Page 21 of My Duke, The Stranger
Isolde stared at her plate, one piled with fried eggs and toast, jam on the side. Behind her stood a footman, ready for her to ask for something else, if she needed it.
She was hungry, she realized, but she could not eat. It was as if she did not deserve this lavish feast…
“I know that look.” Cassian’s voice drifted from across the room.
She looked up, found Cassian leaning against the doorway, and despite herself, she smiled. He was dressed in a simple white shirt with breeches, his dark hair was messy, stubble on his chin, and his smile was all teeth so that they glimmered in the morning light.
“Let me guess, you have no idea where to start.” He pushed himself up and walked toward her, still smiling joyfully. “I have not even seen what is on offer, yet I sense I might feel the same as you do.”
“It is a lot,” she said meekly.
“Mr. Pemberton was sure to inform me that if I wished for a cow to be slaughtered and served, I could have it.” He rolled his eyes. “I thought to ask what if I preferred dragon? Somehow, I imagine that even that might be available.”
Isolde laughed at the joke. “I like to eat diamonds in the morning. Do you think they might find some for me?”
“We can check!” Cassian lit up and pointed at the footman. “You there. Do you know if the kitchen has any diamonds for my dear fiancée?”
The footman gaped. “I… that is not… I can ask, Your Grace.”
Cassian chuckled and waved him down. “I jest, I jest. Do not look so stricken.” He shook his head and, once he reached where Isolde sat, he took her hand. “I am so glad that you are as bewildered as I am. It will make this thing that much easier to get used to.”
Isolde looked at her hand, ensconced in the duke’s palm. It was warm and inviting, and she sensed that he held it not so that she would feel at ease, but for his own comfort.
Then she followed that hand upwards, found his smiling face, and her smile grew to match his own. Once, he might have been a cruel and cold duke who thought himself about everyone else. But now… he simply wasn’t that same man.
“As am I,” she said. “This is all… well, it is a lot. I feel as if I do not deserve it.”
“Same here.” He squeezed her hand and then released it before taking a seat at the head of the table. “Apparently, I do, though. Or so Mr. Pemberton assures me. What is more, he insists that I indulge myself, as if doing so might see my memory return.”
“So, you do not…” She tried not to look away. “Nothing has returned?”
“Nothing of substance,” he said simply. “The physician assures me that I am in good health, and that the injury to my head is notpermanent. As to my memory?” He shrugged. “That will return in time, or so he claims. As to when it will…” He scoffed. “Today, tomorrow… next year. Who can say?”
“What does that mean, exactly?” Isolde asked. “For your work? For…” She swallowed. “For us?”
“It means that we must make each day count,” he said as if he believed it. “I was not speaking in exaggeration when I said that you are the one thing that feels familiar to me, Isolde. When I look at you, it is as if I know you… as if I always have. Sadly, it is but a feeling, and outside of that feeling, you are a stranger to me.”
“I am sorry…”
“Don’t be.” He made sure to look at her, the light still warm behind his eyes. “Frankly, I prefer to see the upside to it.”
“Which is?”
“The physician has insisted that I spend the next few days becoming familiar with this manor and its history. My history, as it is.” He sighed and shook his head. “He thinks this might help with my memory. However, as far as I am concerned, you too are a part of my history. The only part that matters.”
Isolde forced a smile and prayed that he would not notice the guilt and the shame that overtook her.
“So, let us learn together,” he continued. “As I revisit my past, let us revisit our own. I want to know you as you know me, Isolde. If the only memories that return are those of you, I will count myself lucky.” He looked at her expectantly.
“S—same here,” she choked.
“It is settled then.” He beamed and stretched himself out. “Let us break our fast, then we will spend the day together. I want to know you, everything there is. I only ask that you be patient with me.”
“I will be,” she said. “I… I promise.”
“This will be fun,” he said as if he truly believed it. “It is not often that a couple has a second chance at a first impression. And falling in love with you all over again, why, I cannot think of a better way to spend my time.”
“Nor can I,” she somehow managed.
