Page 40 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
They stood and looked at one another for a few seconds. Anne felt as though her heart beat a hundred times during the short span. Noah stared at her intently, and part of her hoped he might show some small gesture that he did have growing intentions with her.
Isn't there?Noah asked himself.
As he debated asking Anne the same question, he gazed at her in a way she had not seen before.
"Your Grace…" she prodded, wondering what he was thinking, hoping he might express some inkling of sharing the feelings she had been managing in herself.
He answered, "Only how good of a nurse you have been."
He stepped closer and lifted a hand toward her face. He was nearly touching her cheek, and Anne could already feel the warmth of his fingertips. She tipped her head slightly, yearning for the moment she felt his touch, but then he lowered his hand and cleared his throat.
He offered Anne his arm instead.
"You do look so lovely," he repeated.
"Thank you," she said, accepting his arm and hiding her disappointment.
They walked in near silence to the pond and shared lunch on one of the benches.
I don't know why, but I feel such pain in my chest,Anne thought.
"Would you mind, if we return to the manor a little early? I believe I'm not feeling well," Anne said, wrapping her half-eaten sandwich and placing it back in the basket.
"Of course not," the Duke replied. "Is there anything I can do?"
"No, I don't believe so," Anne said. "But don't worry, I will be fine, Your Grace."
"I understand," he replied. "In truth, I don't think I feel as well today either.
CHAPTER 11
"Iam surprised Grandfather and Charles have still not returned," Anne said, checking the clock on the credenza. As she returned to the kitchen, she continued, "They know I will be serving dinner soon."
"I shall set the table. Then, I will check the stables and see if they perhaps they have just not made it inside yet," suggested Peggy.
"Thank you. I will finish preparing the syllabub and tarts for dessert," Anne said.
Without another word, Peggy left the room. Anne did not realize she was alone and jumped when the Duke's voice came from where she still believed Peggy to be.
"Something smells delectable," he observed. "And do not let my next comment be an offense to your cooking, but I was surprised when I had the thought."
Anne calmed herself but made a face at his comment.
"Surprised?" she asked.
"By now, I know that your food is among the finest under the monarch's rule," he said flatteringly. "But I am used to smelling food and dreading the thought of eating, much less finding the smell appealing. Yours, well, I believe has me salivating."
Anne smiled and laughed in a more relaxed manner.
"Then, allow me to whet your appetite with a small sampling since it appears Charles and Grandfather might be late to the meal," Anne suggested. "Have a seat."
She gestured to the kitchen table, and the Duke sat down.
"I can start you with a sampling of things from the first course and a glass of port. How does that sound?" Anne asked.
"It sounds delicious if you join me," he replied.
"Very well," Anne agreed.
