Page 83 of A Duchess Disciplined

“The physician,” Geoffrey replied.

William scowled, frustrated that he had not recalled the physician’s name himself. There were a few who lived close to the estate, many of them second sons who visited their family when they were in the country. William had admittedly not paid much mind to physicians, but he still felt a little embarrassed at not remembering.

“It is understandable that you would not recall,” Geoffrey continued. “We all know that you are deeply concerned about Her Grace. The staff will do everything we can to make her comfortable and ensure that she makes a swift recovery.”

“I know,” William said, sighing.

It seemed as though Geoffrey had become the unwitting volunteer for receiving William’s furious thoughts. “Make certain that Hannah and Hester do not vex her overly. My sisters adore Catherine, but they are affectionate in the same manner that cats are. I fear that they will climb and clamber all over the duchess and keep her from getting even an ounce of rest.”

“Indeed, Your Grace.”

William took a sip of brandy. Geoffrey remained standing in the center of the room with his hands clasped behind his book. It was unclear to William if the man was waiting for a formal dismissal or if he had anticipated William’s desire to talk.

“After she recovers, I want one of the maids to follow Cath—” He needed to force himself to love her less.

William needed to remember that old formality, which he had once handled her with. Yes, if he distanced himself from Catherine, he could make himself care less. He could not love her if he avoided her entirely. It would be painful, for certain, but he would force himself to love her no longer.

“—Her Grace,” he concluded. “It is apparent to me that she should be watched as if she is a child, who has not yet learned proper behavior.”

He ignored the small voice inside himself that insisted that Catherine had been injured whenhewas in her presence. Her injury was his fault. If he had not loved her, he would not have allowed her to climb the tree, and she would not have been hurt. Once he no longer loved her, it would be simpler to be her masterful husband, as a duke ought to be.

“As you wish, Your Grace. Might I suggest a lady’s companion?” Geoffrey asked. “A maid can certainly fulfill the role for some time, but I fear that Her Grace might grow bored with her companion if she is not of a similar status.”

“Her Grace could do withlessexcitement and a little more boredom in her life,” William said dryly. “A maid will do perfectly fine.”

If he was very fortunate, maybe Catherine would become so bored with the accompanying maid that she would learn to improve in the hopes of being rid of the poor, hapless servant.

“As you wish, Your Grace.”

William finished the second glass of brandy. “I will also not be joining my sisters at dinner or ever again.”

If he did not join his sisters for meals, he would also not be joining Catherine—Her Grace, his wife—at meals.

“Shall I assume that you will take your meals in your study, then?”

William could not decide if he caught a note of disapproval in the butler’s voice or if his own guilty conscience was to blame. “Yes,” he said.

“Very good, Your Grace.”

“That will be all.”

Geoffrey bowed stiffly and walked to the door. William’s heart clenched. He stood. “Geoffrey!”

The butler halted at once. “Yes, Your Grace?”

William clenched his jaw, his blood roaring in his ears. He could tell Geoffrey to ignore his instructions. He could pretend that he had only spoken out of fear for Catherine. He could even try to reconcile his love for her with his fear of losing her. That was what a brave man would do.

“I…” he trailed off.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

A lump rose in William’s throat. Geoffrey watched him with endless patience, as if he had anticipated William having some powerful moral dilemma right before him.

William was not a brave man. He poured a third glass of brandy, even though his fingertips were beginning to feel a little numb. Soon, he imagined that his thoughts would grow soft and unfocused.

“Nothing,” William replied. “Do as I have asked.”

“I shall, Your Grace.”

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