Page 60 of The Duke's Pet

“Alphabet. It’s all the letters required to read and write, twenty-six of them. Once you have them memorized we can work on their sounds and how they’re put together.”

Jemima stared at the letters on the page. She recognized most of them but didn’t understand how to use them.

“You’re going to teach me to read?”

“Yes.” He tapped the paper. “Now set to your first task.”

She swallowed as a well of emotion opened up inside of her. The duke really thought she was worth the effort of teaching.

“We have limited time,” he said, stroking her hair. “But I’ll have you understanding the basics before you leave.”

He straightened suddenly and stepped away, turning so she couldn’t see his face.

Jemima had the funny feeling he didn’t like talking about her leaving.

“Off you go,” he said, his voice a little sharp. “And I will check it over when you have finished.”

She returned her attention to the paper and began to carefully copy the letters. She knew the ones in her name, she’d seen that written down before, but with most of the others she struggled to remember the sounds they equated to on the tongue.

After a while she reached the end of the alphabet. The duke noticed and he came to see her work.

“You have done a fine job,” he said after a moment.

“You really think so?”

“Yes.”

Knock. Knock.

“Enter.”

The duke straightened as the door opened.

Mrs. Cook appeared, holding a laden tray.

“Here, let me.” He rushed up to her. “I can take it from here.”

He took the tray, which was clearly heavy.

“Thank you, my Lord.” She dipped her head and backed out of the room.

Jemima’s stomach rumbled. She was hungry again, very hungry.

“Tea?” he asked.

“Yes, please.”

He poured then gestured to the sofa. “Sit and eat, then you can continue your studies.”

She moved to the sofa, sat on the soft cushion, hiding a wince as her ass pained her, then took the offered tea.

He set before her a plate of small sandwiches and pastries. “Eat.”

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