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“How lovely you look today,” he said slowly. “The lemon gown becomes you.”
She smiled shyly, almost ducking her head. His blood warmed. So shewasa little embarrassed by what had happened between them last night.
He hesitated. The servants were already in the room delivering the trays of food and would overhear anything that was said between them. He knew that a lot of people ignored the servants entirely, saying anything that was on their mind, even quarrelling in front of them as if they were inanimate pieces of furniture. But it had never been his style, and he did not wish to embarrass Patricia any further by talking of intimate matters in front of the staff.
The time for that would have to come later. When they were alone again.
“How was your morning?” he asked instead as the maid piled his plate with Cook’s signature steak and kidney pie. “I hope Sally did not wake you too soon.”
“Not at all,” she said quickly. “Thank you for being so considerate of me to allow me to lie in a little. Iwasrather tired.” She bit her lip, looking away. The blush had risen over her chest, suffusing her neck and entire face. But then she took a deep breath and gazed back at him. “I have had a productive morning. I met with Mrs. Clark so that I could get the rundown of how the household works. It was most informative.”
Jackson smiled. Patricia was obviously eager to jump straight into her duties. A very good sign that he had chosen a wife who not only pleased him personally but would make a fine duchess as well.
“I am glad,” he said. “Mrs. Clark is very efficient, and I find her pleasant as well. I do not think you shall have any problems with her.” He paused, staring at her intently. “But if you do, please do not hesitate to tell me. Any servant can be replaced, but you cannot. I want you to feel comfortable here, Patricia, and that you feel truly at home.”
“Thank you,” she said slowly, looking touched. “That means the world to me, Jackson.” She paused. “But I do not think I shall have any issues with the servants. They all seem accomplished at their jobs and are polite and courteous to me. Your late father obviously chose them well.”
He nodded, taking a bite of his food. “Most have been with the household for years. They are a tightknit bunch.” He gazed at her steadily. “And I cannot wait to take you to Thornbury Manor. But we shall have to delay that for a little while. I still have pressing matters to attend in London unfortunately.”
“It is no matter,” she said, fixing him with her dazzling smile. “Wherever you are, I shall be happy. And this is a splendid home. I enjoy spending time in London. I am quite satisfied.”
His heart lurched again. How had he managed to find a woman such as her?
His mind drifted again to how she had caressed his scarred cheek. The tenderness within that touch. Her fingers, drifting over his mutilated flesh, healing him in some way.
He nodded, looking down at his plate, for fear that she would see how ardent his feelings were for her already. It was still so very new. Would she panic if she saw how desperately he was already in her thrall?
He had hoped he would find a lady who could look past his scar. But he had found so much more, beyond his wildest expectations.
Had he found love as well? Could it indeed be possible?
