Page 51 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

"Because I have already established the routine."

Margaret folded her arms. "You have established a routine for a baby?"

"A routine is precisely what prevents bad behavior from becoming a habit."

She stared at him as though he had just announced that Hugh was being trained for military service. Pierce had already learned to recognize that expression. Margaret possessed a remarkable talent for making her disagreement obvious without saying a word.

"The mornings will be your time with Hugh," he continued, deciding it was better to explain before she began arguing. "The nanny will remain with you both, of course. You will not be expected to manage him alone. The purpose is to allow him to become accustomed to your presence gradually while you learn his routine and your responsibilities. The nanny will care for him for the remainder of the day."

Margaret's brows drew together. "You have planned everything."

"Yes."

"Without consulting me?" She placed her hands on her hips.

"Yes."

"And you believe I shall simply agree?" She threw her hands in the air.

"No," Pierce replied calmly. "I believe you will complain but comply."

She stared at him. He almost smiled.

Margaret turned towards the sleeping child, then back to him. "I find the arrangement unreasonable."

"I do not care."

Her eyes widened. "You do not care?"

"This household is run according to my rules," Pierce said, his tone firm. "You are my wife and the Duchess of Ravenfield, but that does not mean you may arrive here and overturn the systems that have kept this house functioning."

Margaret's lips parted, clearly preparing an answer that Pierce suspected would be considerably less respectful than his position required. He waited.

She finally said, "You are aware that I am not one of your servants?"

"Perfectly."

"Then perhaps you should stop speaking to me as though I am one."

Pierce studied her. There was fire in those dark eyes again, the same stubborn spark he had noticed the night she had entered a smoking room full of gentlemen wearing masks and asked one of them to ruin her. It should have irritated him.

It did not. He chose not to investigate further.

"I am not speaking to you as a servant," he replied. "I am explaining the expectations of your position."

"Then perhaps explain them without ordering me about."

"You are asking for a great deal from a man who has been married to you for one day."

"And you are demanding a great deal from a woman who has been married to you for one day."

Pierce's mouth twitched despite himself.

Margaret noticed. "You find this amusing?"

"A little."

"That is exceedingly rude," she said.