Page 36 of His Stolen Duchess
The Duke held up a finger to silence her, waiting until everyone had left the room before he brought his finger down.
“You don’t understand,” Georgina said. “I tried to keep him in the conservatory, but he’s the smartest parrot in the world and managed to escape. He must have made his way out to find me. You can’t really be unhappy at that, can you?”
“The smartest parrot in the world?” Lysander snapped. “And that includes attacking my staff, flying at me like he wanted to stab me in the face, befouling my curtain, and dropping spoons on people?”
Georgina placed her hands on her hips and sighed. She bit her bottom lip before saying, “He’s bored, that’s all. He’s acting out because he needs more mental stimulation.”
“Then teach him how to play chess.”
“Oh, I’m sure he would learn it without a hitch, and he would be better than all of us in a week.”
Lysander didn’t say a word. He only glared at Georgina. She let her arms drop to her sides, then her head dropped, and she looked at the floor once again.
“I want to be fair,” Lysander said. “We already discussed the parrot, and he was to be kept outside. I don’t need to explain why that is for the best. Yet, I find him flying around my home, causing havoc, and taking up the time of multiple servants. What am I to do about this?”
“Please,” Georgina begged. “It’s my fault he got out. You can punish me if you like, but please don’t punish Mr. Squawksby! He’s done nothing wrong. His only crime is being a parrot. I should have controlled him better, and I will from now on. I promise that this will never happen again.”
“He won’t be in the house ever again?”
“Never again,” Georgina repeated. “You have my word.”
“Good, because if he troubles this household again, he will no longer be a part of it. Now, please ensure that he is firmly secured in the conservatory. I know you are an intelligent woman, so I assume you can find a way to keep him there.”
“I will,” Georgina gushed. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
Georgina ran from the room to tend to her bird.
Lysander watched her go, then took a deep breath. He didn’t know exactly what to feel. The laughter of his staff was welcome and something he never thought he would hear in his manor. Yet, the menace of the bird was not welcome.
Georgina seemed intent on infuriating him at every turn, but perhaps it was a good thing. He needed to avoid getting too close to her and repeating their kiss. Perhaps clashing with his wife could be used to his advantage.
So, this is what my marriage has become. I need to hope my wife is so frustrating that I’m dissuaded from laying my hands on her.
Chapter Eleven
“Ijust know the villagers will like you,” Bridget said.
“I wish I had your confidence,” Georgina replied. “They don’t know me at all, and now, I’m coming to visit unannounced. What reason do they have to like me or even trust me?”
“They will surely like you.” Bridget giggled. “I don’t think I have laughed as much as I have since you arrived at the manor. And not only me, but all of us. You’ve made us all very happy.”
The sun filtered through the large oak trees at a slant as Georgina rode in the carriage to the village.
“This is far different,” Georgina said. “I don’t have the support of Mr. Squawksby this time. Although that’s perhaps not the best way to make myself welcome. The staff might like it, but the Duke does not.”
Bridget sat with her mouth open for a second before she said, “No.”
I can’t believe he’s run amok through the manor on two occasions and was caught both times by the Duke. I can’t risk him getting loose again.
The coach rumbled to a stop. Georgina’s heart leaped into her mouth. Now that they had arrived, she realized that she would rather return home and face the Duke than visit his subjects. She didn’t know what she was so afraid of, only that she was afraid.
At least it’s easier than going into the water. I don’t feel as if I’m drowning.
“Are you ready?” Bridget asked.
“I’m ready,” Georgina said.
The driver opened the door, and Georgina exited first, taking his arm to descend the three carriage steps. Her skirt brushed the dusty road as she began her walk toward the village green.
