She looked back up to see the furrowed brow of her housekeeper.
While Verity appreciated the older woman’s attention and support, she was beginning to fear that she’d been putting permanent lines on the housekeeper’s brow. Everything she did seemed to worry everyone.
Well, almost everyone.
“Thank you. Good night.”
“Good night, Your Grace,” Mrs. Heavensby murmured as Verity took her leave.
Off Verity went to her bedchamber, clinging to the letter all the way. She had her candle with her again. It had been set on a sidetable upon her entry to the library. Usually, she would take it further into the room before she built up the fire and curled up on the chaise.
Tonight, however, Tristan had surprised her in several ways. She had a hard time believing that the jealous, sullen, careful, honest, and frightfully tender man had been one and the same.
What hardships has he encountered? I cannot begin to imagine what his first marriage had been like. What sort of woman would treat another person in such a way? Had Tristan hidden himself away because of her? Or has he always been so private?
Questions crowded her mind as they had the moment he had started talking. The explanation he had given her had been entirely unexpected. She’d forced herself to remain still and silent. How difficult that had been, when all she had wanted to do was embrace him and offer comfort.
“Surely even a duke requires the occasional comfort,” Verity murmured as she closed the door to her bedchamber.
Finally, she could slip into her bed, now warmed and waiting for her, to sleep away the excitement she’d had the previous hours. Her eyes ached at the thought of having to stay open any longer.
“Tomorrow,” she reassured the letter as she set it on her bedside table, next to the candle.
It couldn’t be so important as to warrant a review at this late hour. Verity could control her curiosity. Most likely, it pertained to estate matters. She still had her tenants to care for. Or perhaps someone thought she might appeal to her husband about some business if they shared their story with her.
Helena had warned her she would have to watch out for people who might want to take advantage of her, now that she had power, prestige, and money.
But none of that felt real to Verity.
She settled back into her bed, leaning against her pillows with a heavy sigh. The night felt interminable. However, it would eventually end. She would have to face the daylight. It would be ideal if she got some rest before encountering the sun or her husband again.
From her back she shifted onto her side to face the closed curtains, glimpsing a small gap that only led to further darkness. She squeezed her eyes shut.
How could she be tired but restless?
Onto her other side she turned, only to realize that she had left the candle lit.
Verity opened her eyes and immediately saw the small parcel.
What an unassuming parcel it was. There was no official seal nor mention of a sender. It was bendable, confirming it was only papers. Nothing about it felt familiar or recognizable. Perhaps if she took a peek?—
“No,” she said out loud.
After she blew out the candle, she fell back against her pillows in a huff. Her hands went over her eyes, which stung after the long day she had.
Burrowing further beneath her blankets, Verity promised herself she’d tend to the parcel first thing in the morning. All she required was a few hours of rest.
It felt as though she blinked and daylight appeared.
She squinted, wincing as more light shined on her face.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” her maid sang from the window as she drew the curtains open. “It’s a mite spotty out there, but perhaps we’ll have some warmth after the nasty evening. Your schedule is clear, so I thought you might appreciate some more time to rest this morning.”
Verity sat up and rubbed her eyes. “You didn’t wake me?”
“Not until now, Your Grace.” The maid hesitated. “There isn’t anything on your calendar, is there?”
“If you say there isn’t, then there isn’t.” Verity tried to smile as she scooted to the edge of the bed. “I can hardly tell which way is up. Thank the Lord I have no plans today. I will not be receiving, but I could use a hearty breakfast.”
