Page 16 of Married to the Cruel Duke

Rebecca smiled. “I will do my best to adjust as quickly as I can. I would hate to disrupt your life more than I must.”

He just hummed in vague assent, letting the silence fall over them once more.

Rebecca enjoyed the rest of her food, but she couldn’t stop glancing at William. In so many ways he was different than she had expected. He was quiet and seemed quite harsh, but Rebecca thought there was kindness hidden behind his eyes. Most importantly, he seemed to have an interest in this relationship developing into something more. Something real. All it needed was time.

After a while, William set his silverware down before getting to his feet. He turned to her with a stiff and distant expression on his face. “I have a few things I need to see to this evening. I will have my housekeeper come out to show you to your room shortly. Please enjoy the rest of your meal.”

“Oh,” she tried to hide her surprise. She also didn’t realize she would be as disappointed as she was. “Of course. As a Duke you must be a very busy man. Will I see you again this evening?”

“It’s doubtful.”

“Of course., tomorrow morning then?”

“Perhaps.”

“Then I look forward to it.”

“Don’t look forward to it too much. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to join you then either.”

“Of course,” she said again. “I understand you are a busy man.”

“Quite.”

She forced a smile, pushing down her disappointment. It was foolish and selfish of her to think he would put whatever he needed to do on hold for the day. She did her best to push the thoughts from her head. “I completely understand. I hope you have a pleasant rest of your evening.”

He studied her for another moment before he turned. William paused in the doorway. “I hope you do as well. Please let Ms. Anderson know if anything in your quarters needs adjusting.”

“I’m sure it will be perfectly fine, but thank you.”

“Very well. It was nice to meet you, Lady Rebecca,” but his voice didn’t sound like he thought it was pleasant.

He sounded, annoyed, disappointed, and eager to finally get away from her.

“Of course, but…”

Her words trailed off lost into thin air as he turned and walked from the room without another word.

CHAPTER 4

Rebecca let out a long breath before turning to her food. She didn’t mind being on her own. Really, she didn’t it was fine. She was used to taking her meals alone.

Just because it was her wedding day didn’t mean there was anything special about it, and really after the excitement of the day, she was grateful for a chance to catch her breath in peace. She wasn’t used to so much excitement, so of course a break was nice.

She needed it really, so Rebecca enjoyed the rest of her meal, even if it was alone. Besides the food was so good it didn’t require conversation to be enjoyed.

Just as she was finishing up, the door opened and a woman stepped inside. She was of medium height with dark hair and dark eyes. Just as William had when they first met, she studied her with an unreadable expression. Rebecca could only assume it was because she had disappointed her as well.

“Good evening, your Grace,” she curtsied. “I am Mrs. Anderson the housekeeper.”

“Good evening! I’m Rebecca.”

“Yes, I am aware”

“Right, of course. You were probably told I was coming to marry Duke Danton ahead of time.”

“That’s right. We wouldn’t have been able to prepare your room for you if we hadn’t, let alone prepared this meal for you.”

“Yes of course. I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking.”

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