Page 34 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"These paths are old. Although, I suppose one could say overgrown as well," she observed.
It is difficult to share my home with him now when part of me feels judged and beneath him,she thought disappointedly.
"I think you and I have had some sort of misunderstanding," Noah said.
"Have we, Your Grace?" Anne asked. "You are curious about our property, but these strolls at times feel like your inspection. In the same breath, you are both inquisitive and critical."
"That has not been my intention," replied the Duke.
"We have been wasteful with what we grow, things are overgrown, and any number of additional criticisms that have rolled through your mind but have yet to reach your tongue," Anne observed.
"I meant each comment constructively and with no offense," he replied.
Anne did not speak.
"Wait one moment," he requested, stopping in place.
Anne stopped and slowly spun on her heels to face him.
"Yes, Your Grace" she said.
"Honestly, some things are overgrown, and some things do look like money wasted that could have helped your family, but do not mistake that to be all that I have said or think about Reedley," he clarified.
He gestured around him and smiled. His smile alone reassured Anne somewhat.
He continued to say, "The garden is overgrown, but I like it. It is free and wild and natural. It was what the gardens at Grandon lack with their over manicured bushes, topiaries, and colorless shrubs. There it is nothing but varied shades of green with white blooming flowers. Here there is every color nature created to dazzle the senses."
Anne blinked at him and tilted her head in confusion.
"What?" she asked. "You like it?"
"I do. It makes me think about how little I consider the gardens of Grandon and why. There is no life to them. I walk them periodically but not with the enjoyment I have here, and I don't think I could grow tired of these gardens in the way that I am desensitized to my own.
"I feel like you are telling me what you believe will make me feel better," Anne said. "I know that I have seemed short-tempered, but that is not necessary."
"I assure you that I'm not," replied the Duke. "I think your orchards are wonderful. There is nothing wrong with me suggesting it could produce enough to fund caretakers for the grounds. That doesn't say anything against you or your family — it points out where you can save cost by using the profit on maintaining. Even seasonal help would benefit you. And since I tell you the good and bad of my thoughts, know that I am not simply appealing to your good graces."
"At this point, I am not sure either of us could appeal to the others good graces, sensibilities, or anything else," Anne said, still unsure of how to receive the Duke's comments.
"That is disappointing," the Duke said somewhat forcefully. Then, with hesitation, he added, "Because I find Reedley Manor and its residents, the young lady of the house in particular, very appealing."
Have I misjudged him again?Anne asked herself.
Her tone softened, and she felt herself blush.
She said, "I am sorry I was harsh with you."
"It is not harsh to defend your home, and I understand how I must have seemed," Noah replied. "I wouldn't expect a guest in my home to do certain things, and I know I can be critical. Even if I am well intentioned, I suppose I could work on the way I phrase things sometimes."
"You and I certainly might get along better," Anne replied. "I will also try not to overthink your meaning or be so sensitive. It is an effect you have on me that I am not used to. I suppose, part of me wants you to find me pleasing in whatever way that can be."
"Even as we argue, rest assured I find you diverting and, in all ways, pleasing," the Duke said, stepping slightly closer to Anne.
They stood silently for a moment.
Then, Anne pointed out, "I will need to return to prepare dinner and dress for the evening soon. Shall we walk the path a little further before we return, Your Grace?"
"Yes, let's continue," he replied.
