Page 20 of Her Wicked Duke
She could use that to her advantage.
Anne stuck her head out of the carriage window.“Might we take a detour to Haverdshire Castle?” she called to the driver.
“Of course, My Lady. It is quite far, though.”
“I do not mind. Thank you.”
She settled back into her seat and felt the anticipation run through her as they clattered their way through the cobbled streets, toward the countryside.
Chapter Seven
“There, there, you truly are a beautiful beast, aren’t you?”
The voice Anne heard from the stables as soon as she stepped foot on the grounds of Haverdshire Castle was the Duke’s deep baritone. A soft nicker sounded in response.
Alexander.
Aware that she needed to make her presence known, Anne hurried over, her smile ready to greet Alexander politely and make her request.
He was in the fourth stall on the left, his hand stroking the nose of a black stallion, a large horse that looked to be twice the size of her height. She was immediately startled by it, and the horse’s eyes flicked to her.
Alexander turned to follow the horse’s gaze. “Lady Anne.”
If he was surprised to see her, he did a fine job of not showing it.
“Your Grace,” she said.
“I told you yesterday that there is no need for titles. We are friends.”
“Of course.” She had come to his home feeling confident. Now, standing before him, taking in his amused smile, she felt anxious. “I must speak with you in private.”
“Of course, you must.”
Again, it was like he had been expecting her. Perhaps he thought she came to accept his offer, and maybe she was, but she could not yet understand her desire for him when it came to also needing his protection.
“There is an apple orchard in the gardens,” he said. “We shall walk over there and discuss whatever is on your mind. We will not be overheard. I would not want to tarnish yourgleamingreputation.”
There was something mocking in his voice as if he knew the thoughts that had tempted her all night.
She smiled, unsure. “Thank you, Alexander.”
He petted his horse once more and then led her out of the stables and around the castle.
Haverdshire Castle was a grand affair, with an opulent exterior and stone pillars and balconies on the upper levels. At the back, the gardens were expansive, little pathways branching off in many different directions.
There was a massive oak tree in the center of the gardens, and Alexander nodded toward it as they made for the orchard. “I planted that great oak with my father when I was a boy. I fear my gardeners despise the autumnal cleanup, but it is quite beautiful in the spring.”
Anne agreed, nodding. “You were close with your father? I only ask because of the many holidays you spent with my family.”
Alexander looked away from her. “Once, yes. My grandmother lives here, I am unsure if you are aware. Try to avoid her watchful eyes. She is a hawk in an old woman’s body.” He tried to make light of the comment, but there was a sad undertone in his voice. “I left her in the parlor, which faces the front of the house, so we shall be safe. Just in case, however, we should be quick.”
With that, he took Anne’s wrist, much the way he had done the night before to lead her through her home, and tugged her toward the orchard. It was a beautiful thing. The apples weren’t ripe yet, but the trees were lined up in rows, with wooden fences separating each row.
Alexander reached up and trailed his fingertips along the branches as if he could make the apples ripen by touch alone. He had forgone his jacket today and was dressed in a white shirt and beige waistcoat with matching breeches. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, and Anne tried not to glance at his thick forearms.
He caught her looking and smirked. “Is there something distracting you, Anne?”
“Not at all,” she answered quickly, averting her gaze. “I have come to make a request.”
