Page 58 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"She seems to respond to your correction," Anne pointed out.
"Yes, but only in certain circumstances to save face," he said. "Either way, she is here now."
"Yes, I will miss our quiet time together before breakfast, and she probably won't approve of our walks," Anne admitted with disappointment.
Noah gently placed a finger under Anne's chin and turned her to look at him.
"I do not wish for things to be any different because she is here. She is never awake in time to notice if I join you in the kitchen. She might even prefer to rest after breakfast than be in our company. If she wants to join our walks, she can, but she will have no interest in our discussions of nature or literature," Noah said softly.
They both glanced at the Baron, but he still slept with his hand holding his pipe on his chest.
"You do not worry, and continue being the exemplary and lovely woman that you are," Noah suggested before kissing Anne gently, tenderly.
When they pulled apart, they gazed at one another and held hands until they heard footsteps coming down and the soft swish of skirts of fine fabric.
"Your Grace?" Diana called as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
Noah sighed, and Anne touched his cheek sweetly. He softened a little. They rose together. Noah went to his sister, and Anne gently woke her grandfather.
"Here I am," Noah said, standing in the doorway, addressing his sister.
"Grandfather, I believe we are ready to leave," Anne urged.
When he felt her take his pipe, the old man stirred and smiled.
"That was a very good nap. I'm refreshed and ready," he said. "Where is our new guest?"
"Waiting," replied Anne, nodding her head toward the door.
"Excellent, I look forward to chatting with her on the ride," Jeremy said.
Together Anne and Jeremy joined Noah and Diana.
Anne thought after a little rest, the Duke's sister might make some apology for her previous behavior and comments, but Noah was correct. It was simply Lady Diana's nature.
"Where is your driver? Where is your carriage? They should be here waiting for us in front of the house now. Did no one tell them you had plans to go out?" she asked.
As she finished speaking, Charles pulled around with the carriage. He leapt down quickly and lowered the passenger step. Then, he approached the group and offered his assistance to Diana.
"Lady Diana , your carriage awaits," Charles said with a smile.
"I almost feel we should take my carriage," she considered, looking at their older model versus the fancier vehicle she had arrived in.
She frowned but stepped forward. Without accepting Charles' help, Diana entered the carriage and was seated with her back to the driver's area. Anne entered second, and Diana raised an eyebrow and watched carefully as her brother helped the Baron's granddaughter into the cabin. Without a word, Anne seated herself opposite Diana in the farther forward-facing seat. Noah then assisted the older man and entered himself.
"Your Grace, aren't you going to sit by me?" Diana asked when the Baron sat beside her and her brother seated himself beside Anne.
Before Noah could respond, the Baron said, "I apologize, but I couldn't resist sitting next to such an enchanting guest."
Diana smiled at the compliment but still eyed her brother cautiously.
"Thank you, Baron," she replied. "I suppose seating in a carriage is not as strict as at a table."
"Oh, we will need to adjust the seating arrangement for the banquet," Anne noted aloud.
"Only a little," replied her grandfather. "Lady Diana shall sit to my right and Charles to my left. Grandon will still sit to your right. From there, everyone from Esther and Judith shall shift places by one."
"Yes, I know," Anne said. "I was just thinking about how excited Judith and Esther will be to meet Lady Diana . They were so excited to be introduced to the Duke."
