Nancy jumped at the sound of her husband’s voice behind her, craning her neck to see him staring out the window.
“Make sure it is caught this time and removed appropriately. I do not want that pest on my property,” the Duke instructed a servant close by.
“What? No!” Nancy panicked, whirling around to face him. “Please don’t get rid of him.”
“What?”
“I would like to keep him as a pet.”
The Duke’s expression darkened. “Absolutely not.”
Nancy huffed, unwilling to relent.
She had always loved animals, and her fondness for them was encouraged by the many friendly dogs her father had owned during her childhood. There was truly no better companion than a furry critter with a sense of loyalty.
And right now, she could use a companion.
“Please, Your Grace,” she insisted. “He’s harmless. Rather than tossing him aside for being born, we could put him to good use. I am no longer with my family. A companion would be nice, and that little dog would make a fine one.”
“I would really much rather shoot myself in the foot than live in the same vicinity as that creature,” the Duke said blankly.
“That is not only dramatic but also very unnecessary. Far too much fuss for a simple creature that just desires food, a home, and affection. All of which I can provide. You do not need to interfere in its care. I will be responsible for it, wholly,” she persisted, noticing with a thrum of satisfaction that he seemed to be entertaining the idea. So, she doubled down, blinking up at him pitifully. “Please, Your Grace.”
The Duke exhaled harshly through his nose, tearing his gaze away from hers in a bid to distract himself with the running animal on his property—which had thankfully been caught.
“All right. You may keep him as a companion—on the single condition that the beast is kept far away from me atalltimes.”
“Thank you! I promise, we will not bother you at all,” she beamed at him, trying to cover her disdain.
There was a flicker in the Duke’s eyes as they roamed over her face. For a moment, his gaze rested on her lips, and his pupils dilated, which sent a shiver down Nancy’s spine.
“You had better not,” he suddenly replied, his face contorting back to his usual scowl.
Why is he acting like this over such a small creature? People who do not like animals are not trustworthy,she thought.
Before she could reply, the butler arrived in the breakfast hall.
“We have captured the puppy, Your Grace. What shall we do with it?” he asked.
The Duke jerked his head in Nancy’s direction, and she noticed that he was still considering whether to get rid of the dog.
So, she repeated the words in the sweetest possible tone, “Please, Your Grace.”
The butler seemed surprised to hear that, glancing at the Duke subtly to ensure that he was fine with it.
The Duke shrugged. “Take the Duchess to see the beast. She may do whatever she pleases with it,” he stated simply.
Ernest nodded. “Right away, Your Grace.”
Before Nancy excitedly followed the butler out into the foyer, she cast a final, thankful glance towards her husband, but their eyes did not meet; the Duke had turned his attention to the morning papers.
She frowned.
When they arrived at the foyer, Nancy saw the servant that was carrying the puppy in his arms. He swiftly released it, and the adorable creature immediately ran towards her, its tail wagging excitedly.
“Aren’t you absolutely adorable?” she cooed sweetly, running her fingers delicately over its soft fur.
The dog barked happily, and her heart nearly burst right there and then as it gazed up at her, its caramel brown eyes playfully glistening.
