Page 31 of To Steal a Duchess

Eloise pulled back, laughing along. “Oh, I do not.”

“You do indeed!”

“It must be the open sea air I am blessed to be surrounded by.” Eloise beckoned Nancy to sit, and she took her own chair back. “Honestly, I know this will not last, being out here in Kent’s stunning coastal surroundings, but I do know I will likely have to return to London at some point. I am making the most of it.”

“And one cannot blame you.” Nancy beamed at her, her chair adjacent to Eloise’s. “It is truly wonderful to see you. How are you? Tell me everything.”

“Well…” Eloise paused, wondering how to explain her marriage so far.

She was saved from answering by Pickle bounding into the parlor on the heels of Mrs. Hale, who carefully carried a silver stand filled with small cakes, sandwiches, and scones. The housekeeper only just veered out of the way of the excited puppy, giving him a fond smile as she set the tea refreshments down.

“Will there be anything else, Your Grace?” Mrs. Hale asked.

“That will be all, thank you,” Eloise answered, and the housekeeper ducked out of the parlor with a curtsy.

“You…” Nancy began, her head tilting in confusion. “Or His Grace has a hound?”

“He is mine.” Eloise leaned down to pet Pickle behind his ears. “I found him several days ago, and took a claim to him. His name is Pickle, and he is most friendly. See?”

Pickle’s head was angled upward, letting Eloise scratch under his chin, and his tongue lolled. Nancy clapped her hands in delight, beckoning Pickle with a call of his name and a wave of her hand. The puppy ambled over to her, hunching at her feet, waiting for more affection.

Nancy petted him fondly, smiling down.

“He is positively lovely,” she sighed happily. “But while I see you have companionship, I cannot help but miss you.”

“I miss you terribly,” Eloise admitted, exhaling, as she sank back into her chair. “It has been… quiet here, I must admit.”

Nancy nodded, her fingers still affectionately scratching Pickle. “Does His Grace treat you well? Does he speak with you often?”

At that, Eloise paused. “He… he has been rather busy. He is here today, and he has been notified of your arrival. He ordered a guest room to be made up for you, so I do not think he has any opposition to your visit.” At that, she paused. “You will stay for a few days, will you not?”

“I cannot think of anything better.” Nancy gave her a soft laugh. “London bores me when you are not there at my side, so to get away for even a brief time is wonderful. Though…” She reached for a teacup, pouring herself a drink.

“Though?”

“Though, I would like to converse with your husband again.”

“Oh, Nancy, I know why,” Eloise groaned. “You wish to interrogate him.”

Nancy pursed her lips. “I merely wish to know my friend is being treated well.”

“I am.” She tried to keep the defensive tone from her voice. She smoothed down her skirts. “He treats me well. It is just… a distant, convenient marriage, and I expected no more. Even something as small as dining together feels like a hope I cannot expect to be fulfilled.”

“You still have not dined together?” Nancy asked, raising her brows.

“Not yet,” Eloise answered, glancing at Pickle.

“Not a single breakfast shared?”

“No.”

“Oh, Eloise,” Nancy sighed as she put a hand over her face.

Eloise waved the pity away. “I do not require your sympathy. It would be nice to eat with the duke, but it is not necessary. I now have Pickle, and I have plenty of books.” She reached for her travel book. “Here, see? His Grace took me to Oldcliff’s coastal village, and we met a man who travels extraordinarily far. He writes about them in several volumes of books, but I now have this one.”

“Oh?” Nancy leaned forward, interested in the book on the arm of Eloise’s chair. “Do let me see.”

Without hesitation, Eloise handed it over, unable to prevent the smile on her face.