Page 29 of The Duke's Return
Clenching her hands at her side, she said, “I’m sorry to hear that. Can I be of any assistance? I can keep a clean study.”
“No, there’s no need.”
“Very well. I’m here should you need the assistance. And I would highly recommend you read those letters before the day is out,Julian, because their contents could prove fruitful with whatever you do next."
He paused from skimming a look at another page. “Fruitful? Genevieve, really, this doesn’t concern you.”
Hearing such an offhand dismissal left Genevieve rather affronted. Already she was here to help him. There was no reason for the duke to limit her areas of support, especially when she knew about managing business and people. Even if she wasn’t a duchess who attended many social functions, she was still a duchess who helped manage a household in London.
“I’m only trying to help you,” she started.
But he shook his head. Exhaustion seemed to drip through him with a clearly sour mood. “I don’t need you sorting through my mail or telling me what to read. This is my responsibility, my obligation. It’s not your affair. All you have to do is ensure we are––” he lowered his voice as the doors were open “––as presentable as possible to prove we are capable and committed to each other and Southwick.”
So Julian was telling her that she was only there as an ornament on his arm to prove he was capable. The words were clear even if he didn’t say them all out loud.
Hands balled into fists as she stared him down. “I am doing everything I can. But I cannot carry you where you fail. You have a part to do as well.”
Like taking care of your tenants.
“Very well.” Julian looked like he bit into something acidic. “I didn’t mean to insinuate… There is only so much I am asking ofyou, Genevieve. To play the part of my duchess. Can you please do that?”
She supposed that might be the best apology she was going to get from the man in power. Listening to the thrumming of her heart, she stared at Julian to contemplate her options for a while. She must have waited long enough because he finally set the papers down to stare up at her.
“Fine.” Genevieve managed a smile. She had been trained early in wearing fake smiles, though it seemed to get harder these days. “Tomorrow night, we have a ball to attend.”
The grim expression on Julian’s face shifted with surprise. “Tomorrow? That’s too soon. We couldn’t be expected to…”
He trailed off when she gave a shake of her head and carried on saying, “It is soon but not too soon. Not when we have a short timetable for enjoying Southwick,” she added meaningfully.
This garnered another short stare down until Julian nodded. “Very well. I’ll tell my valet.”
“And I’ll talk to the rest of the staff,” she said before he could take over the conversation any longer. Growing antsy with the man who was clearly out of sorts, Genevieve decided to wrap it up. She also decided she was going to take supper in her room so Julian couldn’t trick her into laughter or smiles this time. “Before the ball tomorrow night, make sure you read these letters. I’ve made some notes on them for you to rely on as well to aid you. Good evening, Your Grace.”
Not letting him get in another word felt enormously freeing as Genevieve hastily took her leave.
The hall had much more air. She inhaled deeply, moving down the hall to go find the servants. One of her dresses would need to be aired out and the stables would need to be made aware. Additionally, she wished to write a response to their host on the morrow and have someone deliver it before nightfall.
I do so love having something to do. A life of leisure is pleasant enough, but it is the small tasks that help me feel satisfied in this life.
Off Genevieve went, feeling much more organized about her life as well as herself. She considered her conversation with her husband while she walked, considering how she had taken her leave. Hopefully, he would read her notes before long.
I know what I am doing. After all, I am still a duchess.
CHAPTER 12
Julian had never had trouble before entering the doors to a social event hosted in the countryside. Not until now.
Grumbling under his breath, he glanced out the window of their carriage to see what the fuss was about. On a matter of principle, he didn’t believe in waiting more than five minutes from stepping out of his carriage to entering the doors for a ball.
“There is quite a crush here.” Genevieve’s mild comment was tinged with amusement. She looked out the window as well before they turned to one another.
“You’re the one who read the invitation. Is the Prince Regent here or some blasted guest?” Julian asked and then caught his sour mood. It had been a quiet and calm ride until they came to a halt nearly ten minutes ago. He smoothed a hand through his hair. “And here I thought we would be the talk of the town.”
“Oh, we are,” she reassured him, unfazed by his quick mood shift. “I do believe everyone south of London may have come to attend this garden fete.”
He gave a short nod. “Ah. Very good, then.”
“It offers a very promising opportunity for us,” Genevieve said the truth of the matter out loud. He didn’t think he should be so surprised she was taking the lead. Every day, he was learning his wife was more experienced and equipped for any given challenge. She clasped her hands neatly in her lap as she said, “Lord and Lady Kettering were gracious in sending us a last-minute invitation upon our arrival to the countryside.”
