"Better."
"Eliza."
"Yes?"
"Your Grace."
She threw a cushion at him. He caught it.
"You are impossible."
"I am married."
"That is not a defense."
"It is now."
She laughed. He sat beside her.
"I like your name."
She looked at him. "What?"
"Eliza."
Her expression softened. "You rarely say things like that."
"I should say them more."
"Yes."
He touched her cheek. "Eliza."
She smiled. "Julian."
They kissed.
A servant knocked. Neither moved. The servant knocked again. Julian sighed.
"Come in."
The door opened. The maid looked embarrassed. "Your Grace, the bird has stolen the butler's watch."
Eliza burst out laughing. Julian closed his eyes.
"Of course it has."
The bird became a problem for the entire estate. It stole a gardener's spectacles, a silver buckle from a groom, a spoon from the kitchen, and one very expensive button from Julian's coat. The servants began leaving shiny objects outside.
Julian objected. "You are encouraging it."
The housekeeper smiled. "It keeps everyone entertained."
"I am the Duke."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"You should respect my authority."
"We do."
"Then stop feeding the bird."
"No, Your Grace."
Eliza laughed from the doorway. Julian looked at her.
"Are you going to help?"
"No."
"You are my wife."
"Exactly. You are supposed to support me."
"I support the bird."