Page 35 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
“Our father was a wit-filled man, Lord Gordon,” Catherine said with a haughtiness which Leonard could have done without. “Perhaps the Viscount of Gordon could learn from his legacy.”
Percival smiled wanly and returned to his meal.
“I daresay many of us could learn a great deal from the late Duke. He was a good man, perhaps even kingly in his own right.”
“We fare well,” Elizabeth interjected quickly, as though she did not appreciate the implication that their duchy was lacking in some fashion. “We certainly want for nothing, is that not so, Father?”
“Indeed,” Percival agreed, skilfully changing the subject. “This chicken is delightful. How was it prepared?”
Leonard found himself exhaling. The discussion had given him a peculiar feeling of unease but he could not say why. Perhaps he was more accustomed to the vapid banter of the nobles than pointed, nearly heated discussions. In any case, he was glad it was done.
“It is my recipe,” the Duchess announced, speaking for what was only the first time that evening. “One I learned from my grandmother in Scotland.”
“Youcooked it, Your Grace?” David asked in shock and Mary laughed heartily.
“I did not,” she replied. “Albeit, I do not shy away from work, no matter what my son has to say on the matter.”
Leonard bit on the insides of his cheeks to keep from reminding his mother of a time when she could barely feed herself, let alone work on matters pertaining to the duchy. The past would hopefully remain where it belonged. Everyone was back in their rightful place.
Leonard saw the shine of respect in Elizabeth’s eye as she stared at his mother. He attempted to catch Elizabeth’s stare with his but failed again. He could not be sure if she purposely avoided his looks or if her attention was simply too divided to focus on him.
“You must share the recipe with me, Your Grace,” Elizabeth said politely. “I plainly see the admiration in my father’s eyes and I must confess my appreciation, also.”
“You must not, Mother,” Leonard quickly interjected. Elizabeth looked at him, stunned. It was the first opportunity he had had to catch her gaze and he smiled broadly.
“Pray tell, why not?” the Duchess asked, voicing the question which was clearly on Elizabeth’s mind. Without breaking his gaze from Elizabeth’s, he explained, “You must insist that Lord Gordon return to Pembroke every time he fancies this meal.”
The table broke into a round of chuckles and to his great relief, Elizabeth also granted him a warm smile. It ignited a flame in his gut and made Leonard feel as giddy as a small boy.
“Will you hunt tomorrow?” Frances asked unexpectedly. Leonard had quite nearly forgotten she was there, near the end of the table, absorbed in her meal, or her thoughts. He was not sure to whom she spoke but he decided to answer.
“I thought the men might,” Leonard replied slowly, hoping the lie did not sound in his words. His intention was to feign sickness the following day while Percival and David went with Herbert.
“There is much area to explore and we only have a month,” the Duke continued jestingly. “Would you care to join us, Miss Follett? I daresay that we have appropriate gear for you.”
Her eyes grew large like saucers and she shook her head vehemently.
“Oh, I dare not although…I would like to never leave Mr. Barlough’s side.”
There was such a plaintive wistfulness in her words that Leonard felt a pang of instant regret he had not invited the barrister for supper. He vowed not to exclude Herbert again as long at the Folletts remained at Brookside.
“Frances, that is not appropriate,” Percival sighed but Leonard could hear little reprimand in his voice. Frances clearly had little sense of what was proper in her limited mind.
“I assure you, Miss Follett, you will have much time to enjoy the company of Mr. Barlough. I have many interesting events planned for your stay.”
Instantly, her eyes brightened.
“Will there be a party?”
Leonard beamed, her youthful manner contagious. He could not help but be amused by her guilelessness, even though he could sense her family’s disapproval from around the table.
“Possibly,” he replied teasingly. “Would you like a party?”
“Oh yes! Yes, please! And dancing—lots of dancing!”
Again, a gentle chorus of laughter echoed across the dining room.
“I am eager to explore the woods,” Percival offered, perhaps a tad uncomfortable with his daughter’s free speaking. “It will be grand to have an excursion among the men, eh, David?”
