Page 113 of The Duke’s Hidden Duchess

“She has better French than she thinks and worse pianoforte.”

“A grave condition.”

“Possibly incurable.”

“And what does she want?”

“She does not know yet.”

Nathaniel nodded.

“Good.”

Selina looked at him.

“You approve of ignorance?”

“I approve of her being allowed enough time to find out.”

For a moment Selina said nothing. Then she smiled.

In the hall behind them, something fell with a crash.

Both turned.

A box had tipped at the foot of the stairs and deposited several books across the floor.

“I told you that one was too heavy,” Georgiana said to the footman.

“I beg your pardon, my lady.”

“No harm done. Leave the large ones. We shall carry them separately.”

She bent to pick up the nearest volume.

Nathaniel made a movement towards her and stopped himself.

Selina noticed.

“So,” she said quietly, “you can be taught.”

“Apparently.”

“It has taken some time.”

“I was a difficult pupil.”

“You remain one.”

Georgiana looked up from the floor.

“If the pair of you have finished standing there admiring your own wisdom, there are books.”

Nathaniel looked at Selina.

“Duty calls.”

“Not duty.”