“I saw what I saw.” The maid left it at that, slicing oranges.
Alice furrowed her brow in confusion as she brought out the porcelain plates and cups to the dining table.
What did she mean, the way he looked at me? She must have confused his excitement about his business dealings with some kind of attraction.
She continued with her morning routine, and a little while later, she heard her brother stomp down the stairs, his heavy footfalls reverberating through the stairs above her. She quickly pulled her apron off and sighed.
Here we go.
She started her morning the same way she always did—greeting her brother and pouring his tea, not forgetting the milk or sugar this time.
“Well done. You have finally managed to make my tea correctly.” Richard sipped his tea, smirking. “How is that quest for a proposal from the Earl coming along?”
“Why do you insist on chastising me on such subjects?” she snapped.
“What was that?”
Alice bowed her head. “Apologies, My Lord. It is going well. Everything will be in order.”
“You are excused to go do your chores.” Richard narrowed his gaze, annoyed with her sudden attitude.
She nodded quickly before exiting the room, avoiding any more of his beratement.
She made her way to the kitchen and put her apron back on when she heard the chime of the front doorbell.
“Alice!” Richard shouted nonchalantly from the dining room.
She rolled her eyes, before smoothing her skirt and making her way to the door.
We can perfectly afford to hire a butler, but no… Richard will not spend a penny if he can help it!
When she opened the door, her jaw dropped.
There, standing on her doorstep, was the Duke, looking as handsome as ever. His dark hair was peeking out from under his top hat. The black suit he wore emphasized the brightness of his eyes, and she felt them boring into her as she attempted to pull herself from her state of shock.
“Miss Snow.” He bowed his head, and she quickly gave him a low curtsy.
“I—um…” She had never been caught so off-guard. She smoothed her apron, utterly embarrassed. “What can I do for you, Your Grace?”
She watched as his eyes raked down her body, and she wished that she was dressed properly for company. His eyes stopped at her hips and then shot back up, refocusing his attention. “I wanted to apologize for my ungentlemanly manner yesterday evening. I want our arrangement to work, and?—”
“Sister, who on God’s green Earth are you gossiping with at the door?” Alice felt her throat tighten as Richard approached. “The Duke of Grafton! What a surprise! Come in, please. Alice, my dear sister, why did you not invite the gentleman inside?” He shot her a look, hinting at some hidden upset at her actions.
She furrowed her brow slightly, confused.
Dear sister? Since when have I been dear to him?
She went to reach for the Duke’s coat, as she always did with Richard, when he stopped her, placing his chilly hand on hers. “Nonsense, Sister. Where is Grace? She must take the Duke’s hat and coat.”
Alice was unsure why her brother was acting so strangely, but Grace scurried in before she could even begin to think about it, taking the Duke’s belongings to the cloakroom.
“Would you like me to bring you some tea?” Alice asked quietly.
“Alice, you do not need to serve us. What are you? A servant? Go about your morning.”
She gave Rowan a small smile before curtsying and leaving the men to head into the sitting room. She met her maid in the hallway, giving her a look of confusion.
“He surely does not want someone of his status to see him treat you the way he usually does, Miss. I would not think much of it,” Grace whispered. “Tread lightly, though. He may have a temper once His Grace departs.”
