Page 13 of Claimed By the Duke of Ice

For a moment, Nathaniel’s eyes grew soft and distant, as if reaching for a memory, then they hardened, and he looked down at his gloved hands.

“I would prefer to not speak of such things,” he said in a distant tone. “My mother was in the past, and I face the difficult task of ensuring both the present and the future for both myself and my charges.”

At his answer, Grace felt a pang of longing for her family. She was gone less than a day, and she missed them terribly already. She wasn’t used to speaking with someone so unwilling to talk. In her mind, she said a silent prayer that they would see one another again soon.

“I understand, Your Grace,” Grace replied softly, looking out the window. “But I sincerely mourn the fact that I will not get the pleasure of meeting her. I am sure she was a good and true lady and mother.”

Nathaniel’s dark green eyes shifted to her blue ones, giving her a look that reached her very soul. There was love there. And mourning. But also anger.

“We are here,” he stated.

“What?” Grace asked, confused.

“My estate,” Nathaniel explained, nodding toward the carriage door. “We are here.”

Startled, Grace pulled away from his gaze to look out the window and only then realized that darkness had fallen, and the carriage had stopped.

“Come, wife,” Nathaniel urged as the carriage door was opened by a servant, “let me show you around your new home.”

A small smile graced his lips as he nodded toward the servant’s outstretched, white-gloved hand, and Grace returned it before stepping out of the carriage. She gasped as both feet landed on the ground, and her eyes took in the monstrosity that was her new home.

The Rowley Estate in London and Yorkston were both large and still lavish despite her father’s recent financial struggles. Still, this house was more like a palace. Both of her father’s houses could easily fit into this one, perhaps even three or four of them.

Lit sconces blazed over the smoothed stone that seemed to reach high into the heavens of the dark sky. Grand windows, all illuminated with candles, ran in four neat rows by the dozens—many of them accompanied by small balconies. Then, of course, there was the great set of marble steps that led up to the wrapping porch, lined with servants wearing crisp, clean, new uniforms.

“What do you think?” Nathaniel asked, joining her at her side.

“I think, aside from the palace, this is the most grand home I’ve ever seen,” Grace breathed, still taking in the sight of it. “And we live here?”

Nathaniel’s thin smile grew more genuine, and he nodded.

“Indeed, we do,” he agreed. “Come, I shall show you everything. But first, allow me to introduce you to the two most important members of my staff.”

For a moment, as Nathaniel waved her toward an older couple, Grace thought he was about to take her hand, and a sliver of excitement went through her as she reached for him. But then, as she did so, Nathaniel pulled his hand away and took a step toward the couple. She looked at him as she blushed, and though Nathaniel gave her a pained look, he said nothing about it.

“Mrs. Grace Voss, might I present my groundskeeper and housekeeper, Mr. and Mrs. Snievely. If you should need anything and I am not available, they will be happy to see to it themselves.”

As Grace watched Nathaniel’s pained expression turn to warmth and pride, she realized these two individuals were much more than servants. Tucking her own hurt feelings away, she smiled warmly at them and curtseyed as they both bowed to her.

“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” she replied pleasantly.

“Ah, the pleasure is all ours, Your Grace,” Mrs. Snievely replied warmly, stepping forward to wrap her arms tightly around Grace.

At first, Grace was shocked that such an intimate gesture would be shared between mistress and servant, but as the woman’s matronly embrace consumed her, she realized it was one she sorely needed. She did notice, however, that neither Mr. nor Mrs. Snievely attempted to hug or touch Nathaniel.

“It will be so good to have a Duchess again,” Mrs. Snievely said happily as she pulled away, stopping briefly to cup Grace’s cheeks as she smiled. “Won’t it, Mr. Snievely?”

“Aye, it is indeed,” Mr. Snievely responded in a gruff voice, bowing respectfully toward Grace once more.

“And such a pretty young thing, too,” Mrs. Snievely praised, looking Grace up and down approvingly.

“Easy, Mrs. Snievely,” Nathaniel chided softly, winking at the older woman.

“Of course, of course,” Mrs. Snievely sighed, taking a step back. She then gave Grace a wink and added, “Whenever you are ready to learn about the house, Your Grace, I will be ready to assist. It is large, but it is manageable after some time.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Snievely,” Grace replied warmly. “I would like that very much as well as a tour of the grounds at some point.”

“Aye, we can do that, right and proper, Your Grace,” Mr. Snievely agreed with another bow.

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