Page 29 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"You could have warned me. I would have paced myself," replied Charles. "It seems I need to build up stamina for being among the people."
"Yes, interacting can be exhausting, depending on the company," the Duke agreed watching them go up. "Your family's company seems to have the opposite effect on me. I feel energized for my walk. Enjoy your rest gentlemen."
"I shall help Peggy tidy up," Anne said. "Then, I shall make my way to the garden."
"Are you joining Grandon on his walk?" Jeremy asked his granddaughter.
She gasped, and the Duke looked at her uncertainly as well.
"No, I was going to clip flowers to make a new arrangement for the dining hall and cut a few more to put in vases around the house," Anne replied.
"Ah," replied Jeremy. "That would be good. Still, it might do well for you to begin walking with him as his walks become longer in case his ankle gives him any trouble from over exertion like yesterday."
"I wouldn't refuse the company," the Duke said, looking at Anne. "I'm learning it can be good to accept help when necessary."
"Then, perhaps I could join you after I have collected my flowers today and begin walking with you tomorrow, Your Grace," Anne offered.
"Thank you, I would appreciate your company," the Duke replied.
He resisted the urge to correct her by saying, "Grandon," though he wished she would dismiss with the formality between them.
"I look forward to it as well," replied Anne.
As she and the Duke made their way outside, Jeremy observed, "It might take a little effort on our part, but I think there could be something blossoming besides in the garden."
"Those two?" Charles asked.
"Those two," replied his grandfather. "Now that they are past their rocky beginnings, I think with a little water and sunshine, something could grow there."
Charles shook his head and moved past the older gentleman.
"Well, if it requires any effort on my part, it will have to wait until after I've rested," he said.
The Baron gave him a playful shove on the shoulder. Then, both men continued upstairs.
Outside, Anne looked at the flowers.
I've made such a big deal of these things; I must put together an arrangement that is more than pretty and fragrant. I need something eye catching that captivates all the senses,she thought.It's been talked up to everyone in the house now when initially it was merely an excuse to be in proximity of the Duke.
She startled herself with the realization.
"I want to be around Noah Campbell, Duke of Grandon," she said softly to herself aloud, dropping her basket and clippers.
She put her hands to her lips and snapped her mouth shut.
"Oh, dear," she whispered.
Then, a voice behind her asked, "Could you include a few of those blue ones? I noticed them yesterday. They have a unique look about them and a very prominent smell that doesn't offend the senses."
She turned to see the Duke and wondered if he heard her. It didn't seem so. He stepped past her and picked one of the flowers he referred to.
"It even matches your dress today," he noted, handing her the sprig of blue flowered sage he had plucked. "You look lovely in blue."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Anne said softly.
She had been caught by surprise when he was behind her, but it was nothing compared to the shock of the Duke complimenting her and offering a flower.
With a smile, he departed to begin his walk.
