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Cordelia nodded. “I am a woman of my word.”

Georgie picked at the food on his plate, a frown sprouting into a sour expression. “I do not know if I wish to be a proper gentleman. It’s boring.”

“Well, you shall have to be one when you grow up. So, it is always best that you practice. Shall I tell you the easiest way?” Cordelia offered, there was a strange inflection in her voice that Dorian was not quite sure if he liked. It unnerved him.

Georgie nodded happily and scooted closer to her.

“You see your uncle? You simply must do exactly as he does. Do not worry; I know that he will be quite proud of you. Shall I show you?” Cordelia sat up straighter in her chair, pushing her shoulders back and tilting her head up just a touch to almost appear snobby. “Start here, and then you must arch your brow and gaze down upon all of those around you. Must take small bites, appearing bored and arrogant at every moment.”

Georgie copied her instantly.

Was this truly what she thought of him? It was impossible. “That looks nothing like me.”

Cordelia grinned. “I disagree. Now, move your hands like this, do not say a word, and never look at your plate, of course.”

She was getting very carried away with her gestures. He wanted to think that it was simply to ensure that Georgie did what he was supposed to do, but he was not entirely certain on that front either. If she was attempting to ridicule him, she was on the right path.

“Do you disagree, husband?” Cordelia asked. “If you have something to add, we are all ears.”

What did she seem so happy about? He had every urge to drag her right out of this room and bend her over his knee for such provocative comments. Though, that thought was enough tocalm his nerves a little. He wondered what she might even do in a situation like that. No doubt, the thought had never crossed her mind.

Tempting.

Mary laughed. The sound was short and immediately cut off by her pressing her hand into her mouth to smother any other offensive noises. “Apologies,” she muttered, flicking her eyes at Dorian. “He just… he truly resembled you for a moment, Brother.”

They were attempting to lure him into their little game.

As if he would ever sit here and allow himself to participate in the mockery of himself.

Almost against his will, Dorian’s eyes rolled in the direction of his nephew. His shoulders tensed.

They are right.

This would not stand.

Dorian pushed himself away from the table and dropped his cloth napkin on his plate. He was not very hungry in the first place. Let them think that he was rude all that they wished. It was likely better that way, regardless.

It would be easier for her that way. If she grew fond of him on a real level, she would be crushed when she found out the truth about him.

Cordelia could not come to like the man who killed her father.

Chapter 6

Of all the foolish choices that Cordelia had made in her life, tonight might have been the very worst one.

What were you thinking?

The servants had readied her for bed hours ago, but she could not settle herself. Her newfound friendship with Mary had caused her to let her guard down too much. She should never have allowed herself to become quite so comfortable. It would have been far more intelligent on her end to have kept her focus on the duke. He was, after all, her husband now. There were probably certain duties and obligations that she needed to fulfill for him. He had not mentioned anything to her specifically, but she knew that he was going to come for her. He was a man. The way that he looked at her… he always looked at her like he wanted to eat her.

Heat washed over her skin, warming her against the chill of the room, if only for a moment.

Cordelia had not yet decided if she felt that his attention was good or something that should be avoided.

If for no other reason than the fact that he was a murderer.

There were bound to be repercussions for her behavior. After he had stormed off during dinner, she had asked Mary if that sort of behavior was typical for her brother. She hoped it would have opened up a dialogue about Dorian and his tendencies. If anybody knew the best ways to keep him appeased, it would be his sister. Would it not? But Mary had had very little to say on the matter, heavily implying that she was trying to keep herself out of her brother’s affairs where she could.

Every creak and noise of the house settling in the dark of night had her jumping at shadows.