"Unconventional but eminently practical," he replied with what might have been approval. "Miss Austen would no doubt appreciate the efficiency with which you resolved your circumstances."
"Would she indeed? I am not certain she would find much romance in a union based upon mutual necessity rather than mutual affection."
"Romance, in my experience, is a luxury that few can afford and fewer still can sustain. Mutual respect and shared objectives provide a more reliable foundation for domestic tranquility."
"How very pragmatic of you. Though I confess myself curious whether you have always held such measured views on the subject of matrimonial felicity."
The question seemed to strike him as unexpectedly personal, and she watched as he retreated once again behind the emotional barriers that protected him from unwelcome scrutiny.
"My views on marriage have been shaped by observation rather than experience, and observation suggests that passion is more often destructive than beneficial to domestic harmony."
"Yet surely you cannot deny that affection between spouses enhances the quality of their shared existence?"
"I can deny nothing that I have not experienced myself," he replied with finality that suggested he considered the topic closed.
It was while they were debating the merits of Mr. Johnson's literary criticism that Evangeline became aware of a subtle shift in the atmosphere between them, a growing ease that seemed to develop naturally from their shared intellectual interests. Lucian had gradually relaxed his rigid posture, his responses becoming less guarded and more genuinely engaged, while she found herself studying his face with increasing fascination as animated discussion brought life to features that harsh experience had rendered habitually stern.
There was something deeply appealing about witnessing his transformation from intimidating duke to engaged scholar, and she began to understand how he must have appeared to others, before injury and disillusionment had taught him to conceal his more attractive qualities behind walls of cynicism and self-protection.
"You seem surprised by something," he observed, noting her scrutiny with the sort of sharp attention that missed little. "Have I said something particularly outrageous?"
"Not outrageous, merely illuminating. I am beginning to understand why my father held you in such high regard, beyond the obvious bonds of military service."
"Your father was generous in his assessments of others,sometimes dangerously so."
"Or perhaps he simply possessed the ability to recognise qualities that others might overlook or undervalue."
Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Higgins, who approached with the sort of careful deference that suggested he bore news requiring delicate handling.
"Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but I thought you might wish to know that the young animal in the stables has made considerable progress in its recovery. The stable master reports that it has begun to take solid food with enthusiasm and appears to have regained much of its former vitality."
Evangeline felt a flush of pleasure at this information, though she was careful to maintain a composed expression as she absorbed the implications of the dog's improvement. "That is gratifying news, Higgins. Please convey my appreciation to the stable master for his diligent care."
"Certainly, Your Grace. The animal has also begun to respond to basic training, showing considerable intelligence and eagerness to please. Perhaps Your Grace might wish to observe its progress at some convenient time?"
The suggestion was delivered with such careful neutrality that Evangeline recognized it as Higgins's diplomatic way of acknowledging her interest in the creature's welfare while maintaining appropriate respect for her position and her husband's authority in such matters.
"That would be agreeable, provided His Grace has no objections to such an arrangement."
She glanced at Lucian, noting that his expression had grown carefully neutral at the mention of the rescued animal. "The creature's welfare is hardly a matter requiring my specific attention," he said with studied indifference. "If you find such pastoral pursuits entertaining, you are naturally free to pursue them."
His dismissive tone was clearly intended to minimize his own role in the dog's rescue and recovery, though Evangeline detected something in his manner that suggested he was not as indifferent to the animal's progress as he wished to appear.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I shall endeavour not to allow such pursuits to interfere with my other obligations."
After Higgins departed, an odd silence settled between them, as though the mention of the rescued dog had reminded both of considerations that extended beyond their intellectual discourse. Evangeline found herself wondering what impulse had prompted Lucian's intervention on behalf of the suffering creature, and whether such compassion might extend to other circumstances requiring similar mercy.
"The evening grows late," Lucian observed finally, rising from his chair with the controlled grace that characterized all his movements. "I should not monopolize your time with such extensive conversation."
"The time has been most pleasantly spent," she replied with complete honesty. "I had not anticipated finding such stimulating intellectual companionship in my new circumstances."
"You sound surprised by the possibility that a scarred recluse might possess interests beyond brooding over his misfortunes."
"I am surprised by the discovery that my husband is a man of considerable learning and insight, qualities that might have been mentioned during our negotiations as additional advantages to our arrangement."
Her frank acknowledgment of her growing respect for his intellectual capabilities seemed to both please and discomfort him, as though he were unaccustomed to receiving recognition for qualities other than his title and wealth.
"I trust such discoveries will not prove disappointing uponfurther acquaintance."
