Page 75 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
“I think I'd like coffee, please,” he said.
“I'll have the kitchen staff make it, Your Grace,” she said. “Just a moment, please.”
Henry nodded as she curtsied before leaving the drawing room. He noticed Florian still watching her. His anger and jealousy reared their ugly heads, but he managed to stamp them down before they became a problem.
However, it became increasingly difficult when Arabella returned with his coffee, and Florian literally stopped eating to stare at her. Arabella didn't seem to notice. Henry was tempted to tip the teapot over and wet the man, but that would just be childish. Instead, he focused on the matters ahead.
“I thought we could retire to the study after breakfast,” he said. “I need to show you all the books regarding the estate. You should be aware of what you're inheriting.”
“I'd be much obliged, Mr. Smith,” Florian replied.
Henry grew still. Already, he was referring to him as Mr. Smith. Henry no longer had the right to even be called a Fitzgerald. That somehow didn't seem right. The duke had adopted him as his own child! That made him a Fitzgerald. However, others wouldn't see it that way. It was bad enough if one had an illegitimate heir, but it seemed worse for someone not even related by blood. Henry was also a commoner, not an aristocrat.
Henry was glad when they left the drawing room and moved to the study—Florian couldn't stare at Arabella there.
“Arabella mentioned she has been working here for a few months,” said Florian, settling into the armchair behind the desk.
Henry didn't bother saying that was his seat—it no longer was. “Yes,” he replied. “You'll find the books for the last quarter on top of the table,” he added.
Florian nodded. “Yes, thanks,” he said, not bothering to look at them. “She also redecorated the library. It's the best I've ever seen. I told her I wanted her to continue decorating the other rooms. I understand you had given her that task.”
“Yes,” said Henry, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Arabella is quite talented.”
They were in the study to discuss the estate, not Arabella. Florian was obviously far too interested in her. He had best not be like Basil, who didn't think twice about seducing his maids.
“She's quite different, isn't she?” Florian continued. “She isn't your typical maid—I got that from the moment I saw her. She carries herself differently, as though she were a lady rather than a commoner. Have you noticed that as well?”
“Of course,” said Henry. “Now, the estate is—”
"She comes from Thetford," said Florian. "I was interested in why she wanted to work here of all places. She spoke very highly of you."
“Arabella has a kind word for everyone,” said Henry.
Florian grinned. "I imagine so. She seems so cheerful, sweet, kind, and beautiful. I also have a feeling she's quite intelligent."
"She is, and deserves only the best," said Henry, not wanting the man to think he could take advantage of her.
Florian raised an eyebrow. "Is there perhaps something happening between you?" he asked. "You just seem so... Well, you just seem to favor her."
"Of course not," Henry lied. The last thing he wanted was for Florian to believe Arabella was that kind of servant. "I'm sure I do not have to tell you this, but I would appreciate it if you didn't take advantage of her or any other maid in Euston Hall."
“I wouldn't dream of it,” said Florian. “I'm not one to take advantage of a woman. However, if she is willing, that is another story altogether.”
Henry frowned, not liking the sound of that. “I would rather you not try anything,” he insisted.
Florian grinned, not giving Henry the reassurance he needed. “Why don't you explain the main areas of income on the estate?”
The man changed the topic, bothering Henry. However, he didn't want to argue, not when they had so much to do before he left the estate. He wanted to go as soon as possible, or he might never do so.
It was hard enough to avoid Arabella, so the thought of walking away from her made him feel that he would never be happy again. At least she could continue to work at the estate and perhaps one day forgive him for leaving so suddenly.
Chapter 27
All attempts to speak to Henry over the last few weeks had failed, and Arabella didn't know what else to do. In fact, instead of spending time with him, she was always with Lord Grafton, or perhaps she should call him the duke.
She had stopped thinking of Henry as the duke, not because he was giving up his title, but because they meant more to each other since their confession. He loved her, yet he was staying away from her—it didn't make any sense. Something else was going on, and she needed to discover what it was.
“I'm more of a history man,” Lord Grafton said, going through a selection of books, “but these seem interesting. I look forward to reading them.”
