Page 67 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"I like that some of them have practical uses, too," replied Charles with a shrug.
She rolled her eyes once more.
Charles didn't seem to mind. He still admired her demure ways, but somewhere along the walk, the intrigue about her seemed to have faded. Diana seemed determined to be as bored as possible with everyone and everything as she had been since her arrival.
"I like that as well," agreed Noah. "And I think it is fascinating that you know these sorts of things."
He and Anne smiled at one another. Then, he grabbed another flower from the field surrounding them and offered it to Anne.
"Keep some to place in each of our rooms at the manor. I would like to lay in bed and smell this in the air," he suggested. "Wouldn't you?"
"I think it would give me a headache," said Diana.
At the same time, Anne agreed, "I believe that would be lovely, quite soothing."
Diana glared at Anne and then at Noah, but neither of them saw because they were gazing at one another.
"I'm hungry," she announced flatly, garnering everyone's attention as she loudly unwrapped the plates and utensils.
She removed enough to serve herself and then placed a nut and berry muffin on her plate along with some trimmings of a joint of meat that Anne packed. She slathered the muffin with jam and bit it as the others looked on.
After a moment, Anne said, "I suppose it is a good time to eat."
Then, she distributed plates and utensils to everyone who remained and began to serve items from the foods she had packed. Before she ate, she offered to refill everyone's glass or to serve sherry or brandy; the brandy was unanimously agreed upon.
Charles continued to attempt making conversation with Diana, but she grew weary of him and declared, "I have a headache," so that he would speak less.
He seemed fine occupying himself with observing the butterflies, bees, and clouds when he couldn't speak to her any longer. Anne and Noah hardly noticed as they had relaxed and seemed on a picnic with just the two of them, despite their company.
"I was hesitant at first, but now, I am looking forward to the banquet. I would like to see you in your dress and dance with you," Noah said to Anne in a low voice.
He lay on his side, looking at her. She sat so her hip and upper body were near him, and her legs were tucked the opposite way, supporting her along with one hand she was tracing the pattern of the blanket with.
"I am looking forward to it as well," she said, blushing. "I don't think I have ever looked forward to a banquet or dance so much.
"Perhaps I can convince my sister to being in our carriage or yours with your brother and grandfather. Then, I could drive you, and you could sit at my side as we arrive," Noah suggested, moving his hand so that their fingers touched.
"Noah!" Diana shrieked.
The Duke looked annoyed as though he had been roused during a pleasant dream.
"Yes, Diana?" he replied without taking his eyes off Anne.
"I would like a word with you," she said curtly.
Then, she stood and walked deeper into the field, away from the group.
"One moment," Noah said to Anne before rising and walking to join his sister.
When he reached Diana, before he could ask what troubled her, she made her frustrations known.
"You have obligations in London. Responsibilities. You have made promises," Diana said angrily. "And, to make matters worse, now, you are discarding me?"
"No one is discarding you," he argued. "I merely wanted to drive separately with Anne."
"‘I want to drive separately with Anne,'" Diana mimicked in a snickering voice. "How has this country woman captured your attention so that you would forget your place? Your duties? Thepromises you have made. You must keep your word and save face from indiscretion."
"I have forgotten nothing though you seem to have forgotten who you are speaking to. I am your elder brother, I am your duke, and most importantly, I am my own man. You nor anyone else will control me or tell me what to do short of King George III himself. Am I clear?" he said in a sharper tone than he had ever used with his sister.
