Page 104 of The Duchess Trap
That was a lie. She could see it in the shadows beneath his eyes.
“And eating?”
He inclined his head, polite, detached. “You’d do well to worry about yourself for once.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” he said quietly. “You’re pale.”
“And you,” she countered, “are clearly tired.”
For one fleeting moment, something in his eyes softened. Then it was gone, shuttered as quickly as it appeared.
When they arrived at Belgrave House, he stepped out first and offered his hand. She hesitated before taking it. His grip was firm, steady, and warm.
Inside, the air was filled with the quiet hum of domestic life. The children were gathered in the great room, some playing, some resting near the fire.
The sight should have soothed her. Instead, it only deepened the ache. She had hoped that seeing them safe would draw Duncan closer again, reminding him of what they had survived together. But his face remained distant, as if he was so caught up in hisown thoughts that he was incapable of engaging with her and the children in the present.
“Your Grace,” Mrs. Simms said, hurrying to meet them. “The children have been asking for you both.”
Duncan nodded. “I’m glad they’re settling.”
Catherine knelt as Henry ran up to her, clutching a wooden horse one of the footmen had carved. “Look, Your Grace,” he said proudly. “It’s mine!”
She smiled, smoothing his hair. “It’s perfect, Henry.”
He grinned, all teeth and soot and innocence. “The Duke said we’ll go home soon.”
Her eyes flicked up to Duncan. He was watching from across the room, his arms folded, his expression unreadable. When their gazes met, he nodded slightly, as though to reassure her. But it wasn’t reassurance she needed; it was him.
She rose slowly and crossed to where he stood. “You’ve been generous beyond measure,” she said quietly. “They’ll never forget it.”
He shrugged. “It’s only logistics.”
“Don’t belittle what you’ve done.”
“I don’t,” he said. “I simply see my actions for what they are.”
“And what are they?”
He shook his head mournfully, then pulled his pocket watch from his coat pocket. “I must away.” He fixed her with a critical gaze. “There is business I must attend to—a scheduled meeting that requires my presence. Shall I call ‘round for you again once it has concluded?”
Catherine shrugged. “Do as you please.”
She was disappointed to see him go, but more than that, she was curious.
What can he be doing? What business is more important than tending to the children?
Later that afternoon, a familiar voice called from the doorway. “Catherine!”
Helen.
Catherine turned, relief flooding through her. Helen crossed the room, smiling like the same calm, capable presence she had always been. Her gown was travel-worn, her hair pinned hastily beneath her bonnet, but her eyes were kind.
“Oh, thank heavens,” Catherine said, rising to embrace her. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“I came the moment I could manage to get away,” Helen replied. “I know—I know it’s been three full days since the fire, but I…” She broke off mid-sentence and eyed Catherine suspiciously. “Are you hurt?”
