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“I have my own business to attend to when we reach Ellsworth, so I arranged for your friends to keep you company while you get to know your way around the staff and house,” he replied smoothly.

Amelia smiled at her friends, then reached for Dominic’s arm to pull him to the side.

“Dominic, I have questions,” she insisted in a whisper. “I was hoping we would at least have the carriage ride to discuss them.”

“You will have your life to lead, and I will have my own,” he replied. “As I indicated before. There will be no need for pretense in our home, so why bother starting off that way?”

The cold way he said it made her flinch, and her hand slipped from his arm.

“You are safe now, Amelia,” he stated pragmatically, steepling his fingers together. “That is all that matters. Now your friends are waiting.”

With that, he turned from her and walked to the carriage behind hers; only leaving her with more questions.

“Well, wasn’t that a whirlwind!” Rosamund said with awe when Amelia eventually got into the carriage.

“Do finally explain how this all came about,” Ophelia urged. “I know you and the Duke flirted once at Seraphina’s baby shower, but I assumed it was a just a simple act of brazen defiance.”

She forced a smile as her eyes darted to Theo, who gave her a comforting, subtle nod. They had not shared the truth with the other friends.

“Yes, well, when there is a spark, sometimes it grows into a flame,” Amelia replied forcing a laugh.

“Howdelicious,”Rosamund giggled.

“The Duke and I simply understand what each other wants,” she lied, “and we came to an agreement that would suit us both. He shall have his life. I shall have mine. And we will work together whenever necessary.”

“Well,” Ophelia chortled, “That is slightly less delicious.”

“What I find delicious is that His Grace has invited us all to be with you as you settle in,” Theo piped up. “It is obvious he is a busy man and I think it is most gracious that he allowed us to aid you in taking on your new responsibilities.”

“Yes,” Amelia said readily, hoping to change the topic, “That is indeed most welcome. My mother prepared me extensively for taking on the responsibility of a house, but I hear my husband’s estate is far more vast than most. Come, give me any advice you can.”

As the carriage rolled toward Ellsworth, Amelia pushed her mind to not wander toward her new husband, but her friends’ suggestions; thankfully eating up the time it took to get there. When they arrived, she noted that Dominic’s carriage was already heading toward the stables, with him nowhere to be found on the large expanse of marble steps that led to the main entrance.

CHAPTERFOUR

The estate, she discovered, was indeed quite monstrous as she stood before it; appearing almost church-like in its design of multiple steepled roofs, dark grey stone, and curved archways that held several dark wood double doors. She tried, for a moment, to count the windows, but lost track after thirty.

“My, what a house,” Rose sighed, looking up at it.

“So easy to get lost in, I am sure,” Ophelia stated, fanning her skyward tipped face.

“We will help you learn it,” Theo said supportively, looping her arm through Amelia’s.

Amelia gave her an appreciative smile, and together, the four of them made their way up the long steps. Inside they all gasped at the auspiciousness of the foyer; a sweeping, vast room with a cathedral ceiling, dark grey walls, and polished black metal sconces all lining the walls; all of them lit and actively trying to battle the natural darkness of the place.

“This isn’t an estate, this is a castle,” Ophelia joked.

“A rather dreary one at that,” Rose muttered, her eyes on the many shadows.

“Do not worry,” Theo whispered in Amelia’s ear as she suddenly felt overwhelmed. “We shall brighten it up if that is what you wish.”

Amelia tried to smile, but a grimace was all she could muster. For the first time, she started to wonder if accepting Dominic’s deal was a mistake.

Before her mind could run too far in that direction, a set of double dark wood doors opened up to their left, and two long lines of servants came marching out in perfect time, forming a half circle around the ladies. Once the half circle was formed, a matronly woman with a kind face, and a small, eager looking young woman stepped out of rank and curtseyed deeply.

“Your Grace,” the young woman greeted, her voice thick with reverence, “It is our sincere honor to welcome you to your new home. My name is Ada, the housekeeper’s speaker, and this Mrs. Morbate, the Ellsworth estate housekeeper.”

“Speaker?” Amelia asked, curious.