Page 49 of Married to the Cruel Duke

She smiled. “Thank you, and I am sure I will, but I want to take a few days for the two of us first.”

“That’s-” he cut himself off. “Whatever you like.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being so comfortable with me inviting her over.”

William blinked, stunned. “That’s- as I said, it is your hope to. You should be able to have a friend over if you want to.”

“Still, it makes me glad to hear you say that.”

He hesitated, unsure what to say to that, thankfully, she didn’t wait for him to try. Instead she continued herself.

“Dinner is delicious tonight.”

“I supposed, but it is only a basic roast.”

“Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t isn’t great.”

From there, the conversation flowed easily. Even when they had both finished their plates, they sat there, talking until a servant came and hesitantly knocked on the door.

“Excuse me,” they said. “We just wanted to check and see if you needed anything else.”

William glanced at the time and shook his head. “I think we should move this conversation into the parlor. Wouldn’t you agree, Rebecca?”

She lit up. “You want to?”

“Why not? I don’t have anything else to be doing for the rest of the evening, and we seem to be enjoying each other’s company.”

“Yes! I would love that. I was just a bit surprised you asked. I thought you would be too busy.”

He shrugged. “I’ve got the time if you do.”

Rebecca got to her feet and followed him from the room. They made their way to one of the parlors where William’s gaze immediately felt to a chess set.

“I don’t supposed you would want to play,” he said.

“”I would love to, but I’m afraid I don’t know how.”

“You have never played before?”

She shook her head. “I am sorry to disappoint.”

“You didn’t. Just-” he hesitated for a moment. “Would you want me to show you?”

“Would you want to?”

“If you would like.”

“Yes, I rather think I would.”

“Great, then. Shall we?” he motioned to the table.

Rebecca eagerly took her seat and listened intently doing her best to follow along as he explained how all the pieces moved and how to win.

“Its a lot more complicated than I thought it would be,” she said when he was finally done.

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