“I insist.” Georgina’s stomach rumbled some more, but she would wait a few more minutes. “I don’t wish to dine alone, and I certainly don’t wish for you to watch me eat if you are to keep me company.”
The footman left the room to find another plate of food, and Bridget made her way across to the table, pulling up another chair. She looked embarrassed to be there and glanced from time to time at the door.
“If the Duke does not like it, then it shall fall on my head, not yours.” Georgina hoped she could follow through on that. “Thank you for staying with me,” she added. “This is all very new to me, and I appreciate the company.”
“I’m at your disposal, Your Grace,” Bridget said.
“I’m not holding you here against your will, am I, Bridget?”
“No, not at all, Your Grace,” Bridget told her.
Georgina smiled and narrowed her eyes at her. “Would you tell me if you did feel that way?”
Bridget looked down at the table. “I… I…”
“I know you wouldn’t,” Georgina finished the sentence for her. “I only hope you’ll be comfortable enough with me to do so, one day.”
Bridget looked up momentarily and offered a small smile. Georgina smiled in return.
They sat in silence until the footman returned with a second plate of food, looking almost exactly like the first. He stood by the table with the plate in hand, hesitating as if it was some sort of test or practical joke, before placing the food before Bridget. He nodded toward Georgina and left.
“This is delicious, don’t you think so, Bridget?”
“Oh, Your Grace, I don’t believe I’ve eaten such a fine meal,” Bridget gushed.
“Wonderful! Please eat so I can, too.”
Without waiting, Georgina picked up her knife and fork and cut into the roast. She took a generous bite, letting the tender meat melt on her tongue, the sharpness of the accompanying jelly cutting through the richness. For a moment, the heaviness she’d carried since arriving at the manor eased. Across the table, the maid seemed equally enchanted with her meal.
Between bites, Georgina asked casually, “Is the Duke a good employer?”
It wasn’t a question she expected an honest answer to, for no servant would speak freely of their master, but she had little else to go on. She barely knew the man she’d married.
“Yes, of course,” Bridget answered without hesitation.
Georgina suppressed a sigh.
Of course.
Still, she pressed, spearing a potato with her fork. “How does he spend his days?”
Bridget’s reply was carefully polite. “I wouldn’t pry into His Grace’s affairs, but he keeps busy with estate matters. He’s fair. The household runs well, and he pays everyone properly.”
Georgina wasn’t sure whether to laugh or groan. The Duke seemed cold and distant most of the time, but when he’d pulled her out of that lake, and when they were alone in the carriage… he’d been different. As though he was hiding a part of himself.
She gave Bridget a faint, playful smile. “Is he always such a grump?”
The maid let out a surprised cough, nearly choking. She quickly covered her mouth and swallowed hard, her eyes widening. She clearly didn’t want to speak ill of the Duke, but was obviously being tempted.
“Some might say,” Bridget offered carefully. “That His Grace can be… stern. But only with those who deserve it.”
What a perfectly safe answer.
Georgina chuckled lightly. “I’m sure there are plenty who deserve it.”
Bridget grinned, relieved by the teasing tone, and returned to her meal.
Georgina let the matter rest. She didn’t want to make the girl uncomfortable, not on her first night here. The staff clearly respected their master, and it was obvious she wouldn’t get much gossip from them.
