Free Married to the Marquess by Rebecca Connolly Page B

desperate to avoid her husband at the moment. She could not bear the awkwardness that would stem from yesterday’s words. He had been cruel and had hurt her deeply, but she had not been kind either. If she had been more composed, as a duchess always should be, then he would not have reacted so strongly.
    A duchess has no regrets; she never has cause for them .
    Well, it was a good thing that Katherine was not a duchess yet, for she had quite a few regrets, and could not begin to imagine how many of those would have to improve before she ever became one.
    “Good morning, ma’am,” the butler, Harville, said with a fond grin. Of all the servants in the household, he was one that seemed to take special care where Katherine was concerned. Most days, his smile was the only one she received.
    “Good morning, Harville,” she replied with a smile.
    “A bit late getting the day started, are we?” he asked, flirting with the line of propriety for a servant, but Katherine always allowed him a bit of leeway.
    “A bit, I am afraid,” she admitted. “It has been a rather exhausting few days.”
    He nodded soberly. “That it has, ma’am. Is there anything I can do for your ladyship this morning?”
    “I am quite hungry, but I imagine that the marquess already had breakfast cleared,” she said with regret as her stomach growled.
    Harville shook his head slowly. “His lordship was up and about quite early, ma’am, and did not eat. He did leave instructions that we were to hold breakfast for you, if you should wish it.”
    “He did?” Katherine asked in surprise as she rocked back on her heels a little.
    Harville nodded with an odd twinkle in his eye. “Yes, ma’am. Looked rather troubled about something, if I may be so bold.”
    “I daresay he was,” Katherine murmured, her eyes far away. Whitlock probably had many things on his mind, now that he had to stay in town for his reputation. And yet, he had taken the time to ensure that she would have a decent meal this morning, though he would take none.
    Could that have been a sort of apology, or was he simply taking control of the household now that he was here to do so? It was impossible to say, but she would like to think that he was not as unfeeling as he had seemed the day before.
    “When did the marquess return yesterday?” she asked Harville, who was still watching her. “I did not hear him.”
    “He came in just after dark, my lady. Did not take dinner either, as it were. He asked after you, but then he spent the remainder of the evening in his study.” Harville gave an uncharacteristic shrug. “I am afraid I cannot say much more than that.”
    Katherine considered his admission carefully, but opted to not assume anything on the part of her husband. It had been a very trying day for both of them, and one could hardly expect him to be in good spirits after what she had told him.
    Perhaps they could simply avoid each other for the remainder of his stay, and then no more fights would ensue.
    “Shall I call for breakfast for you, ma’am?” Harville asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
    She shook herself and smiled. “Yes, please, Harville. That would be lovely, thank you.”
    He nodded and moved away, then turned back. “Oh, and Lady Beverton called for you yesterday afternoon, and already this morning.”
    “Again?” Katherine asked before she could stop herself.
    Harville nodded once more. “Yes, my lady. I am afraid she is very determined.”
    “So it seems.” Katherine sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. The countess would not give up, it seemed. And she could not, in good conscience, put her off forever.
    A duchess is always gracious, particularly with nobility .
    Her mother’s words in her head made up her mind for her. “Harville, would you please have a note sent over to Lady Beverton and inquire if she might come for tea this afternoon?”
    Harville’s bushy brows shot up, but he nodded. “Yes, of course, my lady.” He bowed and