Page 152 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
“When?”
“This afternoon.”
Jane shook her head with amused disbelief. “So you’ve been planning my breakfasts.”
“I considered it an important duty.”
She laughed again. “I definitely married a duke.”
“You did.”
“I did not expect him to concern himself with tea.”
“I concern myself with many things.”
“I shall have to make a list.”
His mouth curved. “I’m not certain that’s wise.”
“Oh?”
“You may discover I have far too many opinions.”
“I already know you do.”
He gave her an exaggerated look of offense. “I am wounded.”
“I somehow doubt that.”
The servants exchanged plates with practiced silence before withdrawing once more. Jane found herself smiling without effort. Only weeks ago every conversation between them had felt like crossing swords. Now there was warmth beneath their words.
She looked across the table. “This is... nice.”
Hector’s expression softened. “It is.”
“I wasn’t certain what to expect.”
“Nor was I.”
She hesitated. “Are you disappointed?”
His answer came without hesitation. “No.”
The certainty in his voice settled something inside her. He studied her for a moment before speaking again. “May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“When was the last time you enjoyed dinner?”
She thought about it. “I don’t remember.”
Not since Colin disappeared. Not since Zachary had marched into Wynten House and stolen every feeling of safety she’d possessed. Not since fear had become her constant companion.
Hector seemed to understand without needing further explanation. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “You’ve no reason to apologize.”
“Perhaps not.” He reached across the table. “I would like to change that.”
