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“And you are sure you want to start this now, your Grace?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. I can assure you. I am quite sure,” Rebecca nodded, not giving herself a moment to hesitate.

“Very well then. Shall we get a seat and get started.”

“Oh yes, please. That would be lovely.”

The pair did just that. Rebecca did her best to follow along, but there was so much it was hard not to be overwhelmed. Mrs. Anderson frowned, staring at her.

“Do you need to take a break?” she asked.

“No, I’m all right, I promise. Please, continue.”

“I don’t think it would be wise to overwhelm you.”

“But I need to work at this,” she said too fast. “I need to be the best duchess possible.”

“Why are you so set on this? I do not mind looking after much of the estate. You don’t need to push yourself.”

“I appreciate that, I really do, but you don’t understand. I have to,” Rebecca couldn’t help the edge of desperation that crept into her voice, mind still locked on her family.

“But why?”

She looked away, eyes burning. “My father has made it clear that I don’t have a choice. I can’t risk Duke Danton growing disappointed with me either.”

The woman softened. “I’m sure you don’t need to worry about that. Just do your best, but you don’t need to push yourself so hard.”

She shook her head. “I do think. If I work hard enough I know I can get it. Please don’t give up on me.”

“I’m not. Why don’t we go for a little bit longer andthen make plans to continue tomorrow ? Would that work for you?”

She lit up. “You really want to continue to work with me?”

“Yes, dear I am the housekeeper. I wouldn’t be very good at my job if I wasn’t going to help you learn to run the estate.

She lit up. “Thank you so much! I will work hard not to disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you will do just fine.”

They spent a little longer working then Mrs. Anderson stood with a sigh.

“I think that is enough for the day. You did very well.”

“You really think so?”

“I do. Why don’t I meet you here tomorrow at the same time as we started today?”

“That sounds perfect. I’ll be here.”

She nodded andthen made her way from the room.

Rebecca just sat there for a while. She could hardly believe how well that had gone! When she got to her feet, she couldn’t stop smiling.

“I wonder if I can find Duke Danton. I would love to tell him about my progress,” she said to herself as she made her way upstairs.

But no matter where she went, she couldn’t seem to find him. Days went by but she still didn’t see him. He wouldn’t even take his meals with her.

It was hard not to let it sting.