Page 22 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"I shall start taking short walks this afternoon," he declared to his reflection. "In the garden. I would rather not run into Esther, Judith, or any other local gossip."
Giving his reflection a nod of agreement, Noah finished dressing and made his way downstairs for the morning meal. All the while, he assessed how his leg and ankle felt with each step.
I could probably manage one or two laps around the garden,he thought.That is a reasonable start.
So, he joined the Drowtons for breakfast. To boost his strength, Noah drank coffee and ate eggs, toast, sausage, fruit, and greens that Anne dressed for the table.
He was pleased when Charles had a firmer grasp on the material.
Even Jeremy noticed, saying, "I think the boy could teach me a thing or two after studying under you, Noah."
"I'm finally seeing the bigger picture of things, Grandfather. That seems to make the smaller details fall into place. I know better what to look for and how to double check myself," Charles said proudly.
"Excellent," replied Jeremy. "Reedley Manor will surely see a turnaround."
Noah looked at Anne, and she only smiled at him briefly over her book before looking away.
When the men seemed to reach a stopping point in their work, she asked, "Shall I prepare us something to eat?"
"None for me today," replied Noah. "I think I am going to try going for a walk."
Anne's cheerful expression faded, and she said, "A walk?"
"Yes," Noah affirmed, hoping to sound positive. "My ankle is greatly improved, and much like the doctor instructed me to rest and eat, he also encouraged me to begin walking once I felt I was on the mend. This morning, I realized I am moving around much better with significantly less pain."
"Then, by all means, you should continue to the next step of your recovery," Anne agreed, though she did not appear happy about Noah's improvements. "Grandfather, Charles, if you are hungry, I will be setting the table."
"Thank you, dear," Jeremy replied, smiling at his grandfather though seemingly in deep thought over Noah's revelation as well.
"Enjoy your walk," Charles said. "I'll ask Anne or Peggy to leave some food in the kitchen for you in case you work up an appetite for when you return."
"Thank you, Charles," Noah replied.
Then, everyone dispersed.
As Anne prepared a midday meal of herring, oysters, wine, mushrooms, and soft cheeses, she felt a sense of disappointment.
"It is good that he is doing well and following Dr. Edwards' advice," she told herself. "He won't get better unless he puts in the effort."
Still, it will feel strange not having him at the table,she thought.
"That is silly," she said, laughing at herself. He hasn't been dining with us long enough for me to think that way. And he can be so arrogant and judgmental. He's a know-it-all. Conversation will be more amiable without him there correcting Charles or merely humoring Grandfather."
No,she thought, correcting herself.
"He's humoredbyGrandfather. They are becoming relaxed with each other and seem to enjoy their conversations at the table," she admitted. "And he corrects Charles no more than one should to help someone improve themself, and Charles responds well to his guidance."
Is he avoiding the meal to avoid additional time around me?she thought.
"If anything, I have been the most challenging toward him. We can discuss food and literature now, but I suppose that is not nearly as meaningful as instructing Charles or entertaining assharing riddles, jokes, and stories with Grandfather," Anne told herself.
She brought the food to the table, and Peggy set the plates, utensils, and service for coffee and tea.
"No wine?" asked her grandfather.
"No," replied Anne. "If you like, I can grab a bottle of white, or we can have some with dinner."
"Save it for dinner," he replied. "Then, I might have a glass of brandy with my after-dinner pipe with His Grace."
