Page 27 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"You could come, Grandfather," Charles said sincerely when things settled down again. "Everyone seems to be getting the idea that we are moving toward when I assume your role as baron. You can help me say what I need to but still have the friendly connection that underscored the conversation like yesterday."
"I never turn down a trip to town," replied Jeremy.
"We will be back for luncheon, Anne, but we might be late," Charles said, looking at his sister.
"Very well, but I can serve it a little later as well," she offered.
"No, I would hate for Grandon to wait. Please, go ahead as normal but leave the table set for me and Grandfather," he instructed.
Well, he certainly is in a take charge mood this morning,Anne thought proudly.
"Yes, future Baron of Reedley," she said in a half mocking, reverent tone.
Charles didn't seem to mind. He only smiled and continued to eat faster.
Soon, breakfast and Charles' lesson with the Duke were done. He and Grandfather made quick goodbyes as they were both eager to get to town.
The Duke and Anne remained in the parlor for the remainder of the morning as they normally would, but a deafening silence seemed to remain with them.
Finally Anne said, "Well, I should probably begin preparing our luncheon."
"I shall…" The Duke paused unsure of how to respond. "I suppose I shall rest here a little longer."
"Good, you will need your strength for your walk," Anne said.
They smiled at one another, and he stood briefly as she rose from her seat. Once she left the room, the Duke sat down again.
Could I have sounded more foolish?Noah asked himself.
Will our lunch be so silent?Anne wondered.
When they did share their meal, conversation was somehow easier.
"Dr. Edwards was correct about your jams. When I return to Grandon, I will miss spreading your jams and preserves over my scones," Noah said, buttering a biscuit and covering it in thick jam. "Your scones are far better, too. I could eat them plain."
"That is quite a compliment," Anne replied happily. "I have several jars, and I am more than happy to send some with youwhen the time comes. But I could also make more while you are here. We have grown some very nice plums and raspberries this year."
"That would be quite gracious of you," the Duke said, surprised by her generosity though he was beginning to think he shouldn't be.
Anne and the rest of the Drowtons are such a generous family, despite having so little,he thought.
"Please, do not think I am boasting, but I make a very nice spiced plum preserve," she said, leaning forward and speaking in a hushed tone.
The glint in her eyes when she's proud is rather charming,the duke thought.
He leaned closer to as well and said, "You don't say? Now, I must try some."
"My secret is to prepare two parts plum to one part apple and add extra clove and star anise. Everyone uses a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon, but the clove and star anise make such a difference," replied Anne excitedly.
"Anise, anise," the Duke repeated thoughtfully. "That has a bit of a licorice flavor doesn't it?"
"It does to some," Anne replied, pleased with his knowledge. "In cooking, it's a sweet spice that can take a new life depending on what it is prepared with while bringing out unexpected flavors in a dish."
"Fascinating," the Duke said, staring at Anne. "I'm not one for licorice, but your spiced plum preserve sounds inspired."
Those green eyes of his,Anne thought.It is like being lost in a spring forest to gaze into them too long.
She sat back and felt she needed to remind herself to breathe.
