Page 20 of An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke
It was the first time he had heard her speak ever since they had left the inn and the wonder in her voice did make Henry smile… though he quickly pulled his expression flat again.
“Yes, my dear, quite magnificent. Though I must inform you that there is a great deal to learn.” Henry’s mother reached across and patted Miss Tidemore’s hand. “Though you will have many people to assist you in that, of course.”
Miss Tidemore turned her head back towards the Duchess and smiled, though it was a little wry. “I shall do all that I can to learn as quickly as I can,” she said, softly, her gaze quickly darting up towards Henry’s, through it then pulled away just as quickly. “I am grateful to you for your support, Your Grace.”
“But of course.” The Duchess smiled and then looked to Henry, though he did not see it. Much to his surprise, he was finding himself a little… surprised. Surprised at the beauty which he now saw in Miss Tidemore’s features, the quiet smile which sent a flickering light into her hazel eyes. Her cheeks were a little flushed and her hands clasped lightly in her lap, betraying her sense of astonishment and perhaps a little anxiety over what was to come. Henry had always thought that Miss Tidemore was pretty enough to satisfy him, though he had not thought her beautiful, not until this moment.
“Fairglen?”
Henry coughed lightly and looked to his mother. “Yes?”
“The footman is waiting.”
Too late, Henry realized that the carriage had come to a stop and the footman was now waiting for his instruction to open the carriage door. How long had he been sitting here, contemplating Miss Tidemore? And had either his mother or the lady herself noticed?
“Of course. Forgive me. I… I was taking a few moments to consider now that I have returned home.” He gestured to the footman to open the door, aware that his excuse sounded flimsy and ridiculous. Climbing out, he stepped forward, surveying his manor house and finding himself a little more at ease now that he was back where he knew he belonged.
“It is a very grand house indeed!” Miss Tidemore exclaimed, as she came to stand beside Henry’s mother. “Goodness, what beauty is here!”
“Yes, indeed.” The Duchess smiled and then gestured to the door, looking up at Henry.
Henry frowned, not certain what his mother expected, only for her to click her tongue in exasperation before turning to Miss Tidemore again. “Shall we go inside? You will be tired after your journey and I am sure you would like to rest. I know that I am certainly eager to do so!”
Miss Tidemore nodded and threw a quick look towards Henry, though he did not return it. Striding up the steps, he left his mother and Miss Tidemore to walk together, finding himself a little disturbed by what he had been contemplating for the last few minutes. He did notwantto notice the lady and certainly had no desire to think of her in any sort of affectionate terms! That had been a foolishness he had put himself through last time and he was not about to do it again.
“I presume your father, mother and sister will arrive here in time for dinner,” he said, throwing the words over his shoulder. “I shall see you all then. Good afternoon.”
“Fairglen!”
Henry turned, seeing his mother’s eyes alight with astonishment. “Yes?”
“You are not about to leave Miss Tidemore here, are you?”
“She wishes to rest, Mother,” Henry stated, never once looking at the lady herself. “There can be no reason for me to suggest anything other than that.”
“Aside from the fact that you could suggest to yourbetrothedthat once she has rested, you might then walk with her around the estate, show her all that will, one day, be hers to order and maintain.”
Henry’s jaw tightened, his brow furrowing as he looked back at his mother in silence, all full aware of what it was that she was trying to do. She was attempting to force his hand, to demand that he spends time with this young lady rather than setting her back from himself.
“You cannot get to know someone unless you spend time with that person,” his mother said, all the more bluntly, as Miss Tidemore looked away, a gentle flush coming into her cheeks. Henry scowled all the more darkly but seeing his mother lift an eyebrow to him, questioning silently whether or not he was going to do as she had suggested, Henry let out a slow, steady breath and then looked to Miss Tidemore.
“Might you wish to take a brief walk around the estate, once you have rested?” he asked, his tone as low and as dark as he dared to permit it to be, in the hope that it might convince hernotto come and do as he had suggested. Miss Tidemore looked up at him, her eyes flickering with the clear question as to whether or not this was a genuine, a true desire and, asshe studied his face, Henry let his frown sink lower into his expression.
“Yes, I should like that very much.”
Henry closed his eyes briefly, ignoring the way his mother let out a delighted exclamation. Clearly, Miss Tidemore had decided to ignore his obvious displeasure and had accepted his request. That did not sit well with him.
Though, he considered,that does show an interest in my estate and the consideration of her duties, should she become Duchess.
“I will join you, of course, though I will makesureto stay a little away from you both so you may both walk together,” his mother smiled, putting one hand to Henry’s arm and pressing it gently before turning back to Miss Tidemore. “Now, let me have you shown up to your room at once, Miss Tidemore. You must be very tired after our journey.”
“I thank you.” Edith looked to the Duchess and then back to Henry. “Within the hour, Your Grace?”
“Let us make it two hours,” he muttered, finding himself almost despondent at the thought of being alone with her. “Until later, Miss Tidemore.”
She nodded and then stepped away without a word. Henry ignored the fiery look his mother sent towards him and, after a moment, turned on his heel and made his way along the hallway to his own quarters, the frown growing heavier across his face with every passing second.
Chapter Eleven
