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CHAPTER 12

Jane remained in the manor for another half an hour or so, and by the time she left in her carriage, Alicia was satisfied that she looked much better, the ghostly pallor to her skin having faded.

But now that Alicia was alone, her thoughts were muddled and uncertain.

She was plagued by images of the Duke in the woods, his strong hands maneuvering her body against her will, his hot breath against her cheek.

Why did I not push him away?

Not only had her mind betrayed her, but her body also did, the first with that flush of desire and the second with disturbing thoughts about watching their children playing on the lawn.

Alicia was more determined than ever to enact her plan. Katie and Bridget had made some excellent suggestions, and she was going to put them into practice as soon as she could.

But as she reentered the manor, she noticed the housekeeper hovering at the entrance hall.

She was a woman in her early fifties, elegant and tall, with beautiful, glossy, dark hair. Her eyes were gray, although they were sharp and assessing as Alicia approached her.

“Mrs. Timmons, is it time for the tour already? I apologize if I kept you waiting. My sister did not feel well and needed to rest.”

“I am sorry to hear that, Your Grace. Is now a convenient time to show you your new home?”

“Now is a perfect time. I am most grateful to you.”

The housekeeper preceded her down the corridor. She wore a smart uniform of deep blue, fastened down the front with shining brass buttons. A set of keys hung from a belt at her waist, reminding Alicia just how vast the manor was.

As Alicia was already familiar with the entrance hall and the drawing room, the housekeeper took her to the morning room, dining room, and music room.

Alicia’s favorite was undoubtedly the music room. A small but compact space, with light streaming in through the high windows.

A pianoforte occupied the center, and the shelves lining the walls were overflowing with sheet music for her to play.

Having tried the violin and the piano, Alicia would not say she was proficient at either, but the room inspired her to resume practicing.

Mrs. Timmons was matter-of-fact and brisk in her manner, and Alicia was unsure whether the woman disliked her or treated everyone the same way. Maids darted out of her path as they passed through the rooms, and she seemed to inspire fear wherever she went.

Alicia was finding it rather disconcerting, until it occurred to her that perhaps it was not Mrs. Timmons they were afraid of—but their new Duchess.

The final room they entered was the boudoir behind her bedchamber—somewhere Alicia had not yet examined in detail.

A magnificent golden screen was in the corner, and the decorations were all light yellows and golds, giving it a warm, welcoming air that her darker bedroom did not possess.

She was pleased to see that there was plenty of space for her to begin her plans for the day.

She turned to Mrs. Timmons to find her checking her watch, as though she had somewhere else to be.

“I wonder, Mrs. Timmons, are there any fabrics that I might use?”

Mrs. Timmons raised her eyebrows, looking surprised, but immediately schooled her features into a professional mask. “Yes, Your Grace. There are some fabrics in the embroidery room that can be brought to you, as well as some muslin and silks in storage. If you like, I can ask the seamstress to attend you.”

“Thank you, but I will be using them for my own purposes. I would not need anything too fine. The dresses that were sewn for me are very beautiful. Thank you for having them put in my wardrobe before my arrival.”

Mrs. Timmons’ stiff expression did not change, but her shoulders lowered a fraction. “You are most welcome, Your Grace. I shall have the fabrics brought to you shortly.”

“I am grateful, and I appreciate you taking the time to give me the tour.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

The housekeeper took her leave, but not without a backward glance at her. She undoubtedly thought Alicia very strange forrequesting fabrics and no seamstress, particularly ones that were not all that fine.