Page 47 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
Presently, I need to think about what to say to the Duke about last night or what he might say to me,Anne thought to herself. Then, she wondered,What if he attempts to kiss me on our walk?
She couldn't help looking at the Duke once more. He was staring at her. Their eyes met then they both looked away.
After breakfast, Jeremy and Charles joined Peggy in the kitchen.
In the garden, Anne and the Duke started their walk. The Duke offered his arm, and Anne gently placed her hand atop it. Then, they walked in silence until one of them had to speak. Finally, they both spoke at the same time.
"Should we talk about what almost happened," Anne asked as the Duke asked, "Do you think we should discuss the moment we shared?"
They stopped walking and laughed softly at the coincidence.
Then, Anne asked, "So, it was a moment?"
The Duke said, "I thought it was. And something did almost happen?"
"I thought it might have," Anne agreed.
Noah smiled. Then, he took a step, so he and Anne began walking again.
"Well, I don't quite know what else to say about that," said the Duke.
Anne didn't speak at first then she decided to delicately voice her feelings on the matter.
"Perhaps there is nothing to discuss. The moment came naturally, but it was interrupted. That might be for the best, given the circumstances," she said.
"Yes," agreed the Duke.
"It would have been inappropriate," continued the Duke, looking ahead again.
"Yes," agreed Anne disappointedly as well. "You are leaving eventually anyway."
The Duke looked at Anne.
Maybe that is what troubles her. It would be hard to begin something meant to end. What would it be anyway?he thought.But we can still enjoy what we have now.
"When I am fully able to walk the property at a comfortable gait and feel no soreness after, yes, I will return to London. Until then, let's you and I enjoy our walks, each other's company, and I will continue enjoying your cooking. All of which will be sorely missed when I go, kiss or no kiss," he declared.
Anne was disappointed and knew she would miss the Duke as well. She thought of telling him but then thought better not to say anything.
"What is it? You look like there is something on your mind,"
"Well, Your Grace," Anne began, but then she heard her brother's voice loudly interrupt.
"Oh, we didn't expect to cross paths with you here," said Charles.
Then, he snapped his mouth shut as though that was not what he intended to say.
"Pardon me?" said the Duke.
Anne looked at her brother quizzically.
"I mean, we thought you would be in another part of the garden," Charles explained with an expression saying that wasn't what he meant to say either.
"What Charles means is that we were trying not to disturb you on our way to the pond," clarified the Baron. "We were about to clean up the area there a bit, so we can all enjoy it more as you suggested recently."
"Oh, I would have borrowed the scythe and done that for you," said the Duke. "I can join you now if the lady doesn't mind."
"No," Jeremy replied more quickly and loudly than he meant to. In a more neutral tone, he said, "I mean, you can join us if you wish, but you shouldn't engage in such strenuous activity with your injury."
