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“That’s all right. Do you mind terribly if I send someone down to the shop to ask? I’m rather excited to see them.”

“Sure, why not. I don’t see any harm in it.”

Mary lit up. “Thank you! I will send someone to ask about them as soon as I get back down stairs.”

“Very good. Thank you.”

The pair chatted for another few moments, then Rebecca headed off to meet with Mrs. Anderson in their usual parlor.

“Good morning,” she smiled at the older woman as she walked in.

“Good morning, your grace. I see you are on time this morning.”

“I am. Mary made a few changes to our morning routine to get us back on track.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Does that mean you have gotten more used to having someone help you get ready in the mornings?”

“I don’t know if I would go that far, but it was easier than it was yesterday, but it still feels like so much more than I need.”

“You are a duchess. I can assure you, you need it, even if you don’t feel like you do just yet.”

She nodded.

“Did you have a chance to ask Duke Danton about having lunch?” Mrs. Anderson asked, changing the subject.

“I did, and you were right. He said he would be more than happy to have lunch with me. All we have to do is let him know wheen.”

“Then I will ask the cook how soon we can serve your menu and pass that day along to Duke Danton.”

“That’s wonderful! Thank you!”

“There’s no need to thank me. I’m happy to help. Did Mary get a chance to show you yout jewelry?”

“She did. I didn’t look over all of it though. There’s just so much! I can imagine I will ever be able to wear all of it even over my whole life!”

“You will wear more of it than you think, even if you never go out much, dressing for dinner alone can use more than you think.”

Rebecca smiled. “Then I will do what I can to wear it well. Now, what did you have for us to work on today?”

“I would like for us to keep working on menus. I thought we could just have you make a few practice ones if that sounds good to you.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Then let’s get started.”

The pair spent the better part of an afternoon doing just that.

Later that day, Rebecca was back in the library when William entered with a soft knock at the door.

“I was about to go for an afternoon ride,” he said, dressed in his finest riding outfit.

“Of course,” she set her book aside. “I do hope you enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you, I will.”

But he didn’t leave, hesitating in the doorway. Rebecca looked up at him. She was about to say something else when he spoke once again.

“I don’t suppose you would want to join me.”