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“Because it won’t be long until she does something to show you her true colors.”

“You have certainly given me plenty of chances to see yours.”

“And I look forward to the chance to see your own. I wonder if you’re anything like the man I have heard you are. If so I’m sure you will know just how to handle her when you finally see the truth.”

William’s face darkened. “Are you implying that I would lay a hand on my wife?”

“I am simply stating that I think you are the kind of person who can do what needs to be done.”

He grabbed Rebecca’s hand and started to pull her away. “Come, Rebecca. There’s no reason for us to stand here and take this kind of treatment.”

“But-” she started to protest. Then she met her father’s eyes and she fell silent. Her spine stiffened. “You’re right. Let’s go home.”

As they walk, Rebecca is filled with gratitude.

“Are you all right?” William asked as they got back in the carriage.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“For what?”

“Standing up for me like that.”

William shook his head. “There is no need to thank me. It was nothing.”

“Not to me it isn’t. I don’t think anyone has ever stood up for me like that.”

He turned to her, a complicated expression on his face. “I don’t want it to feel special. As long as I’m around, I will never let anyone speak to you like that again.”

Rebecca’s breath caught in her throat, eyes burning for countless wounds she had never given herself a moment to feel before. Her mouth opened and closed, trying to find her words. “Thank you,” she finally said. “I don’t think there are words for me to tell you just how much that means to hear.”

He looked away. “I might not understand it, but I am happy I could give it to you. I hope in time you come to accept that it is the bare minimum you deserve.”

“I don’t. I hope I never get used to it or I risk taking it all for graned.”

“I don’t know if anything would make me happier than seeing you take for granted that you deserve to be treated with basic respect.”

Rebecca was too stunned to speak. Her lips move but she couldn’t get a single word out. After all, what could she say to something like that?

“I just don’t understand what I ever did to deserve this,” she whispered more to herself than hum.

“You are a kind person, Rebecca.”

“You can’t know that. We hardly know each other. I just haven’t had time to show you the truth of my heart,” she whispered, shaking her head.

He fell silent for a moment, before he said. “You’re right. We haven’t spent enough time together for me to witness your the truth of your heart, but it isn’t just my thoughts I’m pulling from to see this.”

“Then how?”

“I know many dukes probably wouldn’t put much stock into the words of their servants, but personally, I do. Especially given that I spend so much time at home, I take great care to get theirthoughts on relevant matters. Every one of them had something nice to say about you, about how kind you are. You deserve this and far far more than I am capable of giving.”

She shook her head. “You’re wrong. You’re giving me far too much credit.”

“Not from where I’m sitting. Just look at the kindness and compassion you have shown me. How many other people would have done that? Even though you never chose this, never chose me, you have never held it against me.”

“How could I? You asked for my hand, you gave me a place to stay. You wanted me around when no one else did. When I came to live with you, for the first time in my life, I felt wanted, welcome, safe.”

“That’s because you are.” Then he hesitated. “May I?”