Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane #12)(38)

She was suddenly unaccountably angry. How dare he?

“Humor me,” she said with a hard little smile. “Imagine a world without the Lords. A world in which we have newly married. What would you do?”

He stared at her for a very long moment, his face expressionless, and she thought he would refuse her request. Would turn aside and lock her out.

As she watched him, with the light from the window on the unmarred side of his face, it occurred to her that had he not been scarred, he would’ve been the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

Then he opened lips both beautiful and ugly. “I think I would defer to my wife,” he murmured. “What would you have me do? What is this fairy-tale life you insist we explore?”

Iris fought the urge to roll her eyes. What an incredibly stubborn man. “Do you like the country or the city?”

He shrugged. “Either.”

She grit her teeth. “Choose.”

He eyed her a moment. “Very well. The country.”

“Good. The first thing a newly wedded couple must decide is if they will spend most of their time together in the country or in the city.”

“Is that what you did in your first marriage?” he asked, his voice flat.

She blinked, taken aback, but she should have remembered: he wasn’t unsophisticated in the art of verbal dueling. “No. James was an officer in His Majesty’s army. The first years of our marriage were spent on the Continent.”

“And after that?”

“I lived in his town house in London,” she replied, her voice steady.

“Without him?”

She lifted her chin. “Yes.”

His eyes were ice gray, but they watched her with his full attention. “Was that his decision or yours?”

“I …” She glanced down at her lap, trying to order her thoughts. “It was a mutual decision, I think, though we never discussed it. The marriage was not … a fond one. He was twenty years my senior.” She looked up at him and smiled, though her lips trembled. “My mother was so happy when he proposed. It was considered a very good match for me. James was titled and rich—at least richer than my family.”

“I see.” His voice was deep. Calm. Certain. “I would much prefer that you live with me. Always.”

“As would I.” Her smile widened in genuine happiness. Suddenly she felt much more sure of herself. “So.” She cleared her throat. “I like the country as well. Perhaps we could refurbish the abbey—bring in new servants from London if you don’t want to hire the local people—and then we can live there.”

He frowned. “I have other estates. One in Oxfordshire and one in Essex. Both houses are in disrepair, though.”

“Indeed?” Iris leaned a little forward in excitement. “Then perhaps we should make a tour of your estates first before deciding on which to live at?” She suddenly thought of something. “That is … Oh, I beg your pardon. I’m assuming your finances allow for the repair of your estate houses?”

Raphael waved that worry aside. “My grandfather was in debt. My mother’s dowry settled the Dyemore fortunes. My father just never bothered to have the estates properly repaired. Don’t worry. I have ample funds.”

“Oh, lovely,” Iris murmured. “I do enjoy decorating.”

“And that is what you’d like to do?” he asked curiously. “Spend your life in the country refurbishing my manors?”

“Oh, we’d do much more than that. Part of the time we’d spend in London, visiting friends.” She ignored the fact that he didn’t seem to have any friends. “I’m very fond of reading and collecting books and I’d like to frequent the booksellers to build a library, with your permission?”

He nodded.

She smiled. “Edinburgh is also known for its booksellers. I’d like to travel there, and perhaps to the Continent, to Paris and Vienna.”

He stirred. “It would depend on the state of the conflicts between the governments there.”

“Yes, of course.” She waved that concern aside. “Once we’ve repaired and redecorated one of your estates, we can spend most of the year there. I’d like to plan a garden. Build a library. Go on walks and riding. Oh, and”—she glanced at him a little shyly—“I’d like to have a dog if I may. A little lapdog.”

“Naturally,” he said, staring at her intently. “But I don’t understand. If you wish for a dog so dearly, why don’t you have one now?”

“I live with my brother, Henry, and my sister-in-law, Harriet. They’re both very kind to let me live with them. James’s estate was naturally entailed. He left me a small portion, but to have my own establishment would have stretched my funds.” She inhaled and smiled ruefully. “Harriet doesn’t like animals.”

“Ah.” His eyelids had half lowered over his gray eyes. “I assure you, you may have as many canines as you wish. An entire pack.”

“Thank you.” She sighed happily.

He cleared his throat and she looked up.

“I have one other estate,” he said softly. “A house on Corsica.”

Corsica. Where his servants came from. Where he seemed to have come from.

“Will you tell me about it?” she asked.