Page 53 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"Then, honor me by saying it once more," he requested.
Anne blushed then said, "Noah."
He took one of her hands in his then he placed the other over the back of her hand. They both looked at their hands. Anne's heart raced, so she remained for a few seconds before withdrawing her hand.
"I should make breakfast," she said. "What brings you downstairs so early?"
"I couldn't wait any longer to see you," the Duke admitted. "I could not pretend to sleep any longer."
"I have not had much sleep either," observed Anne. "However, I do not feel tired in the least."
"If you still feel that way this afternoon, will we take another stroll?" the Duke asked.
"That would be delightful. Maybe we could take a couple of baskets to the orchards," she suggested.
"I will be counting the minutes," the Duke said.
Anne was flattered. She had never been spoken to so flirtatiously, nor had she wanted to be. But with the Duke, she felt her heart quicken with every word.
"Did you want to join us in the kitchen? There is nothing prepared yet, but you could try things as they become ready," she offered.
"I would love to sit and watch you in your element and talk with you, but I will be patient and eat with everyone else," the Duke said.
"I am pleased just to have your company," Anne replied.
She made to return to the kitchen, and the Duke followed.
"Peggy, I will not disturb you if I sit at the table while you two prepare the meal, will I?" he asked politely.
"No disturbance to me at all, Your Grace," she replied. "You are very welcome to stay."
"Thank you," he said, sitting down at the table.
"Peggy, have you sliced the bacon?" Anne asked. "If you would like, I could fry a few pieces for you, Noah."
I wonder how he feels about me using his name around others,Anne thought.Peggy is the safest to try it with.
She looked at him, waiting for his response. He seemed happy to hear her say his name again.
"Thank you, Anne," he replied.
She turned away with a smile, pleased that he responded well then glanced at the maid and saw that she was smiling, too.
Peggy placed a pan to warm and brought the bacon she had sliced to Anne. "I will slice a bit more," she offered.
"Thank you," Anne said.
When the skillet was hot, she added the meat. As the fat cooked off and it became crisp, she added a few quail eggs to the rendering. They sizzled quickly, and she removed them when they were soft-cooked.
"All you need is a bit of bread then you have a decent small plate," she said to the Duke.
"You did not have to do anything at all, but I am grateful," he replied.
When the plate was placed before him, the Duke offered his thanks again.
"Are you able to join me?" he asked.
"I might eat a piece of bacon, but there is more to prepare," Anne said.
