"HIS GRACE PREFERS that his study be left alone," Mrs. Shrine explained to her.

Vivienne pushed open the door to pass her, "Nonsense, it's a mess in here. I'm sure the duke will prefer a room that is much more organized to conduct his business."

The housekeeper sighed as she followed her inside the room. "You really should be resting Lady Vivienne."

Vivienne smiled. "I couldn't be cooped up in the room any longer."

She read all the books the duke had given her and grown bored. She was not used to staying in one room or place. Back in her village of Flaxpool, she had often spent time outside, persuading Agatha to give her lessons under the soft summer breeze. Vivienne needed to feel useful in someway and what was better than cleaning the duke's study in order to pay a portion of her debt? Of course, he wouldn't know that she was repaying the debt, but he would be thankful—she was sure of it.

"I have to get back to my duties but if you require anything, ring for the servants." Mrs. Shrine said.

"I'll be more than fine," Vivienne promised.

She watched as Mrs. Shrine exited the room. Vivienne slowly made her way over and settled into the chair behind the desk. Her left side pained her more than she cared to admit, and she needed a couple of minutes to catch her breath from climbing down the stairs. She glanced at the room, leaning further back in the chair.

Hmm, she surmised. She really did feel powerful sitting in this chair behind the great big desk. Briefly, she wondered if the duke felt the same.

Her eyes caught a large book that was tucked underneath a few papers. She moved them to the side and opened it. It was the duke's business accounts. She went through the pages, surprised by the efficiency of everything. The calculations were correct, added in neat numbers at the end of each ledger with a brief explanation of the name and date. Vivienne wasn't surprised to see the duke's main income was from tenants renting properties that belonged to his title. However, what did catch her eye was the profit yield from the crops on the various farms.

She opened various compartments, searching for paper so she could confirm her suspicions. Carefully ensuring that she wasn't stretching herself too much, she finally found an empty stack in the corner of one of the drawers. She pulled the sheets and began listing down the different properties and the size of the land that were associated with them. After that, she copied down the various crops that were being planted in each area and the amount of yield. Frowning, she tried remembering one of the books she read about land ownership and what the typical amount of yield per square meter was. According to her calculations, the duke's properties were making less money than they should be.

There were many reasons that could be possible including soil that was not fertilized appropriately, drainage systems that weren't in place, animals, or even the weather. She had seen firsthand back in Flaxpool how difficult it was to take care of land and protect the crops. However, something told her that the duke could not have been this careless. He seemed to be working most days and she was sure that he would be receiving reports on his land and making inquiries.

Before she could think anymore, she heard voices outside.

"—damn it you little devil. Why are you always chasing me around? Go find someone else to nip at!"

Before she could hide her smile, the door to the study opened with the duke holding her kitten by the neck. Ginger was flailing around but he didn't let her go.

"Lady Vivienne," he said in a composed voice. "What business might you have in my study?"

Vivienne blushed under his gaze as she realized she was still in his chair. As if noticing where she was the duke commented dryly, "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"I was going to clean up your office," she blurted out.

He seemed surprised by her answer and dropped the kitten to the ground softly and poured himself a drink. Ginger came crawling straight to her and Vivienne placed the feline in her lap.

The glass of brandy swirled as he set in on the desk before taking the only empty seat in front of her.

"Do explain how cleaning my office has you opening my ledgers instead?"

Vivienne wanted to wither under his gaze, but she forced herself to meet his amber-coloured eyes. "I got distracted," she admitted.

The duke took a sip of his brandy, "That much is evident."

He was silent once more and Vivienne knew he was waiting for her to respond. She didn't know how to bring up the subject, so she went with honesty. "I didn't want to be indebted to you, so I thought that cleaning your study seemed like a fair payment."

"I've told you more then once that there is no debt. You are not required to do anything for me."

Internally Vivienne shook her head. To have so much power that fulfilling such large request were insignificant was truly amazing. But she wanted him to see her as someone other than the poor delicate lady she'd been. Ever since her arrival at Chalcott manor she'd caused more trouble and for some reason, she didn't want the duke to view her as a foolish lady. She had much more to offer, and she would show him starting with the ledger.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to open her mouth, "Actually when I was cleaning—"

A slight cough by the duke interrupted her but she continued "I came across your accounts and there was some troubling information."

The duke's tone as tense. "That seems unlikely, I checked them yesterday, performing the calculations myself and it was all in order."

Vivienne realized that she was travelling up a slippery slope. Her words made it seem as though she was accusing the duke of being incompetent. She didn't know much about other men, but something told her that nobody got away with insulting the duke's intelligence.

She was much more careful with her next words. "I didn't mean it like that, Your Grace. The accounts were well organized, and the numbers were summed up correctly."

The duke drank the rest of his brandy. "Then I don't see the issue, Lady Vivienne."

Vivienne knew he was losing interest and patience; she had a few seconds before he completely disregarded her. "Here," she handed him the calculations she conducted.

"And what is this?"

Now was her time to shine. "I did a few calculations regarding your lands and the amount of crop that was being produced. For the area you own, the yield should be much larger, yet it seems to be smaller."

The duke's studied her for a moment, "And what comparison do you have? I doubt that you've been farming or studying the accounts of other society members."

"I haven't looked at other books Your Grace, however, back in Flaxpool I did help farmers with basic calculations in regarding the amount of yield they would produce. It helped them to know how much they could keep and the amount that they could sell. My governess, Agatha would assist me."

The duke sighed. "I trust my steward Lady Vivienne. I will not go about accusing a man whom I've known for the last five years simply because some Lady demands I do so."

Him calling her some lady hurt but she brushed it aside, he hadn't lied, she was nobody to him. Vivienne wanted to shout in frustration, but she forced herself to keep her voice cool. "Please do not place words into my mouth Your Grace. For I did not say to investigate your steward."

"Then what do you suggest Lady Vivienne," he said in a sardonic tone.

Before she could say anything, Ginger jumped from her lap and walked over to the duke and began rubbing herself on the leg of his trousers. The duke looked at her distastefully, "I've had hair all over my clothing because of this damn cat."

Vivienne noticed that while he was complaining, he didn't do much to remove the feline. "I'll do my best to keep her in my room," she promised.

"You do that," he coughed slightly. "Now, Lady Vivienne, what were you suggesting?"

"I think it might be valuable for you to visit the sites. There are often numerous reasons as to why crop yield can be lower; from the soil not being quite fertile enough to other things such as insects and weather destroying the crops. The first step is speaking to the farmers and figuring out what the problems are. Thus, that will help with the next step which would include finding solutions to the problem itself."

The duke was silent for a moment, "And if in the end there is no problem?"

Vivienne shrugged her shoulders. "You'll be at peace knowing that everything is running smoothly."

The duke snorted, "Lady Vivienne, it might appear to you that I don't have much to do but believe me my time is very precious. I've been quite busy the last few weeks doing investigations on information I have received from you as well as a Bow Street Runner I hired."

Vivienne's heart leapt, "Were you able to find anything regarding Agatha?"

The duke shook his head, "I posted the letter to the Bow Street Runner, and he said that he will begin by retracing the footsteps to Flaxpool. There is often evidence that people leave behind unknowingly."

Vivienne's heart sank. It was even more difficult not knowing if Agatha was alive or dead. She was in a state of uncertainty, unable to be excited or mourn her governess. Neither action seemed appropriate. She gripped the pendent tightly until the duke spoke.

"Lady Vivienne, if I might have my chair back now?"

Vivienne's cheeks warmed, "Oh, apologies. I forgot where I was seated."

She stood up and immediately a wave of pain rushed to her side. She stumbled a bit, but the duke came around to assist her, gripping her arm tightly.

"I'm fine," she said with a smile she hoped would fool him.

"Don't lie, Lady Vivienne." He gave her an exasperated look. "The physician was right; you should still be in bed."

"Nonsense," Vivienne tried escaping his grasp, but he held on.

"Come, I shall assist you to bed and have a tray of food brought up."

Vivienne wanted to protest but the duke began leading her out. As they were exiting the study, he turned back "Little devil, come with us. I don't trust you in my study."

"Her name's Ginger." Vivienne pointed out.

The duke's eyes were warmer, and the corner of his mouth had a slight tilt. Vivienne wanted to seem them turned all the way. "Little devil suits her just as well. If I leave her here, my study will be destroyed in a matter of minutes."

Vivienne couldn't argue with that, so she called out to the feline softly. Ginger answered her call and walked beside her. She was doing well enough till the stairs. Her first step was difficult, and it took most of her strength. Before she could take the next step however, her legs were no longer on the ground but in the air.

Vivienne's eyes widened as she looped her arms around the duke's neck to prevent herself from falling. "What are you doing?"

"I'm carrying you upstairs, frankly, it's pitiful to watch. How did you manage to even get down them?"

She had struggled greatly going down before settling onto her bottom and sliding down. She didn't want to admit that to the duke. His brandy eyes were much closer to her now and she could see the tints of orange in them. It was hard to look away.

Her body was jostled as the duke lifted her up.

"Your Grace," a voice called.

Vivienne turned her head to see Chrissy standing at her door in shock.

"Bring Lady Vivienne lunch, will you?"

She saw the annoyance on the maid's face, but she didn't think the duke did. He entered the room and settled her onto the bed.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He nodded, fixing his shirt which had become a bit askew. He looked at her bedside table and pointed towards the books, "Did you finish reading them?"

She nodded.

"Very well, once I come back, I shall bring a few more."

Vivienne smiled and thanked him. There was a moment of hesitation between them before the duke stepped back. "I must take my leave now. Enjoy your lunch."

Vivienne watched the duke leave still struggling to understand where she stood with him. There were moments in which he treated her more like a friend and other times where he was distant. She sighed, the duke was quite the mystery that needed to be solved—and she would be the one to do it. Smiling, Vivienne settled back into her bed and rested—just as the duke had commanded.  

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