He groaned inwardly, waving a hand in resignation.
“Put her things in the morning room as she asked,” he ordered. “I’ll let you know when you’re needed to unpack.”
As the footmen hurried to comply, Kenneth stood there, a myriad of emotions swirling within him. This woman, his wife, was proving to be more than he had anticipated. He just wasn’t sure yet whether that was a blessing or a curse.
As he contemplated their encounter, the butler approached. “Your Grace, Viscount Ashford has arrived. He’s here to discuss the potential sale of some of his land.”
Kenneth nodded, his mood shifting. “Show him to my study, Jennings. I’ll be there shortly.”
He made his way to his study, his thoughts lingering on Beatrice before he forced himself to focus on the matter at hand. Viscount Ashford was known to have fallen on hard times, much like his own father had. The comparison stirred a mix of empathy and disdain in Kenneth. He was determined not to followin his father’s footsteps, and dealing with someone who had succumbed to similar vices was always a bitter reminder.
When Kenneth entered his study, Lord Ashford was already seated, looking rather uncomfortable. Kenneth took his seat behind the large oak desk, offering a curt nod. “Lord Ashford, thank you for coming.”
The Viscount gave a strained smile. “Your Grace, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
Kenneth gestured for him to continue, and Ashford cleared his throat nervously. “I am in need of funds and have decided to sell a part of my estate. Given our properties’ proximity, I thought you might be interested.”
Kenneth regarded him coolly. “I am aware of your situation. Tell me, what exactly are you offering?”
Ashford hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before settling back on Kenneth. “A substantial part of my land adjacent to Dunford. It’s prime land, Your Grace. Fertile and well-maintained.”
