Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,6

to find a way to live with it. That would be much easier if he weren’t standing directly behind her, a reminder that he was out of reach both physically and emotionally.

Yet she couldn’t dismiss his good qualities. Perhaps she needed to shift her focus to those to release her disappointment and accept him for who he was.

The faint scent of his soap along with the smell of the outdoors reached her nose. He always smelled good. That was one more thing she liked about him. For today, that would be enough. She’d think of a different attribute tomorrow.

She heaved a sigh, well aware that despite her vow to stop her efforts to gain his affection, she wasn’t ready to give up. The memory of the little girl and older woman waving at him from the window stole into her thoughts, and she wondered once again who they were.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Lillian asked.

Eleanor blinked, realizing too late that she’d been so immersed in her thoughts she’d lost track of the conversation.

Lillian’s gaze shifted from her to Douglas, looking expectantly at them both.

Eleanor turned to look up at him over her shoulder with the hope he’d answer on their behalf to whatever Lillian had asked.

He met her gaze and raised a brow, suggesting he’d defer to whatever her preference was. The silence stretched longer by the moment.

“Of course not.” Eleanor looked back to smile at Lillian, hoping she’d answered correctly.

“Wonderful. With so many guests, the house will be full to the brim. The two of you sharing a chamber will help.”

Eleanor’s stomach dropped. Share a chamber? With Douglas? For several days? Oh dear. So much for hardly having to see her husband during the party. But maybe, just maybe, this was the opportunity they needed.

~*~

Douglas followed Burbridge into his study later that afternoon, looking forward to continuing their discussion on advances in farming. He didn’t want a poor harvest to ruin all he’d worked toward. Any opportunity to improve land management and the crops they produced was welcome. It would benefit his tenants as well as the duchy.

“My father was a proponent of innovations when possible.” Burbridge pointed to two books on the corner of his desk. “I’m certain you’ve already read these?”

Douglas stepped closer to read the titles. “The Farmer’s Guide to Scientific and Practical Agriculture. Indeed. I thought many of the ideas interesting, including feeding cattle turnips and the different ways to fatten swine in the winter. However, my grandfather disagreed with much of the author’s advice.”

Burbridge chuckled. “So often our elders are reluctant to try anything new, aren’t they? But we’ve had measurable success with some of the advice.”

“We?”

“It’s not as if I do everything myself. I have trust in my steward and many of the tenants.”

Douglas preferred to do as much himself as possible. But of late, he had to admit the list of tasks was overwhelming. “I’m surprised you’re taking time away from your duties to host the house party.”

“It was Lillian’s idea, of course. But stepping away for a short period can often provide objectivity.”

“Hmm.” Douglas didn’t have time for that. Especially now that he had the funds to make repairs and improvements.

“I tend to agree with most everything my wife suggests.” Burbridge grinned.

Douglas didn’t return the smile. How could he when he didn’t understand his comment?

“Come now, Rothbury. Though you’re newly married, I’m sure you’ve already realized the wisdom of agreeing with your bride. Keeping our wives happy is our responsibility.”

Safe, yes. But happy? Douglas hadn’t considered that before. Nor was he certain that making Eleanor happy was within his power. She’d seemed displeased with his choice to ride to Burbridge’s estate, but he’d wanted the chance to gain a better understanding of the land and holdings. Staring out the coach window would’ve made that difficult. At least one with her in it. Now he wondered if he should have explained that to her.

“I can see by the look on your face that you might need more practice.” Burbridge chuckled. “A house party is the perfect time to do that.”

Based on the chilly looks he’d received from Eleanor since their arrival, he had his doubts. Were those only because he had ridden here, or was she growing weary of their marriage? Or rather, of him? How odd to realize he didn’t like to think any of that was true. Since when did it matter what Eleanor thought of him?

“Knowing my wife, many of the activities will be centered on Christmas and mistletoe