Page 18 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“Perhaps we should make roast lamb for dinner. The duchess loves that meal and she has been working tirelessly to care for little Nicholas. She deserves a treat.”
“Let us pick some flowers for the duchess’ room.”
“The duchess prefers the lilac drapes, so let us make sure those are washed and ready ahead of spring.”
Their loyalty and commitment were nearly unnerving, but he respected it, almost glad that it would seem she had lived well in his absence – just as he had prompted her to.
For a moment after his departure, he had been concerned about leaving her alone. But it would seem that was merely a waste of his time and energy.
During dinner time, he sat down to a meal of roast lamb and mashed potatoes, displeased to find the seat across from his empty once more. He waited for as long as he could, getting more irritated as the time passed and her absence became more pronounced.
Eventually, he ate his meal, and when he was done, he stood, asking quietly.
“Where is the duchess?”
“In her chambers, Your Grace.”
Julian wasted no time heading in the direction of the duchess’ room.
Once was enough. To continuously leave him to dine alone without a single word of notice or an apology was inappropriate and he would not stand for such behavior.
A maid was leaving Anna’s room as Julian arrived and he waved away her curtsy, intercepting the door before it could close.
Anna was cradling Nicholas in her arms the way she had been the night before when he came to her. And the sight of them like that cause something that strangely felt like guilt to flash through him before he glanced in the direction of the maid standing by the duchess’ side.
“Might I have a word, duchess?”
Anna looked as though she would rather do anything but speak to him at that moment, yet she conceded, nodding at her maid.
“It is all right, Ellen. I will hold him for a while longer until his meal settles.”
Her lady’s maid nodded and curtsied to both of them before taking her leave.
Julian inhaled deeply, trying to quell some of the irritation brewing in his veins in an effort not to snap at her.
“I understand that you have your own way of life and my presence might disrupt that. But if you were to show some consideration for me, perhaps you might find it better suited for our cohabitation. You cannot simply leave me alone to have my meals by myself, without a single word from you. It is utterly rude and inappropriate.” He told her carefully.
Anna stared at him for a moment, then she shakily exhaled.
“I do not understand why my presence at your meal times is necessary. It is not as though you are not accustomed to having your meals alone, before we were wed and after, during our times apart. Unless you miss the company of your mistresses, which – if that is the case – does not fall under my duties or tasks –”
“Watch your tongue. The least you could have done was inform me that you will not be attending dinner. That is a part of your duties as well.”
“But in case it has escaped your attention, I am not spending my time prancing around in a field of flowers or merely lounging about. I am taking care of a child! A child that is not mine, in case you have forgotten either.”
“He isn’t mine either!” Julian snapped, exasperated. “I have told you several times, but you are intent on feigning ignorance. I don’t care what you say or believe about me, but I pride myself on being a man of my word. The child is not mine. These accusations must stop.”
“Then why is it that –”
A loud growl permeated the air and the duchess’ mouth snapped shut immediately. She stared blankly at him, a blush filling her cheeks as another growl was heard, this one somehow louder than the first.
It then hit Julian.
She had not eaten. Likely the whole day. Because she had been taking care of the boy.
That feeling of guilt that had poked at him when he came into the room returned and he couldn’t help but exhale deeply.
“Ellen,” He called out.
