A Bride for the Sinful Duke (Vows of Sin #3)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

“ I think the lighter drapes look better. They tie the room together more solidly than the dark ones.”

The maids nodded in agreement with Juliet’s remark, and she smiled, clapping her hands excitedly.

“It is settled then. We shall go with this one.” Juliet pointed at the light brown drapes.

The maids curtsied and got to work arranging the drawing room, and Juliet stood back to marvel at the sight of her ideas coming together. She left them to finish and decided to check on the other areas she had planned to redecorate.

It relieved her that she had finally found some way of keeping herself busy and distracting herself from thoughts of her husband. She could finally shift her focus onto something other than how deeply she craved him, at least during the daylight hours.

The nights alone were much worse. She was plagued by her fantasies of his hands roaming across her waiting body, his sensuous lips tasting every inch of her until she was reduced to steaming lust. She ached for him and was consumed by a thirst she could not satiate.

Juliet shook herself free from her ruminations. “What rooms have we not yet addressed?” Juliet asked Estella, who quickly fell in line next to the Duchess as she left the drawing room.

“The sunroom, Your Grace. But perhaps His Grace’s opinions should be obtained in advance of any alterations. His mother loved that room dearly. It was her favorite place in the entire house to rest.” Estella explained gently.

Juliet had seen the sunroom and understood why the former Duchess had loved it so much as she had been overcome with calmness the moment she walked into the room. Everything from the furniture to the decorations inspired peace and a lightness of the mind. Juliet had nearly decided not to tamper with it at all.

However, some of the objects in the room were worn and needed to be replaced, so she saw it as an opportunity to improve the space.

It was infuriating to have to ask Hector for permission over every little thing she needed to do. However, in this instance, it was necessary to seek Hector’s instructions because she did not want to disturb a space that had meant so much to the woman he had cherished and adored.

“I will do just that,” Juliet sighed.

“Y…Your Grace?” Estella called after her, sounding confused.

“I am off to greet my dear husband.” Juliet raised a hand without looking back. “Now is as good a time as any!”

She had been looking for an excuse to speak with him because she couldn’t make any sense of his actions and words.

At times it seemed he had begun to warm up to her then he would dismiss her wordlessly or barely acknowledge her presence. Juliet wished she could understand him better and prayed to gain insight into what was holding him back.

Worthington bowed as she approached Hector’s study, and she smiled at him politely.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

“Good afternoon, Worthington.” She peered around him to look at the closed door of Hector’s study. “Is the Duke present? There is something I wish to bring to his attention.”

Worthington nodded. “His Grace is present. Give me a moment, Your Grace, to inform him that you wish to speak with him.”

Juliet accepted his request, fervently hoping Hector wouldn’t turn her away without a word. Worthington entered the study, closed the door behind him, and returned a moment later.

“His Grace will see you now,” the butler advised, gesturing to the door.

Juliet swallowed the sudden unease that had risen within her. She gave him her thanks as he opened the door and quietly slipped into the study.

Hector was seated behind his desk, his head bowed over the documents as he wrote his notes.

“Juliet,” he called without looking up, “is there something I can help you with?”

“Why do you assume I want something?” she asked innocently. “Perhaps I just wanted to see you. We are husband and wife, after all. It does not make sense if our paths fail to cross.”

Juliet could tell she had his full attention from the way he tightened the grip on his pen. He leaned back in his chair and looked at her expectantly.

“So, you came all this way to see me? Were you longing for my company, dearest wife?” he asked coyly.

That, and so much more.

She moved silently towards him, all too aware of how he watched her approach from where he was seated, like a beast stalking its prey. When she rounded his desk, Juliet expected him to stop her or ask what she was doing, but her husband only watched as she made her way closer and closer to him.

“Why?” she murmured. “Do you want to offer your company to me, dearest husband?”

Something flickered in Hector’s eyes, and he exhaled slowly and deeply. “Not today, unfortunately.”

He almost sounds regretful.

Juliet nodded then reached out to gently adjust the collar of his shirt. She let the tips of her fingers brush lightly against his neck as she pulled away.

“Of course.” She smiled with feigned complacency and understanding. “I can see that you have much more pressing matters to which you must attend. Well, you know where to find me…whenever it is you might need me.”

It was bold of her to blatantly say such things, and she could see that she had managed to leave Hector at a loss for words.

“Juliet…”

“I did come to ask you for something,” she quickly stated as she retreated from him.

Hector appeared disconcerted, but Juliet hoped he would speak with her a little longer.

“I suspected as much. Well, what do you need, Juliet?”

“The sunroom. I would like to make a few changes as I have noticed that some of the furniture and ornaments are rather worn out. I heard it was your mother’s favorite room, so I thought…”

“I hold no attachments to that room,” he cut her off shortly. “Yes, she did love it, but from what I remember, she did not spend much time there…before her passing. It is fine if you wish to change the whole thing.”

Juliet hadn’t expected him to be so agreeable, given the delicate nature of the situation.

“Are you certain?”

Hector nodded and prepared to resume his duties.

“I am. Do what you will.”

Juliet stood up straighter.

“All right…”

A knock at the door interrupted her, and she turned to face it. Hector beckoned whoever was on the other side to enter the room. The housekeeper walked in, her expression apologetic as she noticed Juliet standing in the middle of the room.

“Pardon me, Your Grace,” she said to the Duchess before shifting her attention to the Duke. “This month’s supply of provisions has just arrived, Your Grace. But the servants tell me that Mr. Rivers has expressed some displeasure over some dispute he has been having with a neighbor, and he feels His Grace harbors some intent to procure produce elsewhere.”

“Why must that man always be so dramatic?” Hector groaned, visibly irritated. “I do not have the time to pay him a visit for the sole purpose of soothing his bruised ego over some petty spat with a neighbor.”

Despite her husband’s annoyance, Juliet saw that Hector was visibly bothered by the issue.

“Perhaps I could help?” Juliet blurted without thinking.

Hector and Estella stared at her. Juliet added, “You are busy, Hector, and this seems important to you. I have nothing planned for the rest of my afternoon, so I can visit this Mr. err…”

“Mr. Rivers, Your Grace,” Estella supplied helpfully.

“Yes, thank you. Mr. Rivers then. I can assure him that we have no intention of changing our suppliers. He is the one who has provided our talented cook with the ingredients he uses to make all our lovely meals, and I believe he would not be able to feed us so well if the produce was not of the best quality. So, it is also in my best interest that Mr. Rivers’ worries are put to rest. And would this not also be a good opportunity for me to meet your tenant?” Juliet finished smoothly.

Estella turned to the Duke and stated gently, “Her Grace has a point, Your Grace. It would be best if the matter was handled as quickly as possible. As you are currently occupied, I respectfully suggest that Your Grace allows the Duchess to address the matter on her own. It is also a good opportunity for her to meet your valuable tenants.”

Hector glanced between them for a moment and then resigned himself to their suggestion.

“All right. You will go with her, Estella?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” The housekeeper curtsied.

The Duke nodded, shifting his attention back to Juliet.

“Feel free to explore the town if you wish. I will provide an allowance for you if you see anything you might like to buy,” he said.

“That is very kind of you, Hector, but you do not need to…”

“But I will in any event,” he stated, lowering his gaze to his work for a brief moment, letting Juliet know that their conversation was over.

“I shall summon Leila to ready you for an afternoon in town,” Estella informed Juliet as she turned to leave.

“Thank you, Mrs. Harris. I will be out shortly.”

The housekeeper left the room, and Juliet momentarily delayed her departure, hoping Hector had something more to say.

“Juliet? Was there something else you wished to discuss?” Hector queried with his head bowed over his desk, hand already poised to resume his writing.

“No,” Juliet sighed, turning to leave.

“I do know.”

Juliet paused at his voice and turned to see him looking right at her.

“I beg your pardon?” she asked, feeling strangely breathless.

“I do know…where to find you whenever I want you. Perhaps I will seek you out soon.”

The rush of heat to Juliet’s cheeks was swift and dizzying, and she quickly left his study.

She brushed past Worthington without a word and headed straight for her room, only to stop in the middle of the hallway to press her hands against her hot cheeks.

“Oh dear,” she muttered to herself. “He may very well be the death of me.”

“What a lovely town!” Juliet remarked as she stepped down from the carriage.

The settlement before her eyes bustled with people merrily going about their day, some stopping to exchange a few words of greeting with their acquaintances as others beckoned onlookers to peruse the wares in their stalls.

Although the atmosphere was slightly chaotic, it was undoubtedly much better than Islington Hall’s stuffy, silent rooms. Juliet’s mood had already improved significantly, even though she had just arrived.

“It is,” Estella agreed, taking her place on Juliet’s right, walking ahead while Leila trailed behind the Duchess on her left side. “The Duke takes good care of them and has always appropriately handled every issue that arose amongst his tenants. The people have always adored His Grace and Lady Lydia, may God rest her soul.”

It was not hard to imagine Lydia being loved by the people around her. She had always been incredibly endearing, and Juliet was relieved that her friend had received much love before she passed on.

“Mr. Rivers especially,” Estella added, smiling at a shop owner who waved in greeting. “Lady Lydia loved apples, so he would always include some of his best harvests for her for free. Of course, His Grace noticed and increased his payment for provisions, so Mr. Rivers would not suffer any loss in his revenue.”

Hector’s thoughtfulness surprised Juliet and left a pleasant warmth in her heart.

Estella continued to lead them through the town, pointing out significant stores and landmarks and guiding Juliet to places where she might obtain simple necessities.

Mr. Rivers’ stall was at the entrance of the town’s market. He looked surprised to see Estella.

“Mrs. Harris? Good afternoon. I sent your provisions to Islington Hall almost two hours ago. Is there something amiss?” the man asked worriedly.

“No, Mr. Rivers, nothing is the matter. I brought up your concerns to the Duke and the Duchess. Her Grace wanted to come personally to express her gratitude for your service and ease your worries,” Estella explained. Then she politely gestured to Juliet, “This is the new Duchess of Islington. Your Grace, this is Mr. Rivers, our provision supplier. He also runs a produce stall patronized by many of the town’s inhabitants.”

Mr. Rivers was caught off guard by Juliet’s appearance and dropped the basket of potatoes he had been holding in his haste to bow.

“Your Grace! I am so sorry; it is an honor to meet you! If I had known you would be stopping by, I would have made some preparations…”

“Oh, no,” Juliet shook her head quickly. “It is all right, Mr. Rivers. I am sorry if I have inconvenienced you with by my sudden presence. I merely wished to tell you that my meals have been exceptional since I arrived at Islington Hall. I was told you deserved some credit for your consistent supply of quality ingredients. I wanted to thank you and assure you that we have no intention of changing suppliers. I hope you can now feel more at ease, Mr. Rivers.”

The farmer sighed. “You are too kind, Your Grace. You did not have to come here to ease my concerns, but I am grateful that you did. Thank you, Your Grace.”

“It was my pleasure.” Juliet smiled, feeling satisfied to have helped Hector and this kind man.

“Please, allow me to offer a token of my appreciation. Do you like cakes? My wife works with the town baker, and they sell the best cakes you will find between here and London. Please allow me to get some for you.”

“Oh, please do not go to the trouble,” Juliet assured him.

Moments later, Leila was handed a box of cakes for the Duchess. Mr. Rivers thanked Juliet profusely for coming, and Juliet returned her gratitude for receiving the unexpected gift.

On their way back to the carriage, they walked past a shop that sold stationary materials: pens, ink, and paper. Juliet remembered her small stash in the nunnery which she used to send letters to Lydia.

A thought occurred to her, and she urged the other women to go on ahead, promising to return to them in a few minutes. She entered the shop and purchased as much paper, envelopes, and pens as was possible.

Although these items were available to her at Islington Hall, she didn’t want anyone to poke their noses into her business.

She returned home with enough paper to communicate her thoughts several times over and immediately got to work.

If she couldn’t go to St. Catherine’s, she would send word to inquire about everyone’s well-being. Better that it was written in her own handwriting than uttered from the mouth of a stranger.

Once she was done, she handed the letter to Worthington and instructed, “Please have this delivered to St. Catherine’s as soon as possible.”

As the butler dutifully took her letter, she hoped it would get to the friends and family she had left at the abbey.

She hoped that good news would return to her.