My Lady Chef novel Chapter 15

Ezran's POV:

"It seems like they are improving at a fast pace." I watched the knights practice their sword swings and parrying techniques with a partner. I can only spot a few people who still seem to be lacking when it comes to stamina and precision.

"Yes, milord. Aside from a few of the older ones who have just been knighted. I think a few more months of training and they can be sent to other territories for some jobs." Niles, the Captain of the Knights agreed with my assessment.

"Keep it at this rate then. Oh and gather everyone after the practice. I have something to say to them after." I said after I saw Milford waiting for me so I walked over to him and we went inside the back door where the hallway leading to my study was visible.

Once inside, I sat on my chair overlooking the barracks where I can watch the knights train while the head butler gives me his report.

"Milford. Has everything been done?" I took the papers for this month's expenditures from him as he bowed.

"Yes Your Grace. As per your order, the duchess' belongings were moved to your room," he said before he coughed a bit. "Did ....her grace expressed her desire to sleep in your room, Your Grace?"

"Why are you asking such a question? She is my wife. Why should she not sleep in my bed?"

"Usually a separate room for the duchess of the house is prepared....with a connecting door to your chambers. I just wanted to make sure that the duchess has agreed to such sleeping arrangements. Since you are sure about this. I am assuming she agreed to share your room?"

I stopped reading and tried to remember whether Alaina agreed to such a decision. I only remembered saying that all her belongings will be moved to the main house and nothing else.

"Put her belongings in the duchess' room for now and I will talk to over with my wife."

"A wise decision sire." the head butler smiled.

" I assume that the servants who disrespected my duchess were dealt with?" I asked him and he told me that they were given 30 lashes as punishment and no pay for the next two months.

"Milford, during my absence; what do you think of the duchess?" I asked him. " I want the truth so do not lie to me."

"Truthfully?" a gentle smile graced my butler's face. The sharp contrast to his usual aloof expression was astounding. " Lady Alaina never complain after she was moved to the bridal house. She did not even get upset when her first allowance was not even half of what the previous duchess usually spends. She actually thanked me politely and the few interactions I have had with her on several occasions were very pleasant. I commend my lord's wisdom in picking her as the mistress of the house. She is a very dignified and warm person."

That was high praise coming from my stoic head butler. I have seen him interact with my previous paramours and some of the more pushy ladies of the ton who tried in vain to rope me into making them my wife.

He never liked one of them and now it seems like he is half in love with my wife.

I should be happy since as the lady of the house; she will need to interact with both the head butler and the head maid of the house. But the thought of Alaina smiling at Milford as they discussed the budget and accounts of the house made me crumple the paper in my hand.

"Your Grace? Did I say something that upset you?" my butler looked at the paper I ruined.