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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 hasprovided 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.