Page 20 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
Henry smiled. He enjoyed how Arabella could speak freely with him. Just one question was enough for her to go off into a detailed explanation. He didn't have to draw the information out of her like he had to do with most people he had met. Usually, those people were so busy looking at his scars that they couldn't concentrate on anything else.
“I suppose I do, but I've read so many books that I feel stagnant,” he said. “I do not even wish to read the books I consider favorites. If I do, they might not remain my favorites.”
“Oh, that is just too terrible, Your Grace,” she said. “And with you having such a large and extensive library. Have you read everything in there?”
“I've read most of the books,” he said. “I'm looking for inspiration. A book that will make me think.”
“Hmm,” she said, pulling her mouth to the side. “Why don't I look through your library tomorrow and select a few books I believe you might like. However,” she said, and leaned on the headrest of an armchair. Henry liked how comfortable she seemed. “I'm worried you will have already read whatever I select. Why don't I go to Thetford and buy a few books for you?” she suggested.
"How will you know what I've read and haven't?" he asked.
She smiled, making his heart flutter. "That is a good question, Your Grace," she said. "I have had the privilege of cleaning the library on several occasions and have made a mental note of the books you have, particularly the ones that have been handled a lot. I think I have a good idea of what you have read and haven't."
It struck him once again how intelligent Arabella was. While Henry knew that commoners were just as clever as aristocrats or the gentry, the fact remained there was a vast difference in their education. This was what set them apart.
Commoners learned what they needed to survive, whereas aristocrats and the gentry were educated to thrive in their society. Languages, philosophy, mathematics, etiquette—these and more were necessary. Arabella seemed to have the education of at least a gentleman's daughter.
“Then I will leave this in your hands,” he said.
"You can rest assured that I will do my best, Your Grace," she told him. "I know the bookshop owner well. He stocks a good variety in every genre. What he doesn't have, he will surely get from his supplier."
Henry nodded. “I like the idea of that,” he said. “I'm willing to pay whatever he wishes to ensure he gets the books to me quickly. It feels terrible not having something to occupy me during the evenings.”
He had the thought to ask her to join him on some evenings, but that would be foolish of him. This should prove that he needed to keep his distance from Arabella, but that wasn't what he wanted. In fact, he wanted to accompany her to the bookshop, but he didn't say as much.
“Your coffee will grow cold, Your Grace,” she said. “I have the terrible habit of talking too much, I'm afraid.”
“Never apologize for that,” Henry told her. “Your chatter is charming and refreshing.”
Arabella's eyebrows lifted slightly. “Thank you for saying so, Your Grace,” she said. “Still, I should leave you to your coffee. May I be excused?”
No, he didn't want her to leave, but that wouldn't be fair to her. She appeared tired, although she maintained her cheerfulness as she spoke to him.
“Of course,” he said. “You should retire for the night if you have nothing else to do.”
Arabella curtsied. “Thank you, Your Grace. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Arabella.”
She left, taking her sunshine with her. Just as usual, the room immediately felt colder without her. Henry sighed. He was hopeless.
Chapter 8
“Mrs. Cooper, I have completed my list of morning duties,” Arabella told the housekeeper the following day. “May I go up to the library?”
Earlier that morning, she had informed the housekeeper that she promised to help the duke with his book selection. Although she had a good idea of the books he had repeatedly read, she decided to go through the library once more before buying from the bookshop. Arabella wanted to please the duke with her choices, so she was happy to put in more effort.
“Yes, but let it not interfere with your afternoon chores,” said Mrs. Cooper.
“It won't,” Arabella assured her.
She curtsied and left the housekeeper's personal study. It wasn't large or created for comfort, but a work room where Mrs. Cooper kept abreast of household matters like wages, duties, holidays, servants' records, and whatever else was necessary to ensure the house ran smoothly.
Arabella doubted the duke ever had to worry about anything because Mrs. Cooper was fanatically meticulous about everything, from the amount of money used each week, ingredient wastage in the kitchen, and sudden price increases at markets.
Nothing was too small or too little for her to notice, which really was commendable. Not many people had the courage to be that firm about such things for the fear of being disliked. Mrs. Cooper struck Arabella as a person who preferred respect to being liked. Arabella's grandfather had been like that—stern on the outside but with a heart of gold on the inside.
Entering the library, Arabella took a moment to admire the vast room. It was a thing of wonder. Painted high ceilings depicted gods and goddesses having a wonderful time with a sumptuous feast before them. One particular god seemed more interested in the scantily clad nymphs frolicking in the waters than the feast, while a goddess observed his fascination with mild interest.
