Page 103 of Judging Duke

“I think we have enough on our plate right now. Maybe in time? For now, I’m happy to be here with you.” He moved closer.

“We never did check out that secluded beach either.” He nuzzled into my neck, making me squirm. “Tonight, maybe?”

“Sounds good, but first, we need to get all our stuff in the house.”

Despite the villa being fully furnished, we had some personal items we couldn’t leave behind, and of course, there was all our clothes. Everything that had been at the villa when we visited twelve months ago was still here, covered in dust sheets.

I walked into the hallway and gazed around, admiring the beauty. I still couldn’t believe how lucky we were. I started pulling off the sheets, revealing the tables and chairs I remembered. The vases were now empty of flowers. I’d have to put that right.

A clatter to the right, and an elderly lady stepped into view.

“Erm, hello? Bonjour?” Who the hell was she and what was she doing in our house?

“You must be Duke,” she said in perfect accented English. “I’m Camille, the housekeeper.”

“We have a housekeeper? Simon!” I shouted, wondering if this had something to do with him.

“Yep? What’s up?” He appeared from outside, carrying several holdalls.

“This is Camille, the housekeeper.” I stood with my hands on my hips, expecting him to say he knew who she was.

“Oh, hi, I mean bonjour.” He stuck out his hand for her to shake, looking as bemused as I felt.

“Did you know anything about this?” I whispered.

“Can’t say I did,” he said quietly. “Nothing to do with you then, I’m guessing.”

“I’ve always been the housekeeper. I come with the house.” Camille smiled, as if it were most commonplace.

“Oh,” I said, not understanding at all. Why didn’t we know anything about this?

“I’m paid by the estate to work here. I come in Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The rest of the time? Well, that’s up to you.” I would definitely be keeping it tidy. Camille didn’t appear to be a lady to be messed with.

“But it’s Tuesday.” Again, not understanding. Was I being especially dumb today?

“I’m here to help you get settled. Now, where shall we start?”

Where indeed, but we were more than grateful for the help.

The next few hours were spent unpacking our bags, tidying and airing out the rest of the rooms. We had a few pieces of furniture arriving from England, but not for a few days.

By the time we were done, exhaustion had set in. I was also starving, my stomach growling loudly. We’d barely eaten anything before our early flight, both excited to get here.

“I have food in the kitchen. Come,” Camille walked briskly towards the kitchen. We followed, the smell of something delicious hitting out noses.

We weren’t disappointed, treated to a table full of warm, fresh bread, cheeses, deli meats, olives. You name it, it was on the table.

An open bottle of red wine sat breathing. I guess we really were in France.

“I’ll leave you now, but I’ll be back tomorrow.” She picked up her bag. “Enjoy your dinner and there’s dessert in the fridge.”

With that, she was gone.

Simon looked at the food, his eyes wide. “I could get used to this every day.”

“You heard the lady. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The rest of the time, we’re on our own.”

He cut a hunk of bread and slathered it with butter, groaning as he ate, his noises reminding me of other things that would make him moan.

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