Page 37 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Anthony glared at Woodward and he immediately fell silent.

“You’ll have to tell me more some time, Mr. Woodward. I’d also enjoy hearing all about the estate. I adore numbers. Could I examine the ledgers? I’d like to see what is grown at Linwood and learn something about our tenants.”

“I’m sure you’ll be much too busy with household affairs,” Anthony said. “Shall we go inside?”

Laurel didn’t budge. “I have always been very organized, Linfield,” she said sweetly. “Although I know supervising the household will take up some of my time each day, I have Sanders and Mrs. Wallingford to help with that.” She looked pointedly at Ross Woodward. “I will see the books, Mr. Woodward. His Grace and I will also be going about the estate and visiting with our tenants.”

Turning back to him, she said, “Let’s go inside, Linfield. I’m a bit parched after our journey from London.”

Fuming, he led her inside.

Mrs. Wallingford followed close behind. “I’ll bring some tea to you, Your Grace. Sandwiches, too. Let me show you to your rooms first. You, too, Your Grace,” she said, looking to him.

Laurel clasped his arm as Mrs. Wallingford led them up the staircase and down a corridor. The housekeeper stopped.

“These are your rooms, Your Grace.” She opened the door and indicated for them to enter. Following them, she said, “This is your sitting room. Right this way and through the door, you’ll see your bedchamber.”

Mrs. Wallingford pointed out the duchess’ dressing room next and mentioned that it led into the duke’s dressing room as they continued their tour. On the other side of it lay his bedchamber and a study.

A maid appeared and announced that the second coach had arrived and that the duke’s and duchess’ trunks were being brought up.

“Would you like your maid to unpack for you, Your Grace? I can send more help if you wish.”

“Retta can handle things, Mrs. Wallingford. Thank you. Could you please see about the tea now?”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

The housekeeper left and Laurel said, “This is a very dark room.”

Anthony had noticed it immediately. It reminded him of the darkness of his father’s soul.

“You said I might try my hand at decorating. Would you mind if I lightened it up a bit? I believe I would like a few new things in my rooms, as well.”

He moved and closed the door that Mrs. Wallingford had used as she left. Since they were alone, he needed to address an issue with her.

“Never make me look like a fool again, Laurel. Especially in front of the servants.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Do you mean when you made me look like a featherhead? Oh, the poor Duchess of Linfield. She hasn’t a brain in her head. What would she want in seeing ledgers and examining records of the estate?” Her hands fisted and went to her waist. “You said I would have freedom, Anthony. This is to be my home. Our children’s home. Why wouldn’t I want to learn everything about it?”

“Because it’s not the kind of thing a duchess does,” he barked.

“Oh, I see. You swayed me with pretty words before our wedding, telling me I wouldn’t have to follow the rulesbecauseI would be a duchess. Yet the moment the vows are spoken, you’re already ordering me about. I won’t have it.”

She crossed her arms in front of her, defiance written on her face. “Besides, you’ve been gone a good twenty years. Even when you became Duke of Linfield, you didn’t bother to come and see your home. I’ll wager the first time you saw Aunt Constance and Hannah was when they came to London for the Season.”

“So?” he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“If you don’t want to care about Linwood, I do. It will be our children’s home. Hopefully, I’ll produce a son who will inherit it. I want it to thrive for him.” Her voice softened and she placed a hand on his forearm. “For us.”

“I plan to take a firm hand in estate matters now.”

“Will I be allowed to investigate the ledgers? Or were you merely paying me lip service?”

“You may look at whatever you wish. Linwood is your home,” he said stiffly.

“Thank you.” She looked about. “I don’t know if I can sleep in here tonight. This room is so dreary. I suppose you’ll have to come sleep in my bedchamber until I can make some changes.”

Her words floored him. “Sleep with you? Why would you say that?”

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