Octavia scrunched her face, wondering if perhaps the Duke had retired to his bedroom. But it was too early for that, and she could see a slither of light creeping out from beneath the door. He was inside, he was avoiding her, and Octavia knew why.
“Your Grace…” She gently popped the door open. “Are you free to talk for a moment?”
“Miss Finch,” came his growl. “I am working.”
“It will only take a moment.” She pushed the door wide and stepped inside.
The office was cloaked in darkness, the only light from a single candle on the Duke’s desk. So small was this candle’s flame thatit hardly reached him, as if even the light feared getting too close to his brooding mood.
“Very well,” he sighed and put down his quill. Then he folded his hands on the table and looked at her plainly, an expression free of emotion, one that she was sure he used when conducting business. “What is it that you wish to speak of?”
This wasn’t like that first time when Octavia had gone to see the Duke, knowing she was not supposed to. This was much worse. Anger she could deal with. Hostility was expected. But this… the apathy that he fixed upon her. It hurt more than anything.
“I…” Her voice cracked as she stepped into the room. “I thought you should know that Henry and I plan on leaving tomorrow. Doretha has asked that we stay with her, and I have accepted.”
“I know,” he said simply. “I was there when she said it.”
“I thought you might…” She swallowed. “I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for taking Henry and me in. Thank you for giving us a chance.”
“You did well by Aaron,” he said without emotion. “There is no need to thank me. I am happy with the result.”
“I know that I promised you six months,” she tried next, desperate for a reaction of any kind. “If you would like it, I can… I might…” She searched him, needing to see that he cared.“Redgate Estate is not so far from here. I am still able to return each day to continue in Master Aaron’s lessons, if it pleases you.”
“You wish to be his governess?”
“Only if it pleases you.”
She saw it then. It was subtle. It was hidden in the dark. But behind his eyes, there was a shadow, what she thought to be hope… even relief that she had given him this olive branch.
Sadly, it was gone as quickly as it came.
“That will not be necessary,” he said. “I will find someone else for Aaron.”
“But –”
“You are a lady of the ton now,” he cut over her. “It would not be proper for to continue as a governess. Just as I doubt that Lady Redgate would allow such a thing.”
“I made you a promise,” she said, taking another step into the room. “And I am a woman who keeps her promises.”
“You did,” he agreed. “But as that promise was made to me, I am perfectly within my rights to release you from it. Do not labor yourself with unnecessary feelings of guilt, Miss Fi –” He caught his tongue. “Miss Redgate.”
“Octavia,” she said.
“Excuse me?”
“Please, call me Octavia.” Another step closer, her eyes never once leaving his face. He pushed against her. He fought her. But she could see how hard it was for him. She had to believe that it was.
“What I call you is irrelevant,” he said, still without emotion. “I appreciate your offer, as I do your concern for broken promises. But do not worry about such things. You have a new life ahead of you, as you deserve. Now…” He picked up his quill. “Will there be anything else?”
Octavia’s heart broke in two.
For weeks now, Octavia had borne witness to the changes that had slowly taken over the Duke. She had seen with her own eyes the way that he shed his old skin, willingly opening his heart to her, admitting to himself who he was underneath the cold, dispassionate shell that had never looked truly comfortable on him.
He had wanted to be a better person. He had wanted to love and be loved. He had wanted to be a good father to his son, a good man to those who cared for him. Most of all, he had wanted Octavia to see this man whom he was growing into.
Now, in one fell swoop, that man had vanished.
The Duke was back to his old self, emotionally detached, uncaring, and unconcerned for those who loved him… Octavia especially.