Page 48 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"You two should just finish your walk," suggested Charles.
"You two have been behaving strangely," Anne observed.
"Nonsense," replied the Baron. "We've just been inspired since having a guest and knowing there will be more company soon with the banquet. You know such things have always been my joy."
Anne was doubtful but decided to take her grandfather at his word.
"Very well, then. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tidy the grounds before the banquet as well," she agreed. "We will continue our walk and see you back at the house."
"Good," their grandfather said.
The four parted ways in their sets of two. After some steps, Jeremy noticed his grandson was dragging his feet.
"What brought you down, Charles?" he asked.
"Didn't you hear? Now we must tidy the grounds before this banquet. I didn't realize putting these two together would cause such demanding physical labor."
CHAPTER 13
"I'm getting a bit hungry," their grandfather said.
"Me, too. I'm spoiled on our midday meal."
"Well, one would think Esther and Judith would be a little early or at least on time for tea, knowing they are being served with the Duke and the Baron, but it seems it is more important to be fashionable," grumbled Anne.
The Drowtons and the Duke had breakfast midmorning and skipped lunch, expecting to have tea with sandwiches and cookies midafternoon.
"Being fashionable is for social gatherings. Promptness is politeness," said the Duke.
"Please do not be harsh with them when they arrive," Anne urged. "And no snide teasing, Grandfather."
"Oh, I had some excellent barbs, and those two aren't terribly sensitive," the older gentleman complained. "But very well. It would be just as well to remain on task the duration of their visit. Brevity will be the word of the day."
"I will not say anything of it either. I will also help make decisions quickly," agreed the Duke. "I am sorry we did not get in a walk today, but perhaps we could take a stroll after dinner if it is not too dark and your grandfather permits."
"I do not think it shall be so dark," replied Jeremy before Anne could speak. "Or you could simply sit in the garden 'til dusk."
"Grandfather…" gasped Anne, surprised he was so encouraging.
"Let us not argue when we have his permission," urged the Duke.
Anne was about to speak when Peggy entered the room and announced, "Mrs. Esther Hughes and Miss Judith Jones have arrived. I have seated them in the drawing room."
The small group expressed varying degrees of relief before joining the ladies. For the service, Anne had prepared a full tea caddy and trays with sandwiches, crumpets, and scones.
"Mm, this is delicious Anne," Esther said, taking a bite of a sandwich. "The cream spread you made is much like my own. You must join us for tea sometime as well, Your Grace," she suggested.
"I shall see if I have the time," he replied.
The conversation moved quickly through minor details that the sisters made seem of the utmost importance. To speed things along, the Baron and Anne did their best to be agreeable to whatever the ladies suggested that did not interfere with the Drowton and the Duke's previous conversation. Likewise, the Duke did his best to be amenable to the requests and anecdotes.
"Will we conduct the banquet here or at the assembly room?" Judith asked thoughtfully as the tea neared its end.
"We were hoping to entertain here," Anne said. "We could easily accommodate twenty to twenty-five people for the evening."
"We have invited at least five times as many," Esther replied with shock. "I still had more to speak with." "Trim your selection," the Baron stated "This is a banquet in the Duke's honor with only the best food and people of Reedley. We can throw a larger affair when there is proper cause."
"I thought my sister had overextended invitations," Judith observed with a teasing laugh and look at Esther. "I believe she wanted so many people to see that she is counted among the friends of His Grace and knows him personally."
