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“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? Besides, I have been told I am subpar company myself, so even if it is true, I’m afraid you still might be the one with a dull conversation partner.”

He let out a long breath. “Then I suppose it can not hurt to try, but I have one condition.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I want that painting taken down.”

“Of course, she said voice soft. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Right,” he got to his feet. “I’ll see to that, you go dress for dinner.”

“You want to start tonight?” she gasped.

“Why not? I haven’t eaten yet. Have you?”

“Not yet.”

“Then that settles it. I thought you would be happy.”

“I am, but there is a slight problem.”

“What is it?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have anything nicer than this to wear. I’m not sure I own anything nice enough right now.”

He frowned. “Your family didn’t send over any of your dinner dresses?”

“I never took dinner with them.”

“I see. Well, you will just have to get some new gowns. You should go to do some shopping tomorrow.”

“I’m really glad to hear that because earlier today my friend Penelope persuaded me to go to the shops and order a few.”

“That’s good. As a duchess, you should have some nice gowns. As for today, I’m sure what you are wearing is just fine. We can have dinner as we are. Just let me go let the servants know.”

She smiled. “All right. That sounds lovely. Thank you.”

He nodded. “Very good. I’ll be back in just a moment.”

When Rebecca had a moment alone, she let out a shaky breath.

The last hour or so had been such a whirlwind she could hardly believe it. After what felt like far too long, they were finally making progress.

Maybe this would be a turning point for them, but still, Rebecca knew better than to get her hopes up too high.

So why was it so hard not to?

A few moments later, he came back in.

“They will have dinner out shortly. Shall we make our way back to the dining room?”

“What about the painting?”

“I’ve already taken care of it.”

“I’m sorry about that again.”

“I think it would be best to just move past it. Now, dinner?”