Page 53 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“Truly, Mrs. Streatley, you need not worry about me. I was just…” Adele gestured around them. “It was a lot for me to take in, but I am quite recovered now.”
“If you are sure…” Mrs. Streatley looked unconvinced.
“I am. Actually if it is all the same to you, I would like to take His Grace breakfast.” Adele reached for the tray. “I know it is not proper, but it is something my mother often did for my father to show her affection, and well…”
She trailed off, hoping Mrs. Streatley would believe the lie. Though they had agreed that home would be a place where they wouldn’t need to act completely in love, Warner had felt it best not to share the full truth of their arrangement.
Mrs. Streatley’s expression softened, and she gave Adele the tray. “Well, I suppose we can bend propriety just a little. Young hearts in love ought to be encouraged. Though, I will accompany you, if that is all the same; I do not want you to come to any injury.”
“Of course.” Adele took the tray from the woman, and they made their way to the Duke’s study.
She wondered if Mrs. Streatley was being so kind to her out of a genuine warmth or if the Duke had simply instructed all of his servants to treat her like this? It was so different than her time at Kidlington house — it was like night and day.
“Enter.” The Duke’s voice was muffled behind his study door.
Mrs. Streatley opened the door for Adele but did not follow her, instead giving her an encouraging smile from the doorway. Warner looked up at Adele’s footsteps, his blue eyes widening as she entered, and he hastily stood.
“What are you doing with that?” His eyes narrowed. “Did one of the servants ask you to bring this to me — I would not have expected such behavior, but rest assured, I will remind them of their place.”
“No, Warner. I asked if I could bring this to you. I told Mrs. Streatley it was something my mother used to do for my father.”
“And would I be correct in assuming that this has something to do with your sewing room?” Warner let out a resigned sigh. “I suppose I should have expected this.”
“Expected what?” Adele asked, confused by his reaction.
“I want you to know that I am not trying to control you, nor do I expect anything in return, so you may as well save your breath. I was simply trying to give you the tools you need.”
“Do you think I am here to give you a telling off?” Adele shook her head.
“Do I really need to answer that?” He arched an eyebrow at her, the corner of his lip quirking upwards.
“I will have you know that I am actually here to thank you.” She scowled at him and then softened. “I know that I can be… prickly, but really, Warner, I came up here because I wanted you to know just how much I appreciate everything you have done.”
He smiled at her, the expression warming his face in a way that made her heart stumble in her chest. “Then you do not think I am trying to control you?”
“No.” She shook her head. “It had not even crossed my mind.”
The words brought her up short because they were true. Even now, as she stood before him, she could not believe that these gifts were anything other than what they were.
If Warner was surprised, he hid it well. He was tapping his fingers on the desk, his eyes watching her intently. Adele canted her head at him.If I did not know better, I would say he was nervous.“I am glad they are to your liking.”
“It is more than that. It is perfect. How on Earth did you know what to get?” Adele asked.
Warner helped himself to a piece of toast and hastily swallowed it, covering his mouth as he said, “I asked around. Mrs. Streatley has a niece who in an apprentice dressmaker, so I asked what things one might need. And I noticed that your current sewing box was looking a little worse for the wear and thought you would be furious if it broke.”
“I have been meaning to get it replaced.” Adele’s cheeks flushed as she thought of the sorry state of her previous sewing box.
“I was actually rather worried about that particular gift. I know these things are rather um… personal. I thought that even if youdid not like what I had purchased, you could use it while we sent your old ones for repairs.”
“It seems you thought of everything.”
“Not everything. I have been trying to see if I can find you a private tutor as well though that is proving rather more difficult. Many are full time dressmakers and do not have the time to teach, and having you attend some sort of class is out of the question — the last thing you need is the ton spreading gossip about you.” He shrugged. “Still, this will be a good start. Or at least I hope it will be.”
“It is a perfect start.” She rested a hand on his tapping fingers, stilling them at her touch. “Honestly, Warner, I do not know how to thank you.”
“Then it is a good thing you do not need to. I meant what I said, I want you to be successful. And I do not expect anything in return. I just —” he stopped himself and then continued, “You should have things in your life that bring you joy.”
“As should you,” she answered, her eyes searching his, full of the question she did not dare ask.What brings you joy, Warner?
