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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?”