Page 42 of Her Duke By Accident
“What do you mean by that?” Alicia quickly asked before the housekeeper could change the subject.
“Every home has its own life,” she said. “You do not know it, and you need to respect that. Despite the… quick nature of your marriage, no one from Garvey has pried into your previous life.”
Alicia sat back down at the table. “I’m doing something that would benefit Lucy,” she told her. “Maybe it could benefit us all.”
“Without the duke’s involvement?”
“If he wishes to build this divide between us, then so be it. There is no need for any of this animosity, buthewishes it so. He wanted a tolerant marriage but leaves at every chance he can get. How am I to blame when he is the one who backs me into this corner?” Alicia gathered blank paper and a quill, not meeting the disapproving gaze of the housekeeper. “I will write to Lady Tollock for advice that I’m sure she will be more than willing to provide.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
Alicia wrote in silence as she felt the housekeeper’s eyes glued on her. The disapproval was apparent, but she refused to let it bring her down. “Talk with Mr. Livingston about arrangements for the ball,” she demanded. “I will instruct Miss Ayles to have new dresses tailored, and hopefully, I can visit my family beforehand to gather advice as well.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And if the duke asks,” Alicia began, finally meeting Ms. Crawford’s steady gaze, “send him to me.”
Ms. Crawford let a smirk pull up the corner of her lips. “Of course, Your Grace.”
As Alicia finished writing her letter, she had a tug of hope burrowing itself within her chest. Despite directly disobeying her husband’s wishes, something told her that this was the right way to go.
When afternoon came along, and Miss Ayles brought Lucy inside for a break from her studies, Alicia quickly followed. Ms. Crawford quickly turned sour after their talk, not offering much help at all toward planning a ball, insisting that the meal list be delivered before anything else.
In one of the larger drawing rooms, with a large pianoforte in a far back corner, surrounded by shelves and sculptures, a small round table was decorated with teas and cakes. Alicia sat beside the table, sipping from a cup while Lucy spun around the room.
“Lady Lucy,” the governess called out in a stern voice from her spot across Alicia. She rested a slender hand against her forehead, rubbing her temples. “Your spinning is making my head rock. Drink your tea.”
Alicia lowered her cup. “How long have you been a governess, Miss Ayles?”
“Well,” she looked up with a look of surprise, “since I could.”
“And why is that?”
Miss Ayles met the duchess’s gaze, and something unspoken took over her. She pressed her lips together, and her eyes narrowed. “My family wished it so,” she said, speaking as though she were forced.
“Responsibility,” Alicia muttered.
The governess scowled and looked away.
Lucy spun till she wobbled, falling into the sofa beside Alicia. “Have you ever danced, Alicia?”
“Of course,” she replied with a light laugh. “I was taught right around your age.”
“Did your father teach you?”
Alicia smiled sadly, holding back the pit that formed in her stomach. “Yes,” she whispered. “He let me stand on his feet as he spun me around. Even when I was old enough to know the steps myself, heinsistedon it.”
Lucy pouted as she rested her chin against her palm. “I fear I’m too old now to even learn before my debut.”
“Goodness, no,” Alicia said. “You’re only fourteen!”
“In three years I’ll be expected to be polished and perfect,” Lucy whined. “And all I do is learn Latin and talk about books. What good will that be?”
Miss Ayles huffed from her seat.
Suddenly, alit with excitement, Alicia stood from her seat. “Miss Ayles,” she called out, “am I correct in assuming you are well-versed in the pianoforte?”
“Don’t insult me,” she said with a scoff. “I amhighlyproficient.”
