Sophie batted her eyes when she heard the duke's blunt words uttered in such a casual tone. She didn't know him well enough to understand if he was just teasing her or if he was serious.
If he was indeed interested in her… it wouldn't be the first time. How should Sophie respond to him then?
"Your grace, you have a nice sense of humor…" Finally, Sophie decided to smile so sweetly and speak tactfully. "I am just a lowly peasant. I am honored to be offered a job here and I am looking forward to doing my best to serve you."
Leland sensed Sophie's discomfort and decided not to prolong the discussion. He could tell she was not ready for anything remotely close to having another man being interested in her, and he didn't blame her. He would actually feel disappointed if she did.
Even though Leland hated the fact that she had mated with another man, but he accepted that she was a loyal woman and didn't want to open her heart to another male right away.
