Even though time had changed things, even though he had come into his title and power, Owen had to fight back the feelings of fear and caution. He clung to the door for a minute, already thinking of places where he might hide to avoid his uncle’s temper.
But he was a grown man. He couldn’t take out justice for his younger self. They were both titled gentlemen, and he had promised himself he would let go of the past to build a life of his own.
It had been easy enough up until he saw his uncle again.
There would be no morning ride, after all. A bitter taste sat on Owen’s tongue as his body reacted naturally. Stepping aside, he pushed the door open wider so the tormentor of his youth could stomp down the hall.
CHAPTER9
Georgiana blinked up at the large canopy of the large bed she had been provided the evening before.
Even though she had protested against having the stately room, the housekeeper had reminded her that the bedchamber befitted a duchess. And that was exactly what Georgiana had become.
She blinked again, running through the events of the day before.
Even though marriage might have been inevitable for a young lady of my standing, it is still difficult to comprehend that I’m here. That I’m anywhere but home. Which isn’t even home anymore, is it? This is my new home. How utterly tragic. I think everything has been painted in gray.
Which wasn’t true, and she knew it. But the concept of gray and the shadows around her fit her dreary mood.
She sank deep into the bed in the the hope that she might disappear. Although it was fairly comfortable, especially with such soft sheets, Georgiana hadn’t been able to sleep for more than an hour or so at a time. She couldn’t help it. She kept expecting to rise, leave, and retire to her bed.
“At least it’s soft. A small blessing in all this,” she muttered.
Rolling her head to the side, Georgiana watched the morning light filter through a crack in the curtains. She had retired early last night but not early enough to see the room by daylight. It appeared that the walls were actually covered in a rich green wallpaper with golden accents. The corners and sides were peeling. She spotted a few empty spaces where there should have been framed art hanging. Then she eyed the furniture, spotting a few missed streaks of dust.
Her new husband had been right. This place was practically an untouched museum, since he never seemed to be here. Did he like the somber atmosphere? The moodiness of the interior design, for the home seemed to fit his mood?
“Your Grace!”
Squeaking, she jerked up in surprise.
Mrs. Helen staggered back as well from the door. They stared at each other before the housekeeper collected herself to offer an abashed smile.
“I offer my humblest apologies, Your Grace,” she said. “I hope I did not upset you.”
“No, certainly not.” Never one to lie abed around others, Georgiana pushed back the covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. The cold tiles beneath her feet made her flinch.
The housekeeper tutted. “We must find you slippers. I’m afraid we expected you to have a maid of your own, but I’ll find one of the maids to assist you. Perhaps I can find you some slippers now before I do anything else.”
Except she couldn’t go far with a tray of what smelled like hot chocolate in her arms.
Georgiana stepped forward and ignored the rumbling of her stomach. “Please, do not bother yourself. I’ll dress on my own today, and I can find my own slippers. There will also be more trunks arriving when my maid comes later today,” she explained. “I don’t like being beholden to others for every little matter, when I already know it requires so much of a capable servant such as yourself to manage the house.”
The compliment was a simple one, but it made Mrs. Helen beam with pleasure. “Why, thank you for the recognition, Your Grace. It’s been a delight working here.”
“I can certainly see that. As we discussed yesterday, I’m excited to become involved in the household responsibilities and accounts. I think I’d like to make time to review the books later today if you don’t mind?” Georgiana came forward, taking the tray despite the woman’s blustering excuses. She set it on the nearby table. “Thank you for remembering my preferred drink. I think I would still like to go down to the dining room to nibble on something once I’m dressed. Will anything be laid out on the sideboard?”
“We always have a few items made available, yes,” Mrs. Helen replied. She looked at Georgiana with what nearly seemed like reverence. “I’m afraid the butler has yet to arrive this morning, but the kitchen staff has everything under control.”
“Is something wrong with Wentworth?” Georgiana asked while pouring herself a large cup of hot chocolate.
The housekeeper shook her head. “I believe His Grace invited Wentworth to spend the morning at home. He has a large family—Wentworth, that is, not His Grace. His Grace only has… well, you now.”
“And his cousin.”
Georgiana paused to smell the sweet scent of the hot chocolate, taking a moment that allowed her to see the hesitation on the housekeeper’s face.
Mrs. Helen blinked several times before giving a sharp nod. “Yes, certainly. The Carlisles,” she agreed.