Page 38 of The Duke's Return
“You would be surprised.”
Leaning forward, Genevieve studied him for a moment. “There are so many places in the world containing heavy memories. I think even the most beautiful places have seen some sorrow. Lifeis unfortunate that way. But tell me, are there good memories of your childhood in Southwick?”
Such a swift transition to a happier topic. To his surprise, Julian was able to bring about several moments in the past he considered with fondness. The ghosts faded back into the shadows as he nodded.
“I suppose I do.”
“Tell me one of them,” Genevieve prompted and then took another satisfying bite of her apple.
Julian found himself talking of his boyhood then, of his first hunt and a few moments where his father had still been gentle with him. Holidays with his extended family. Adventures about the grounds with his friends. There was still plenty of goodness, he found, as he finished his apple.
Three cores were left behind as Genevieve had eaten two, clearly famished but declining more lest she ruin her appetite come morning.
“At such a mention, I’m afraid we should retire to our chambers,” he said with true regret. “Shall I escort you?”
“Only if you’re off to your own rooms now. Have I exhausted you enough?” she teased him with an innocent smile.
He welcomed the gesture, smiling in return. They’d managed a fair conversation together without jests or teasing. It was as though the darkness made it easier for him to talk honestly with his wife. Surely a trick made of women, he supposed, but couldn’t fault her for it. He’d given away nothing, he thought. And still he had enjoyed their time.
It is almost as though we could be friends.
Walking back toward their chambers, Julian couldn’t bring himself to say anything more. Genevieve was quiet as well. They murmured farewells before parting, slipping behind their doors.
He stopped within his chamber to hear the house breathing. He waited, listening intently for the footfall of his wife moving around in the chamber beside him. The steps were muffled, but he was confident he could hear them. It brought him some calm as he undressed and slid into bed.
Something told him he would rest well through the night. Sleep tempted him too greatly to think on much else.
There was only one thought on his mind. Closing his eyes, he nearly smiled at the notion that perhaps being married was more fortunate than he could have ever expected.
CHAPTER 15
Genevieve climbed out of bed the morning after the laborious garden party, her feet and shoulders tired from all the effort being social required of her physically.
It was beautiful in the beginning. But why someone would wish for a party to last all day long, I can hardly imagine. Next time, we will have to leave sooner or accept the offer to stay the night.
She stepped free of her bed and looked down, wiggling her toes before stretching her arms. It was a surprise that she had slept so well. Especially after staying up late to steal to the kitchens for a snack––if only she had accepted Elodie’s first offer to fetch her something before retiring.
“Little fool,” Genevieve muttered under her breath.
In walked her maid. “Did you say something, Your Grace?”
“No. Well, yes, but I’m only talking to myself.”
Nodding with a sober expression, Elodie said, “Living out here in the countryside can do that to a soul. This emptiness leaves us in want of conversation.”
Amusement made Genevieve smile. “And it seems it is making you wise. Or are you trying to tell me you’re not enjoying yourself here?”
“I wouldn’t dream of having such opinions.” The maid gave her a cheerful grin before setting down a tray. “I’ve brought you a small feast to make up for yesterday. Could have sworn I heard your stomach grumbling when I left.”
Waving a hand away, Genevieve shook her head. “You are much too bold at times. And this is certainly a large feast, not small. I cannot be expected to eat all of this. Come and take something off the plate for me.”
Of course she wasn’t going to tell Elodie about her midnight excursion. She didn’t want anyone to know about it. Not even Julian, but of course the man had discovered her.
Just the memory made her cheeks flush. She’d been so shocked she could have toppled over. It was only in the man’s evasive expression that it was possible for her to pull herself together, wondering what he was up to. Something bothered him. Except he wouldn’t say a word of the matter, so she’d done her best to try and pretend nothing was out of the ordinary.
As though a man and his wife, strangers as they were, could very well steal into the kitchens at night for a midnight snack.
I’ll have to be careful to not do that again.
