Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
T he grand entrance of Kingswell Hall was as imposing as it was beautiful. Eloise stood in its center, taking in the sweeping staircase, the stately portraits lining the walls, and the elegant furnishings that filled the vast space.
She felt a mix of awe and trepidation; she had married into this life out of necessity, and the weight of her new role as duchess felt both exhilarating and daunting.
Mrs. Thorpe stood nearby with a polite and reserved expression, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Beside her stood the head butler, his face an impenetrable mask as he waited for instructions. Now that she had moved into the manor, they had both seemed to lose their friendly demeanors.
I surely must be imagining it, or perhaps it is because Felix is no longer present.
“Your Grace,” Mrs. Thorpe began, her tone polite but cool. “You must be tired after your journey. Shall I have a room prepared for you to rest?”
Eloise caught the emphasis on a room and understood immediately: she was subtly being relegated to the status of an outsider in her own home. It was an indirect implication that her presence was temporary, as though she was merely a guest, and she idly wondered if Felix had brought other ladies to his home in the past.
But I am the only one he married.
She squared her shoulders, determined not to let her confidence falter.
“Thank you, Mrs. Thorpe,” Eloise replied, her tone calm but firm. “But as the duchess of this manor, I would first prefer to see how the household is managed. I assume you have a weekly schedule for the staff?”
Mrs. Thorpe exchanged a glance with the butler before replying, “We do, Your Grace, though I am certain that it contains more detail than you will require. We have managed matters quite well on our own for many years.”
It was a subtle challenge. Eloise noted the edge in the housekeeper’s words but gave a slight, gracious smile.
“I appreciate your experience, Mrs. Thorpe,” she said, keeping her voice warm. “And I have no doubt that you have done a wonderful job thus far.” She raised her hands to indicate the house. “Just seeing the entrance is proof enough of that. However, as the new duchess, it is important that I understand every detail of the workings of Kingswell Hall. I am sure that you can understand my desire to be involved.”
It was the second time she had mentioned her new position. It still felt so strange to her, but she knew it would remind Mrs. Thorpe of their respective roles. She knew she had to show her strength early, or she would never get another opportunity.
The housekeeper hesitated, her polite facade faltering as she nodded. “Very well, Your Grace. The household ledger is kept in the study. I will have it brought to you.”
“Thank you,” Eloise replied with a smile. “I will be certain to review it this evening.”
To her surprise, the butler stepped in, clearing his throat delicately. “Your Grace, if I may,” he said with a slight bow, his tone smooth but faintly condescending, “the affairs of the estate are often quite… intricate. Perhaps His Grace would prefer to manage such things on his own as he always has.”
Eloise felt a flicker of irritation but kept her expression composed. “Thank you for your concern, but I am quite capable of handling intricacies .” She offered him a placid smile. “I shall begin by reviewing the current accounts. I trust they are in order?”
There was a brief, uncomfortable silence before Mrs. Thorpe finally nodded. “Yes, of course, Your Grace.”
Their resistance was subtle, but there was most definitely a barrier, and they were unwilling to relinquish control. She would not let them arrive at the conclusion that she was dim-witted, weak, or incapable. Perhaps, in this way, she would be able to repay Felix in some small measure for what he had done for her family.
“Excellent,” she said. “And while we are discussing household matters, I have already observed a few things that could be organized more efficiently. For instance, the gardens would benefit from rotating the flower beds according to the sunlight. And I am certain I saw a number of staff taking a break at the same time. Perhaps a re-evaluation of their schedule is in order.”
Mrs. Thorpe’s face betrayed a flash of surprise, and Eloise continued, her confidence growing as she perceived the housekeeper’s reaction.
“Mrs. Thorpe, I shall draft a proposal for any suggested changes. Naturally, I respect your longstanding work at Kingswell and welcome your guidance as I familiarize myself with the manor’s routines. However, as duchess, I am eager to make sure everything runs at its best.”
The butler’s posture stiffened, but Mrs. Thorpe finally softened, giving a reluctant nod. “Very well, Your Grace. I… had not expected you to take such an interest.”
“Then I suppose we will all be adjusting to new expectations,” Eloise replied.
Mrs. Thorpe’s expression shifted, a faint respect surfacing in her eyes. “Indeed, Your Grace. I will see to it that the accounts and schedules are made available for your review.”
“Thank you.” Eloise inclined her head, hiding her relief behind a composed smile.
She still had to win over the butler and no doubt several of the lower staff, but for now, she was content. It was a small victory, but it felt significant.
“Perhaps now might be a good time to show me my room,” she said.
Eloise settled into her role as duchess relatively quickly, and within the first few weeks of being at Kingswell Hall, she had garnered the respect of the staff.
Her practical nature, combined with her willingness to listen and take action, made her more than just a figurehead, and she and the housekeeper had become tentative friends.
The staff no longer whispered behind her back about the new duchess and her somewhat rapid arrival. Instead, they sought her out for advice, guidance, and decisions during Felix’s frequent absences.
“Good afternoon,” she said as she walked down the stairs one day to find Felix in the hall standing over the small table upon which the butler often left the mail.
Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. Their once flirtatious relationship had become stifled and formal, but even now, the sight of him set her heart to beating and her mind racing.
She was still attracted to him. No, she had become more attracted to him now than ever. Though he had distanced himself, her body had not abandoned its longing, and seeing him standing there set a flame alight within her. His breeches were taut against his thighs, and his eyes held that glint of mischief she had come to crave.
“Afternoon,” Felix replied, rifling through the envelopes and not looking up at her.
Eloise had learned to hide her twinge of pain whenever he responded with blatant indifference. She looked him up and down, biting her lip as she reached the bottom stair. She may have hidden her desires for him, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
She sauntered over to him, unable to resist, and stood so close behind him that she knew he would be able to feel her breath on the back of his neck. She felt his body tense at her closeness.
“You know, Your Grace,” she said in a teasing whisper, “I cannot help but wonder what it would take to distract you from your mail. Surely there are more interesting things you could think to do with your time… and with your wife?”
“Pardon me?” he asked in a bewildered tone.
Felix hesitated, his body still, and just for a moment, Eloise thought she had finally succeeded, that he was going to give in to his cravings as he had before they were married.
“Why, what I mean to say is that I hear there are all sorts of wifely duties I could be… performing for you, Your Grace. If only someone could teach me how.”
She remained still, inhaling his scent, flashes of their times together running through her mind.
But Felix huffed and moved away, shoving the letters into the inside pocket of his tailcoat.
“I do not know what you are talking about,” he said, moving away from her toward the door. “I am going to meet Percy at the club.”
“Again?” Eloise asked, her hand hovering by her throat.
She wouldn’t admit it to him, but it infuriated her that he always seemed to be out. Perhaps, deep down, some part of her had hoped this would turn into a romantic dream after all, rather than the cold and barren desert of a marriage it currently was.
Felix spun around and looked at her sharply. “I do not question how you spend your days, Eloise, so you should not question how I spend mine. I may see who I wish, when I wish, just as you may. Do not forget our agreement.”
“Of course,” she murmured in feigned understanding. Then she gritted her teeth, remembering what fun they used to have. “I was merely concerned that you were going to pickle yourself in brandy. It is no wonder you have never been able to improve your reputation; you are always too drunk.”
“I would rather be a drunk than a nag,” he said with that old, familiar smirk, and Eloise felt that spark between them. She giggled.
“Be careful what you say, Felix. I am a duchess, now, in case you did not know.”
Reminding him of what had occurred between them brought their conversation to an end as Felix visibly shut down.
“Yes, indeed,” he said quietly. “And it is best that I never forget that.”
With that, Felix left, and Eloise knew she was unlikely to see him again that day.
She sighed in resignation then decided a little fresh air would go her some good. During the previous weeks, Eloise had become well acquainted with the gardens. She had even impressed the gardeners with a knowledge of botany that even she had not realized she possessed.
She stepped around the house and raised her face to the crisp air. Spring was just around the corner, and the flowers were beginning to raise their soft, green arms and their delicate faces to the warming sky. There was a lot to be thankful for, even if Felix had grown cold and unfriendly.
“Afternoon, Your Grace,” a footman said, passing her with a bucket of coal.
He nodded respectfully, and Eloise allowed herself a small smile.
Felix might not want her there, but at least she was beginning to settle into her new life.