Page 14 of My Beastly Duke

“I did, thank you, Isolde, what time will breakfast be served? Is His Grace already in the breakfast room?” She made up her mind not to avoid her husband. If she was to get to the bottom of what happened, then she needed to spend more time in his presence. Broaching the subject was no easy matter, yet a small spark of hope ignited in her chest.

“Oh, uhm, well, we assumed that your breakfast would be brought up to your chambers this morning, Your Grace. His Grace has already had breakfast and left.” Isolde seemed uncertain of how to act when Marina’s brow knitted into a frown.

“Did he mention when he would return?”

Isolde’s tongue flicked over her lips as she shifted from foot to foot. “He did not, Your Grace. He only said that he would not be returning for a few days and that we were to make sure that your every need was seen to.”

Every need besides being bed by my husband.

She felt even more conflicted at his sudden departure. Had he been so repulsed by her, that he could not bear to even be in the same house?

“Would you like me to have your breakfast sent up now, Your Grace?” Isolde seemed uncertain as her eyes drifted to the open door.

“No.” Marina flung the sheets from her legs and came up straight. There were many things that she was willing to put up with, but she would not lie in bed sulking.

“When would you like it to be sent up, Your Grace?” Isolde became increasingly uncertain as she fidgeted with the frilled edges of her apron.

Marina flung her gown around her shoulders, fastening the satin sash at her waist before making her way to the dressing table. “I will not be having my breakfast in bed, nor will I in the future. You may help me get dressed before instructing the housekeeper that I will break my fast at seven sharp every morning in the breakfast room.”

Isolde’s eyes widened again in a trait that Marina was quickly beginning to recognize as part of her character. “Certainly, Your Grace.” She hurried forward and began to straighten Marina’s hair.

“Did His Grace happen to say where he was headed for the next few days?” Marina lifted her gaze in the mirror as Isolde pinned her hair in place.

“He did not, Your Grace. His Grace often goes away on business, one can only assume that that is the case this morning. If it is not too impertinent of me to presume, Your Grace.” She quickly corrected herself before placing a few pins between her lips.

Marina took a deep breath and waited patiently for Isolde to finish as she mulled over the situation at the back of her mind.

Business.

What business could a newly married duke possibly have that could not even wait a few days? He could have been more considerate and left a note, at least then she would know that she had not made a terrible mistake by marrying him.

I still would not have had a choice.

She reminded herself of the infuriating fact that his brother had jilted her at the altar and her uncle tossed her out of her house.

“What activities can I set up for the rest of the day, Your Grace? Will you be requiring the use of the pianoforte, or perhaps getting to know the house a little better? The gardens are lovely this time of year for tea.” Isolde offered with a helpful smile.

The thought of having to spend her days in simple frivolity until her husband returned set her on edge. She would not mope around the house like an expectant waif. “I think I will invite some of my friends over for tea this afternoon. I know it is very short notice, but I am sure they would be thrilled.”

“So soon, Your Grace? Is it not proper to wait a few weeks before welcoming any guests?” Isolde inquired innocently.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that her maid was not at fault for speaking her mind. “It is proper to wait at least two weeks. Considering the fact that His Grace has already gone away on business though, I think my actions can be excused.”

“Very well, Your Grace, I did not mean to be presumptuous. Shall I have the tea prepared in the rose garden? The scent is heavenly this time of year.”

“Yes, thank you. Have tea prepared for the four of us. It will be nice to have some semblance of my old life amidst all of the chaos.” She held her head eye and examined her reflection in the mirror.

“Chaos, Your Grace?” Isolde tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“Never mind, just a turn of phrase. I did not mean anything by it.” Marina offered the girl a warm smile in the mirror. In many ways, Isolde reminded her of her sister, both naïve and innocent, yet Prudence was far feistier.

Isolde’s reflection seemed to relax. “Very well, Your Grace. I shall have the footmen send the invitations as soon as they are written. The tea shall be ready and waiting as soon as the ladies have arrived.”

“Thank you,” Marina noted how efficient Isolde was despite her penitent for chatter and impropriety. At least that was something that set her mind at ease, even if her husband had left her with a heart full of questions.

“It can’t be all that bad.” Penelope Huxton sat up straight in her seat, looking at the others over the rim of her cup as she sipped her tea.

Marina licked her lips before sipping from her own cup and looking around the garden.

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