Chapter 14

The carriage comes to a stop for the final time not long after we've had luncheon. It's been an exhausting journey to Bath, having taken a whole week to get here due to William's instance on a slow speed and stopping at an inn every night. I know that he's trying to be considerate of me but I would rather have gotten here earlier, he may have been able to ride but I've been trapped in a carriage with little do for a week.

Nevertheless we're here now, far away from Knole House and the terrible memories I have there. As I'd come to expect from William the house that we've come to stop outside of is in the most fashionable area in Bath. And no doubt the surrounding houses all belong to other members of the Ton of similar standing, most if not all will likely be empty as the occupants are in London for the season.

Taking Marguerite's hand I step out of the carriage and start walking to the door. William has already dismounted and it seemed that he was about to come and help me before Marguerite had beaten him to it. He's been overly attentive the entire journey.

Every day without fail on the way here he'd ask for my company during meals despite my refusal each time he asked. And like today he'd always seek to help me into or out of the carriage but after all that's happened between us I don't want him touching me.

"Eleanor, welcome to our home," William tells me walking next to me as we enter the house. It's just as beautiful as Knole House although much smaller. Which luckily means a smaller staff as well, all of whom are waiting to greet us in the entrance.

"Your Graces, welcome," The butler greets us with a bow, "We've prepared everything just as you instructed your Grace." A few days ago one of the footmen travelling with us had been sent ahead to inform them of our impending arrival. William must have sent more instructions ahead as well.

"Thank you Anley," William replies graciously, "We'll take some tea in the drawing room. And perhaps an early dinner, it's been a long journey and we'll likely retire early." Once again he's making decisions for me leaving me with no choice to be go along with his plan. Some tea does sound nice though.

Turning towards me William holds out his hand towards me, a silent offer to escort me to the drawing room. Unsure I subtly look at Marguerite who gives a small shake of her head with a purposeful look outside to where our trunks are being unloaded. Understanding that she needs to go and oversee the unpacking I take William's hand.

Keeping a gentle hold of my hand he leads me further into the house walking past doors until we finally enter a beautiful drawing room filled with elegant furniture. But what truly draws my eye is the magnificent grand piano positioned by the window, just looking at it makes my fingers ache to play.

"You're welcome to play whenever you'd like," William says quietly as he walks me over to the settee, apparently my desire to play such a beautiful instrument was clear on my face.

I shake my head in response though. For as much as I'd like to play this particular piano I don't want to play in general. Why should I get the joy of playing when my baby is dead? And as William appears to enjoy listening to me play I won't give him the satisfaction.

"Perhaps when you're feeling better then," He offers taking a seat on a nearby chair. At least it puts some distance between us. We lapse into silence as we wait for the tea to arrive which lucky is delivered quickly, William waves off the maid before she can serve any though. Before I can reach out to prepare my own tea he beats me to it. A well sugared cup of tea, prepared just the way I prefer it, is soon being offered to me.

"I know you blame me," He says suddenly interrupting the peaceful if slightly tense silence that we'd been sitting in, "And I understand, I blame myself as well. But surely you can't ignore and avoid me forever."

"Perhaps not forever," I reply softly speaking to him for the first time since I lost the baby, "But for now I will." Setting my tea cup down, slightly more forcefully than I'd intended, I stand up and leave the room.

Not knowing my way around this new house I wander around the halls for a while trying to find my way to my room. I don't have much luck though until I come across who can only be the housekeeper here.

"Your Grace," She curtsies in greeting, "I'm Mrs Fenton, the housekeeper here. Can I help you with anything?" Her smile is kind and seems to be genuine but my experiences with Mrs Merrick make me cautious to trust her.

"Yes I'm trying to locate my room. I'm afraid that I'm quite lost," I tell her too tired to want to continue searching with no idea as to where I should be going.

"Follow me, your Grace. I'll show you to your room and give you a brief tour on the way," She replies holding out an arm to indicate the way for me. I'd been going in completely the wrong direction. Without her help it may have taken me hours to find my way.

To my immense relief there isn't as much history here as Knole House, which would have only served to make me feel more inadequate, this house was only brought by the previous Duke when the area became fashionable. And so the house has mostly been used as a retreat but according to Mrs Fenton the family has preferred to spend their time at Knole House or London. This is apparently the first time William has been here since he was a child.

"This is your room, your Grace. If there is anything else that you need please let me know," Mrs Fenton says leaving with a soft smile and a curtsy. Grateful to have finally reach my room I head inside where I find Marguerite is finishing unpacking my trunk.

"Your Grace," She greets in surprise, "I hadn't expected you up so soon."

"I have nothing to say to the Duke and I'm rather tired. I'd like to rest until dinner," I reply walking over to the bed so that I can lie down. There's little point in me changing when I'll need to be up again soon for dinner. As quietly as she can Marguerite leaves the room with a quiet promise to return to wake me for dinner.

True to her word Marguerite returns not long after to inform me that dinner is being served. I hadn't managed to fall asleep but I felt at least more rested than when I came upstairs. Enough at least that I can survive a dinner with my husband.

Before I go downstairs though Marguerite insists on at least tidying up my hair to make me somewhat more presentable. I don't care though, my dress is wrinkled and dusty from travel so neat hair won't make much of a difference. And it's only dinner with William. There are no guests to impress and William hardly counts to me as someone to impress, not after all that's happened.

There is only the one dining room here so it's grand enough to entertain guests but it's nothing in comparison to Knole House's dining room for entertaining. William is already there waiting for me as I enter. He stands to greet me and waves off the footman, who moves to help me into my chair, in favour of helping me himself.

"Did you have a good rest?" He asks returning to his own seat at the other end of the table.

"Yes," I reply shortly my tone curt. I'd made many efforts to create a good relationship between us despite his initial reluctance to spend any time with me but he'd ruined it all. Now it only seems right that he experiences the same unwillingness to speak or be around each other that I did.

Not that I could just take off to London as he did. The servants all work for him so would report back any attempt I make to leave to him before I could even step out the door. I have no friends in London either, nor anywhere else for that matter. Lady Anne certainly would delight in returning me to William and Humphrey is not an option.

So I'll have to settle for killing any attempt he makes to have a conversation and I intend to spend as little time in his presence as I possibly can. Not that it'll be easy in this smaller house but I'm sure that I can find a way. Marguerite seems willing to help me although I haven't outright mentioned to her that I want to be around William as little as possible.

"I'm glad," He tells me with a tight smile, "Perhaps if you feel well enough we could visit the beach tomorrow. Have you ever seen the sea before?"

"No I haven't. And I'd prefer to rest tomorrow," My focus remains on my meal and I hope that he'll stop trying to force a conversation.

"Very well. Another day," He says and thankfully falls silent allowing me to enjoy the rest of my meal in peace. It doesn't last long though as when desert is served William takes it as opportunity to resume talking.

"There a few theatres nearby if you'd be interested in seeing a play," He offers, it seems he's determined for us to spend time together. If he's willing to be seen out in public with me then he must be desperate.

"No thank you," I reply shortly putting my spoon down and beginning to stand which makes the nearby footman scramble to pull my chair out, "Forgive me but I'm tired and would like to retire."

"Of course. Have a good night Eleanor and I'll see you in the morning," William calls after me. Tired of all of this I don't reply or even turn around. I stop just short of running to my room but I want to be alone again.

Marguerite is waiting in my room with my nightdress ready for me to change into. With her usual precise speed I'm soon stripped of my dress and just as swiftly made ready for bed in the nightdress and my hair brushed and plaited for the night. Then just as I want I'm left alone to sleep in peace.

My sleep is fitful and interrupted as it has been since I lost my baby. It's slightly better than previous nights though, perhaps the change of scenery does have some benefits. It is a relief though to not be sleeping in the same bed as where I bled.

I eat breakfast in my room with only Marguerite for company as she flits about my room preparing my dress and jewellery for today, it seems here I won't be allowed to remain in bed all day as I had at Knole House. As soon as I've finished eating she helps into the plain white dress that she's chosen completed by a simple silver necklace. My hair is quickly pulled into a simple but fashionable updo and with that I'm ready for the day. Not that I plan to leave the house at all.

With nothing to do in my room I head downstairs in search of something to read. The library, when I find it, is bigger than I'd expected it to be but at least it means I'll have more choice. Scanning the shelves I soon find a book that I haven't read before and then another and another. Confident that three books will be more than enough to see me through today I leave the room intending to retreat to my room.

Only to bump into William as I close the door behind me. I lose my grip on the books and its only William catching me that prevents me from falling as well. His strong but gentle hold of my arms lingers as he steadies me, only letting go when he's sure that I won't fall.

"Are you alright?" He asks his eyes scanning over me as though I could have been seriously injured by simply bumping into him.

"Yes thank you," I reply stepping back slightly and crouching down to retrieve my books before standing and taking a step to walk around him.

"Wait," He says reaching out to touch my arm gently making me stop but I don't turn around, "After luncheon I want to take you somewhere."

"Where?" I ask warily turning around to face him now. I know that I can't keep refusing what he asks of me but I won't agree blindly to his every whim.

"It's a surprise but I've been assured that you'll be pleased with our destination."

"Very well. I'll go with you," I tell him and hear a quiet thank you as I walk away. The only person here that knows me well enough to suggest that I'd like something is Marguerite and if she's given an opinion on it then it can't be anything terrible. But I'll find out soon enough what William's planned.