Page 15 of Married to the Cruel Duke

How could she disturb his meal like this? She should know better and just be grateful. “Nothing’s wrong. Why would you think something is wrong?”

His frown deepened. “You haven’t eaten anything yet. Is the food not to your taste? If so, I can call down to the kitchen and see what we can do.”

“No, it’s nothing like that,” she said quickly. “It was kind enough of you to put all of this together.”

“It’s just a meal. It really wasn’t much effort, but if the problem isn’t the food, then what is it?”

“I suppose I’m just not used to being given quite so much. My plates at home barely had half of this.”

He frowned. “Is it too much? I can make sure they bring you smaller portions in the future.”

“You don’t need to go to all that trouble.”

“It's no trouble. It is just telling them how you would prefer something done.”

“You don’t need to have them change anything,” she said quickly. “It’s perfectly alright. I just don’t know if I’m going to be able to eat it all.”

“If you don’t, that’s alright.” He frowned, but he didn’t seem angry as he gave her a thoughtful look.

She looked at him in shock. Her father had always reprimanded her when she wasted even a small amount of food. It would usually result in her portions getting cut to be even smaller.

He was still watching her expectantly. After another moment of hesitation, Rebecca picked up her fork and started to eat. Regardless of what he said, she couldn’t help but fear it was some kind of test.

There had to be a right answer for how much she was supposed to eat, and couldn’t help but worry about eating too much or too little.

She shot him one last glance before taking her first bite, but he had already turned away from her and back to his own plate.

Then, Rebecca brought the carrot to her lips. When the flavors hit her tongue, she couldn’t help the sound of delight that escaped her lips. It was nothing like the plain fare she had eaten at her family home. It was well seasoned and absolutely delicious, rich with butter and fragrant with sage.

She ate with renewed gusto, going from carrots to roast to bread in delight. Any and all worries about her husband’s secret plan flew from her mind. All she could think about was how good the food was and how hungry she was.

She hadn’t been given any time to eat anything before the ceremony. It was only after half her plate was gone that she remembered her manners and her location.

She held back a wince. Rebecca could hardly believe she had let him see her like that. She should have known better. It was no wonder he hadn’t said anything since she had started eating. He must have thought she was such a pig!

Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe she could still save this. All she had to do was start a conversation, show him he could enjoy her company and that she was worth keeping around. Not that he had much of a choice anymore.

So she did the only thing she could. She spoke, breaking the silence that was suffocating them.

“You mentioned earlier that you wanted me to manage the household. Is there anything you want to make sure I know?” she felt like her voice, though barely above a whisper was a scream in the quiet stillness of the room.

He just shook his head. “Not that I can think of. I’m sure you will manage fine on your own.”

“On my own?”

“Well, you’ll have Mrs. Anderson. I suppose I mean without my instructions.”

She smiled to herself. “I… I see. I do appreciate the vote of confidence, but is there nothing you need from me? I don’ t just mean with the manor, I mean as a whole. Is there anything you expect of me?”

He thought for a minute, a frown growing on his face. “Only an heir, at an appropriate time.”

Rebecca’s face heated, a deep flush creeping up her neck. She swallowed. “I will do my best to fulfill my duties, your gr… husband.”

“Try not to worry. There will be plenty of time for that once you have made yourself at home. For the time being, just take some time to settle in. I’ m sure you’ll have much to learn here.”

“Thank you.” She had to bite back a sigh of relief.

“We only met a few hours ago. I have no doubt there will be much both of us need to become accustomed to.”

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