Page 35 of A Bride for the Sinful Duke

The staff nodded, their apprehension gradually dissipating due to Juliet’s kind demeanor. Estella was, however, still unsure.“Very well, Your Grace. But it is our duty to ensure your comfort.”

Juliet’s smile widened as she handed the dustpan to one of the maids. “And you do it very well. But sometimes, it is nice to join in and share the load, do you agree?”

Just as she’d finished speaking, the door to the room flew open with a sudden force, startling everyone inside.

“Duchess!” Hector called out as he stormed into the room, his expression dark and imposing, his eyes locking onto Juliet.

The air in the room instantly filled with tension. The staff quickly averted their eyes and bowed their heads. Estella stiffened and regained her composure as she stepped aside to allow the Duke to speak.

Still holding a small shard of the broken vase, Juliet looked up at her husband, her heart pounding as she wondered what had brought about this unexpected visit.

“What do you think you are doing here?” Hector’s voice cut through the room like a knife, his eyes fixed on Juliet. “Everyone, leave us immediately.”

CHAPTER 11

“What are you doing?” Hector boomed, his voice cutting through the silence as everyone hurried out of the room.

Juliet straightened and dusted off her hands on her skirts. “I was merely helping,” she said with an unmistakable streak of defiance.

Hector’s eyebrows furrowed in irritation. “Helping? That is hardly your place. Do I need to make it clear you are not to involve yourself in the staff’s duties? Do I need to remind you that you are my wife? You are the Duchess of Islington.”

Juliet met his gaze. “Do I need to remindyouthat I am not merely a decorative statue? If I see a need, I address it.”

Hector’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “Is that so? You are quite the rebel. You seem to believe that you are free to overrule my authority.”

Juliet’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Hardly. I simply believe in making myself useful. After all, I am to remain here for the foreseeable future, am I not? It seems more practical to help where I can, rather than sit idly by.”

Hector shook his head, not bothering to hide his frustration. “Then go and occupy yourself with a book or some other worthy pursuit. You said it yourself, you find the library quite…what was the word again?”

Juliet scoffed, crossing her arms. “I suppose I am only to eat, read, and sleep like some ornamental doll. Which, I assure you, I am not.”

“That would be an improvement,” Hector muttered under his breath. “I know this is all strange to you, given that St. Catherine’s lost not only its respectability but also its authority figures. As such, you may have forgotten what it means to respect rules, but I will not be tolerant of your insolence for much longer.”

“What?” Juliet gasped as she staggered back away from him. “How dare you…”

“If my wife, theDuchessof Islington, would behave accordingly, I would not have to resort to such base remarks,” Hector hissed. “You would do well to remember your place, Juliet. This is my house, first and foremost. My voice is theonlyone of power here, and my orders are absolute. You cannot march around instructing changes without consulting me first. You willcease the undermining of my authority or else there will be consequences.”

“All this fuss over some minor changes I made to the estate? I see that you are upset, but it appears as though you are less concerned about the fact that I went forth to alter the house without consulting you than with the issue that I dared to act on my own. You refuse to give me the time of day, and yet, when I wish to put my time to effective use, you find fault with it.” she said, her voice full of indignation.

Hector’s expression hardened. “I do not care for whatever ideas you might possess that have been spurred by your boredom,” he said with a glare. “You would do well to remember who holds the higher power here.”

Juliet could barely contain her anger. “This is not about my alleged disrespect, Hector. You could have simply told me if you were bothered by my actions. This display of rage is about you feeling threatened because I refuse to play the role of the meek, obedient wife. I will not sit idly by while you attempt to dictate every aspect ofmy life.”

“Threatened?” Hector’s voice rose with incredulity. “You think I feel threatened by you? I am trying to maintain order and keep up the standards ofmyhousehold.”

Juliet stepped closer, her voice low yet assertive. “You may be used to everyone around you bowing and scuttling, but I will not be one of them. I am your wife, not your servant.”

“And yet, you’re acting like one.”

Juliet’s eyes blazed with fury, but she kept her voice steely. “If doing what needs to be done makes me a servant in your eyes, then so be it. But you will not dare to diminish me with your narrow views.”

Their eyes locked in battle.

“You appear hellbent on undermining me.” Hector ran his hand through his hair. “Moving this and that. At this rate, I will not recognize my own home any longer.”

“You meanourhome?” countered Juliet, refusing to back down. “I did ask that the drawing room be rearranged. But what about the nursery you are…”

Hector’s gaze was drawn to her luscious lips.

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