Page 58 of His Forbidden Duchess
Their resistance was subtle, but there was most definitely a barrier, and they were unwilling to relinquish control. She would not let them arrive at the conclusion that she was dim-witted, weak, or incapable. Perhaps, in this way, she would be able to repay Felix in some small measure for what he had done for her family.
“Excellent,” she said. “And while we are discussing household matters, I have already observed a few things that could be organized more efficiently. For instance, the gardens would benefit from rotating the flower beds according to the sunlight. And I am certain I saw a number of staff taking a break at the same time. Perhaps a re-evaluation of their schedule is in order.”
Mrs. Thorpe’s face betrayed a flash of surprise, and Eloise continued, her confidence growing as she perceived the housekeeper’s reaction.
“Mrs. Thorpe, I shall draft a proposal for any suggested changes. Naturally, I respect your longstanding work at Kingswell and welcome your guidance as I familiarize myself with the manor’s routines. However, as duchess, I am eager to make sure everything runs at its best.”
The butler’s posture stiffened, but Mrs. Thorpe finally softened, giving a reluctant nod. “Very well, Your Grace. I… had not expected you to take such an interest.”
“Then I suppose we will all be adjusting to new expectations,” Eloise replied.
Mrs. Thorpe’s expression shifted, a faint respect surfacing in her eyes. “Indeed, Your Grace. I will see to it that the accounts and schedules are made available for your review.”
“Thank you.” Eloise inclined her head, hiding her relief behind a composed smile.
She still had to win over the butler and no doubt several of the lower staff, but for now, she was content. It was a small victory, but it felt significant.
“Perhaps now might be a good time to show memyroom,” she said.
Eloise settled into her role as duchess relatively quickly, and within the first few weeks of being at Kingswell Hall, she had garnered the respect of the staff.
Her practical nature, combined with her willingness to listen and take action, made her more than just a figurehead, and she and the housekeeper had become tentative friends.
The staff no longer whispered behind her back aboutthe new duchessand her somewhat rapid arrival. Instead, they soughther out for advice, guidance, and decisions during Felix’s frequent absences.
“Good afternoon,” she said as she walked down the stairs one day to find Felix in the hall standing over the small table upon which the butler often left the mail.
Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. Their once flirtatious relationship had become stifled and formal, but even now, the sight of him set her heart to beating and her mind racing.
She was still attracted to him. No, she had become moreattracted to him now than ever. Though he had distanced himself, her body had not abandoned its longing, and seeing him standing there set a flame alight within her. His breeches were taut against his thighs, and his eyes held that glint of mischief she had come to crave.
“Afternoon,” Felix replied, rifling through the envelopes and not looking up at her.
Eloise had learned to hide her twinge of pain whenever he responded with blatant indifference. She looked him up and down, biting her lip as she reached the bottom stair. She may have hidden her desires for him, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
She sauntered over to him, unable to resist, and stood so close behind him that she knew he would be able to feel her breath on the back of his neck. She felt his body tense at her closeness.
“You know, Your Grace,” she said in a teasing whisper, “I cannot help but wonder what it would take to distract you from your mail. Surely there are more interesting things you could think to do with your time… and with your wife?”
“Pardon me?” he asked in a bewildered tone.
Felix hesitated, his body still, and just for a moment, Eloise thought she had finally succeeded, that he was going to give in to his cravings as he had before they were married.
“Why, what I mean to say is that I hear there are all sorts of wifely duties I could be… performing for you, Your Grace. If only someone could teach me how.”
She remained still, inhaling his scent, flashes of their times together running through her mind.
But Felix huffed and moved away, shoving the letters into the inside pocket of his tailcoat.
“I do not know what you are talking about,” he said, moving away from her toward the door. “I am going to meet Percy at the club.”
“Again?” Eloise asked, her hand hovering by her throat.
She wouldn’t admit it to him, but it infuriated her that he always seemed to be out. Perhaps, deep down, some part of her hadhoped this would turn into a romantic dream after all, rather than the cold and barren desert of a marriage it currently was.
Felix spun around and looked at her sharply. “I do not question how you spend your days, Eloise, so you should not question how I spend mine. I may see who I wish, when I wish, just as you may. Do not forget our agreement.”
“Of course,” she murmured in feigned understanding. Then she gritted her teeth, remembering what fun they used to have. “I was merely concerned that you were going to pickle yourself in brandy. It is no wonder you have never been able to improve your reputation; you are always too drunk.”
