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“I would prefer it if you answered me verbally, dear,” Vane said softly.

Millie shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

“Well, I’d say it’s quite unfair that you get to eat, but Button doesn’t.”

Millie bounced her knee. “Button wanted to eat with you. That is why he came with me.”

“I’m sure he did,” the marquess grumbled.

Isabel raised her eyes heavenward. The stern master, the commanding marquess, just could not seem to discipline his daughter at all. However, Isabel would not start her life as the marchioness by antagonizing the girl.

She stood. “I shall inquire with Mrs. Ainsworth about Button’s breakfast. I have other matters to discuss with her.”

“Thank you,” Vane said with a brief nod and turned back to his daughter.

Millie immediately livened up and proceeded to chat away happily. Isabel sighed and padded out of the room.

* * *

Isabel went in search of the housekeeper, still muttering under her breath. The marquess could not handle raising his own daughter the right way, and he had the gall to tell Isabel what to do and what not to do around the estate.

Not only did he think her scandalous, but apparently, he also thought her incapable of performing the simplest of her duties. Well, he would learn a thing or two about Isabel this afternoon.

She did not enjoy taking orders. Especially not about her duties. Especially not from a man who probably knew nothing of said duties, or who thought they were not as important as his.

Isabel knew the reality of the situation. She could not lounge about and let things go their own route. She would never be able to catch up.

After she found Mrs. Ainsworth and informed her of the situation with the dog, Isabel went to ask for her carriage to be prepared. She stopped halfway and turned back to the housekeeper.

“I almost forgot. I am going to the village this afternoon. And I can’t as well go empty-handed. Please, have some baskets with leftover foods and medicine prepared, which I can take with me for the villagers.”

“Are you certain you want to go to the village today?” Mrs. Ainsworth looked at her doubtfully.

Am I certain? What is there to think about? “Of course.”

“But his lordship—”

“I am the mistress of this estate now, Mrs. Ainsworth. And as the mistress, it is my duty to visit my tenants.”

“Yes, my lady.” Mrs. Ainsworth hesitated. “It’s just that his lordship—”

Isabel raised her hand to silence the housekeeper. She was tired of his lordship’s interference. It was obvious that the manor staff was devoted to him. Well, that would need to be changed too. “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Ainsworth. But whatever his lordship wants to say, he shall have to say it directly to me. Please, prepare the baskets.”

At Mrs. Ainsworth’s nod, Isabel went to her room to change for her outing.

A few minutes later, properly attired and accompanied by Anthea, Isabel set out to the village in a carriage filled with baskets of food. She was excited to see her new home and get to know the villagers. Isabel generally felt more at home surrounded by people, chatter, and busy life.

The sun was high in the sky and the weather promised no precipitation. The road had dried sufficiently for the carriage to travel without major issues. It just swayed from time to time from hitting a puddle.

As the houses came into sight, Isabel noticed a few children running after the carriage and cheering. Isabel looked out the window and waved her hand. A couple of boys stopped dead on the spot with their mouths agape while a few continued their pursuit of the vehicle.

The carriage halted by the side of the road, next to an old building, and the groom helped Isabel out. She smiled as she looked at people gathering to greet her. Finally, something she was familiar with. Something she felt confident doing.

Anthea followed her out and stood by her side as Isabel introduced herself as the new Marchioness of Vane.

Dead silence greeted her words. Her smile tensed as she looked at the crowd of people. “I brought you some goods,” she said cheerfully.

People came back to life after her words. They came closer toward her, the conversation buzzing. With the help of her groom and Anthea, Isabel took out the baskets and passed the contents around.