---- about that school," I add, recalling the moment he actually behaved like areal father.


    Mmm, my dear Duke is earning himself an even more eager devouring in our next encounter.


    "Well, little by little, youre molding him, but..." She suddenly goes quiet and subtly signals with her eyes.


    Iunderstand immediately that we need to change the subject.


    The sound of approaching heels confirms it.


    "My Lady, I need to discuss the household staff.


    Have you had any issues with the maids I assigned to you?" I turn to face the housekeeper, who stands before me.


    "No, none at all.


    I simply dont want adys maid," I reply calmly, picking up the fine porcin cup beside me and taking a slow sip of coffee.


    "Do you have someone else in mind? I cai "Mrs.


    Prescott, I appreciate your concern, but if I require assistance, Ill inform you.


    I never had one before, and no one seemed to care then," I say, recalling how things were when I first arrived at this house.


    "Your Ladyship, its not..." "Tm not asking for an exnation, Mrs.


    Prescott.


    Was there anything else?" I cut off her string of justifications, setting the saucer on myp.


    Its obviousshe was the first to scorn Rosse.


    "Well..." she mutters reluctantly.


    ---- Despite the elegance she tries to project, its clear how much it unsettles her to bow her head before me.


    I feel like the servant, and she the Duchess.


    "His Lordship has also instructed me to begin teaching you about the castles management, administration, and ounting books," she informs me, and that actually surprises me.


    I nce subtly at Nana, who meets my gaze for a second.


    Wow, and he doesnt even know about the exquisite ride I gave himst nightotherwise, hed be making me queen of the entire realm.


    "Very well, that sounds good to me." "Its...


    it?s quite aplex administration.


    If you wish, I can continue handling it in your name..." "No, I believe I am perfectly capable of understanding the tasks you perform daily." The tension between us thickens.


    Her hand twists slightly over her skirt, betraying her true emotions.


    Now I understand the root of her veiled hostilityElliot is stripping her of power and handing it over to me.


    "Then we shall proceed as you wish," she responds begrudgingly.


    "Theres also another matter.


    The dressmaker will being to take your measurements for a new gown.


    His Lordship has requested yourpany for an important event." "An important event?" I ask, puzzled, but she has no further details to offer.


    ---- She leaves shortly after.


    "Nana, what do you think it could be? Did you ever hear if Elliot took Rosse...


    well, you know who, to events?" I whisper, leaning closer to her.


    "No, as far as I know, he never showed her off at all.


    It seems everyone in the Duchy knew the Duke despised and humiliated her." Her face wrinkles further, and her words dont sit well with me.


    What is Elliot nning? Will he take me somewhere where everyone will treat me like garbage? I dont think so.


    Im not my sisterIm not weak or submissive.


    I have a feeling things wont be that simple.


    Iwas prepared for anything, excepting face to face with my husbands stunning ex-lover.