Page 52 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
That is her,he observed when he heard her moving through the hall and down the stairs.She wakes so early each day. The Baron and Charles will be sleeping a few hours more. I could sneak down and see her.
Peggy is likely with her,the Duke reminded himself.
""I couldn't sleep any longer and thought I would have a muffin and read a book or take a walk," he said aloud, testing it out.
I'll dress and take my chances,he decided.
The Duke put on his clothes, and like Anne before him, he made his way down the hall and stairs nearly silently. When he reached the landing, he was torn between going to the parlor and seeing Anne at breakfast or keeping to his plan and visiting her in the kitchen.
Then, he heard a voice say, "You're awake."
It was Peggy, the maid.
"Shall I let Miss Anne know you have come down?" she asked.
"Um…" the Duke started, faltering. "I hate to disturb her."
"I am sure it is no trouble," Peggy said. "Wait one moment, Your Grace."
Moments later, she was in the kitchen with her mistress.
"Miss Anne, the Duke is at the bottom of the stairwell."
"What?" Anne asked, turning so quickly she nearly knocked over the batter she had been mixing.
"The Duke," Peggy repeated. "He is awake, dressed, and downstairs. How shall I direct him?"
"Oh, hmm…" Anne considered. "I shall go speak with him. Please continue the plum cake batter then slice some ham and strips of bacon."
"Yes, Miss," Peggy said, straining to keep a smile from spreading across her lips.
Anne dusted her hands and removed her apron.
Then, she asked, "Do I look good enough to face him, Peggy? I did not sleep very well last night."
"You look lovely, Miss. Even more than normal," the young maid replied.
"Thank you," said Anne.
She felt reassured but also wondered if she would appear to have tried too hard.
Too late to do differently now,she thought.
As Anne left the kitchen and walked toward the Duke, she felt her heart beating hard and fast in her chest.
Steady girl,she whispered to herself.
When she rounded the corner, she found the Duke waiting.
"Good morning, Anne," he said, straightening his posture and smiling.
"Good morning, Noah," she replied, enjoying the feeling of addressing him as such.
His smile grew, and he stepped toward her quickly as though he might kiss her again. Then, just before touching her, the Duke restrained himself.
"I enjoy the sound of my name from your lips in your voice," he observed.
"I must admit, I enjoy saying it," Anne replied.
