Page 27 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
“Uncle Cornelius!” he exclaimed. “I did not think to see you this day.”
“I thought I might put a show on for you.” Cornelius chuckled, advancing to his nephew and embracing him. “It has been too long since we had hunted together, and I had not forgotten your invitation. It was only but two days ago when I read your letter that I knew I had to pay this visit. For that matter, it has been far too long since I have hunted at all.”
“How have you come? The sun is only just up.”
“You know that I was up well before the sun, as any good gentleman would be today.” Cornelius winked.
“Well said.” Kenneth clapped. “Your driver feels poorer for it, I'd imagine.”
“Hard to feel poor about a guinea.” Cornelius countered.
“Well said indeed.” Kenneth laughed. “Now would you break your fast with me?”
“I would, if only you were a man in clothes and not your night shirts.” Cornelius playfully tugged at the house robes, which were magnificent garments by all accounts.
“Very well then, I will be along.” Kenneth waved him away. “Make yourself at home, Uncle.” and he began to walk back towards his dressing chambers.
“I shall,” Cornelius called after him. “for I grew up here, lest you forget.”
Kenneth bounded up the stairs, laughing to himself still about the appearance of his uncle. He so enjoyed Cornelius' company; he had always looked out for him, and counseled him, especially in the recent years.
Kenneth flung open his wardrobe with enthusiasm but was quickly quelled by the magnitude of clothing options. While he liked to think of himself as self-sufficient, he still required Daniel's assistance when it came to dressing.
Kenneth rang the bell, and within moments his faithful manservant arrived.
“Your Grace?” he blinked. No doubt Cornelius's early arrival had thrown him for a gander.
“Come on man, I need to be dressed but I have too many clothes.” Kenneth waved at the wardrobes, exasperated.
“Your Grace has an adequate wardrobe for your stature.” Danial entered the room, closing the door behind him. “Was there an occasion specifically for which you meant to dress?”
“It's the Twelfth, has the whole place forgotten?”
“The Twelfth, of course, Your Grace.” Daniel snapped to attention.
Everyone has forgotten! No matter, they know now.
“I want that red hunting waistcoat, Daniel, where is it in all this?” Kenneth made a futile gesture of sorting the hanging clothes.
“I believe this is the one you mean, Your Grace?” Daniel expertly retrieved the garment in one fluid motion.
“Yes,” Kenneth squinted at it, puzzled as to how it had been so clearly in front him the entire time. “that is the one.”
Daniel saw the Duke dressed as quick as he was able, and then rushed back downstairs to prepare for serving breakfast.
Kenneth turned to his standing mirror and admired himself. He quite liked the red hunting waistcoat, and around it he draped an elegant hunting cloak. Beneath it all was a light shirt, tight stockings, and sturdy leather hunting boots.
“Just fine enough.” he grinned to himself, and skipped down the stairs to pursue his day.
“Well you're off to a good start, I'd say.” Cornelius laughed to see his nephew prancing into the breakfast room.
“I am not sure if I have ever felt better.” Kenneth replied.
“You felt the same way last year.” his mother interjected, looking up from her tea.
“And each year it gets a bit better, hmm?” Kenneth raised his eyebrow.
“What is the quarry today?” the Duchess teased while she picked up her book.
