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Since he had gotten married, he couldn’t recall the last time the house was so still.

He made his way inside, eyes scanning the halls for some sign of life, but no matter where he looked, there was no one.

It was strange. He hadn’t realized how used to all the sounds and excitement he had gotten.

Finally, he found Mary.

“Mary, where is my wife hiding?” he asked. “I didn’t see her in the sitting room.”

“She went to lie down. She had a small fall earlier and wanted to rest her ankle.

William frowned. “Is she all right? Why wasn’t I called?”

“Her grace said not to disturb you. She said all she needed was some rest.”

“If that's what she asked for, I won’t interrupt her. I can simply talk to her about it at dinner.”

“Of course, would you like me to tell her anything? I was on my way to go see her now.”

He shook his head. “That’s all right. It won’t be long until dinner. I will see her then, but thank you.”

She curtsied and he continued to make his way to his study.

In only a few days, he would get his chance to see Solomon once more. The very thought of what he could say caused a smug satisfaction to settle in his stomach.

He would never allow someone to talk to Rebecca cruelly or mistreat her again.

He would do whatever he could, whatever it took to protect her and her happiness.

Less than an hour later, a footman came to the door.

“Dinner is about to be served, your grace,” the man said. “Would you like to come to the dining room or would you prefer to take your meal here this evening?”

“Why would I take my dinner in my study? I always eat with my wife?” he asked with a frown.

“Forgive me. I thought someone had told you already, but the Duchess of Danton isn’t feeling well and will be taking her meal in her room.”

“I thought she was doing all right. Now she can’t come down for dinner.” He got to his feet. “I need to go see her.”

The footman hesitated. “She said she needed some rest and told us to let you know you should enjoy your meal without her.”

“And I will, as soon as I check on her. You can have it set up somewhere in the mean time. I won’t be long.”

He didn’t wait to be told twice, pushing past him and making his way down the hall.

It didn’t take him long before he was stopping outside her door. He raised a hand and gave a quick knock.

“I hear you wouldn’t be joining me for dinner, so I wanted to check on you.”

There was a moment of silence from the other side of the door. “I’m all right. Thank you for your concern.”

He frowned. “Do you need anything. What happened?”

“I’m fine. I just need some rest.”

William hesitated. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“Of course.”