Page 35

Alicia stared, amazed by the cakes, scones, and delicate shortbread on display. There was sugar, a choice of cream or milk for the tea, and lemon slices in a tiny matching bowl. Everything was in perfect order and meticulously displayed.

She was aware of Jane’s eyes on her as they sat down, and they both waited until the maid had poured them a cup each and left the room before speaking.

Her sister laughed warmly. “My goodness. I did tell you there were benefits to being married to a duke.”

“This is luxury, indeed,” Alicia muttered. “Papa woulddieat the amount of food here. Do you remember when Lady Larson and her son came to tea? Her face was a picture of disgust at the state of our china. She looked me dead in the eye, as though I had insulted her to her face, and remarked that Papa did notunderstandgood marmalade.”

Jane was grinning now. “Lady Larson is a terrible snob. But it is a good thing you have a sweet tooth,” she said knowingly. “Try not to eat it all at once?”

Alicia reached for the Madeira cake and cut a large slice with her fork before popping it into her mouth with a moan of pleasure.

She closed her eyes, the sponge light and soft on her tongue.

“Mm. You are right. I had no idea marriage could be so dangerous for one’s waistline.”

Jane chuckled as she sipped her tea, abstaining from the cake, having never enjoyed sweet things.

“And howismarried life?” she asked, her green eyes probing as she placed her cup and saucer on her knee.

Alicia’s shoulders tensed at the look in her sister’s eyes.

Jane knew nothing of the plans she had made with Bridget and Katie. Her sister probably thought that the Duke had come to her the night before and consummated their marriage.

What will Jane say if she finds out what I intend to do?

A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the Duke’s proximity in the woods, the press of his body against hers, and the wicked glide of his fingers.

She clenched her thighs together, clearing her throat.

“It is as I expected,” she hazarded, hoping Jane would drop the topic.

“As you expected?”

“Yes.”

“And what did youexpect, exactly?” Jane furrowed her brow, her gaze turning sharp.

It would doubtless make little sense to her loyal sister that Alicia was so calm and composed this morning. Only yesterday, Jane had walked into her bedchamber in this very manor and found her distraught at the prospect of wedding the Duke. Alicia’s apparent calm must seem very odd.

But I cannot tell my sister of my plans; she would never approve.

Alicia loved Jane with all her heart. Her sister would fight for her, no matter the cost. But she was also traditional in her views and would see her marriage to the Duke as unbreakable.

Jane might be saddened that Alicia was trapped in the gilded cage their father had created for her, but what was done was done. If Alicia told her of the ideas she had concocted to repel the Duke, there was no question Jane would try to talk her out of it.

Alicia’s eyes flicked to the cakes on the tray before her, a new idea forming in her mind.

I could discover which is his favorite and instruct the cook to stop making it forthwith!

“Alicia, did you hear me?” Jane asked, sounding concerned now.

Alicia shrugged a shoulder, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It is… It has been an adjustment. But the Duke has not beenunpleasant.The housekeeper is giving me a tour of the manor this afternoon, and hopefully, that will give me an idea about my new duties. I do not believe I have ever seen so many rooms as there are here. I am quite lost.”

Jane nodded, and Alicia blew out a soft breath of relief at the change in topic.

“I can understand that. When David first took me around Riverton House, I thought I would never get my bearings.”

“But you did?” Alicia asked.