Page 67 of Married to the Cruel Duke

Rebecca nodded, though she wasn’t quite sure what she was agreeing to.

He reached out, taking her hand in his own. “Shall we go home now then or would you like to spend some more time in town?”

She shook her head. “I think I have had quite enough for today. Let’s go home.”

CHAPTER 14

Rebecca chewed her lip as she stood outside the sitting room a few days later. William was already inside waiting. She rubbed her hands down the skirts. It was one of her new gowns. She still couldn’t believe such fine things belonged to her. It seemed like far more than she deserved.

She hoped she looked as nice in it as Mary told her she had. She had spent extra time with her lady’s maid getting dressed that day, using it in an attempt to energize herself for this conversation.

All of that brought her thoughts back to the closed sitting room door in front of her. It was so simple. All she needed to do was reach out and turn the handle, step inside and say a few words. It wasn’t that hard.

It shouldn’t be that hard.

Part of her wanted to say it wasn’t worth it and simply enjoy her time with William. She could always ask another day. There was no reason to rush into this.

And yet, ever since the their little confrontation with her father in town, she found herself growing more and more comfortable in her new rule.

She was even getting better at putting together menus. So good in fact that she had almost completely taken over the task from Mrs. Anderson. That wasn’t even to mention the growing tenderness between her and William.

It was getting to the point that Rebecca couldn’t help but begin to hope that something was blooming between them.

But none of that was the point at the moment

The day they returned from the park, she had made a decision, and now today was the day. She was going to ask William about it.

After all, the worst he could saw was no.

And so, she gathered her determination, took a deep breath then pushed her way inside.

William had likely been waiting for some time and had already made himself rather comfortable. He was reclined in his usual chair, a thick book open on his lap.

When he saw her, he looked up andthen frowned.

She couldn’t blame him for the look of concern on his face. She was sure she looked just as stressed and nervous as she felt.

“Are you quite all right, Rebecca? You seem a bit tense,” he asked, worry creeping into his voice.

“Yes! I- well, that is….” she trailed off.

“Whatever it is, take your time. If you need a minute before you want to talk then we can talk about something else or sit in silence for the time being.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t want to put this off or I might lose my nerve.”

“Well, I must admit, you have piqued my curiosity,”he set the book he had been flipping through aside. “Please, you may continue whenever you are ready.”

“Thank you,” Rebecca took a breath and then started to speak. “There’s something I want to ask you.”

“Of course,” he gave her a reassuring smile. “Please feel free to ask whatever you like.”

After a moment, she continued. “I was wondering, it’s only that I am duchess now, typically that comes with certainresponsibilities. I had noticed there were a few I hadn’t started working on quite yet.”

“Do you feel like you’re struggling with them? I can talk to mrs. Anderson if there’s more you want her to do to help while you get used to things. Perhaps even set up more lessons with her or even another lady who can help.”

“No, no it’s nothing like that, but it is good to know I can get more help if I need it.”

“You can always get more help if you need it. I want you to be confident and comfortable in your position, so whatever it takes to make that happen is yours.”

---