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Eventually, Mrs. Hardwick appeared at the door. Diana rose, smoothing her skirts. “If you both will pardon me, I must speak with Mrs. Hardwick about this evening’s menu. I shall return momentarily.” With a courteous nod of her head, she exited the room, the gentle swish of her gown lingering in the silence behind her.

Chapter Seven

Victor waited until the door clicked shut before turning to Gilbert, his eyebrows raised. “You do realize,” he said carefully “that your wife is not a ghost, do you not?”

Gilbert stiffened. “I fail to see your meaning, Camburn.”

Victor took a step closer, clasping his hands behind his back. “You are about as welcoming as a locked door, Rivenhall. The poor lady attempts to engage you at every opportunity, yet you continuously give her clipped responses. Even I can sense the rejection in that.”

Gilbert’s jaw tightened. “I have responsibilities, Camburn. This estate, these matters, they do not manage themselves.”

Victor tilted his head, his tone mild. “And does not an attractive young bride demand some level of your attention?

Gilbert did not answer immediately. He drew a measured breath and forced his tone to remain low and firm. “You know very well why I chose this course. It was never meant to be anything more than a means to an end.”

Victor’s eyes narrowed in amused disbelief. “I must note, however, that your duchess does not seem to be resigned to existing as a mere fixture.”

Gilbert allowed himself a quiet exhale. He found he could not meet Victor’s inquisitive gaze, so he eyed the vacant chair Diana had occupied.

“That is precisely why I must be cautious,” he said finally. “I have no desire to stir emotions that would ultimately prove to be…unhelpful.”

“Unhelpful, indeed.” Victor let out a short, knowing laugh. He paced a few steps, tapping a finger idly on the mantel. “Tell me, Rivenhall, do you think you can maintain this stoic posture indefinitely? The lady is your wife. She is here, in your home, willing to speak, to meet your eye, to share more than mere pleasantries. If I were you, I would be more than willing.”

Gilbert’s shoulders tightened, annoyed with Victor’s implication. “I will do what I must,” he said flatly, “just as I have always done.”

Victor smiled thinly, glancing at the door through which Diana had departed. “Yes, I am certain you will. Though I suspect it will not be quite the victory you imagine.”

Gilbert refused to reply to Victor’s barbed remark. He would manage this as he managed everything else—by maintaining order, distance, and control. It was the only way he knew.

Diana reentered the parlor with a composed smile, though she paused upon sensing the charged atmosphere between the two gentlemen. She glanced at Gilbert, then at Victor, searching their faces for some sign of what had transpired in her absence.

Victor broke the silence first, clearing his throat and addressing her in warm, polite tones. “Your Grace,” he said, “I came today wishing to inquire if your husband had any fresh news of Lord Leopold. It appears there is nothing new to report. However, it has been a pleasure to meet you and see how well you are settling into your new home.”

Diana smiled. “You are very kind, my lord,” she said gently.

Victor cast Gilbert a deliberate look. “I merely wished to ensure that all matters were proceeding as they should. I am pleased to see that you are quite…determined in your new role, Your Grace. If I may say so, you are making an admirable attempt under difficult circumstances.”

Diana’s cheeks warmed at his praise, though she sensed a subtle tension in his words. “Thank you, Lord Camburn.”

Victor offered a slight bow. “I shall now take my leave, and allow you both to enjoy your afternoon.” He addressed Gilbert with a formal nod. “Rivenhall.”

Gilbert returned a stiff nod, saying nothing. Victor departed, the sound of his footsteps fading, leaving husband and wife alone beneath the watchful eyes of ancestral portraits.

Diana drew a slow breath, turning to face Gilbert. “Your Grace,” she began, her voice quiet but firm. “I must ask. Why do you insist upon this…this distance between us? Have I offended you in some manner?”

Gilbert lifted his chin and raised an eyebrow Although he tried to keep his expression composed, her boldness lit a slow burn under his skin.

“Offended me?” He queried as though puzzled by her question. “I am not certain what you mean, Your Grace. I have been nothing but polite.”

She pressed her lips together and clasped her hands before her. “Indeed, quite polite. You avoid me at every turn. You excuse yourself abruptly, you are curt, and you barely look at me unless pressed. Have I done something to displease you?”

He stepped away, moving toward the window as though admiring the landscape. His heart ticked faster than he would ever admit.

“I do not believe I have given cause for such accusations. If my days have been occupied by more pressing matters, that is hardly a personal slight. Surely you understand that I cannot wholly devote my attention to household chatter or pleasantries.”

Diana blinked. “Household chatter? I only wished to assist with matters regarding the estate, as I am now your duchess.”

Gilbert turned, a calm expression smoothing over his features despite the ache he felt each time he looked at her.