Page 26 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"I'm pleased my presence for the midday meal makes you smile," Noah observed, smiling as well. Then, he cleared his throat, straightened his face, and said, "I had an appetite well before dinner yesterday, and I realized I should not miss meals while I recover."
Peggy looked at her mistress and the Duke as they looked at one another.
"I should fetch the tea and coffee service," she suggested softly before quickly leaving the area.
Anne was the first to break eye contact, looking back at the table.
"I need to replace the flowers here and around the house," she said absently.
"They are still very fragrant," the Duke observed.
"Yes, but they are beginning to wilt," Anne said, pulling a yellow flower from the arrangement. "Better to cut fresh this afternoon, so we can better enjoy them."
"So, you will be about the grounds this afternoon as well?" the Duke asked.
"Yes, Your Grace," Anne replied. "But I shall not interrupt your walk."
He nodded but said, "I'm sure your company would be no interruption."
Anne smiled again, and the Duke smiled as well.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she said softly.
"Grandon," he corrected gently.
Before either of them could say more, there was the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Grandfather Jeremy and Charles' voices preceded their entry to the meal.
That morning, the conversation flowed as the tea poured round the table. Even Charles elected for tea over his usual hot chocolate.
"I suppose a young man does have to part with childish pleasure sometime," he said self-deprecatingly.
"Perhaps," agreed Noah. "But there is nothing better than hot chocolate and muffins or biscuits on a winter morning."
He smiled at Charles and tipped his glass toward him.
"Maybe even fall," Charles added hesitantly, almost as a question seeking permission.
"Maybe even fall," agreed the Duke. "When the first crisp burst of wind is in the air."
Charles rubbed his hands together and smiled broadly. Then, he ate as though he was ravenous.
"Grandon, it appears your pupil needs you to train him in table manners as well," Jeremy said with a laugh.
"I just want to make sure I have enough time for everything this morning," Charles replied, swallowing when he paused. Then, he continued to clarify, "I want to have enough time to work with Grandon this morning, and then go to town to speak to a couple of the shop owners you introduced me to yesterday. I'd like to tactfully ask them a few questions."
"Did something seem amiss during your outing?" Noah asked, looking concerned.
"Not really," replied Charles with a shake of his head. "I just think one or two could benefit from some of the information you've shared with me to better manage their affairs."
"A sign of learning well is to be able to teach another," Noah said, looking pleased. "Perhaps I should come with you in case you need help explaining anything?"
"No, I think I have it down, but we can review before I go. And I don't want to seem intimidating by bringing the Duke of Grandon for such matters," Charles replied.
"That is true. My demeanor tends to make most people think the worst," the Duke admitted.
"My demeanor makes most laugh," said Jeremy with a hearty chuckle. "If you go, I should go to balance the air in the room."
Everyone at the table laughed then.
