Page 25 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"Yes, Mr. Charles will be sure to enjoy all of that," the maid said reassuringly.
I need to remember all this when I try to butter him up to be the one to go to Aunt Sarah's,Anne thought.
"One thing at a time," she said softly.
Soon enough, she and Peggy were setting the table when they heard her brother and grandfather return.
"Anne, you wouldn't believe some of the characters I met today," Charles said excitedly.
"Met? It's all the same people who have lived in Reedley since we were children," Anne replied.
"Yes, but you know I didn't really talk to anyone much beyond the kids we played with, well, when we were kids. So, I know them and their families, but Grandfather helped me get to know so many more people today, and he introduced me to people as his grandson, Mr. Charles Drowton, future Baron of Reedley," Charles said, posing with pride.
"As well he should," the Duke declared, entering the room and the conversation.
"Ah, Your Grace," said Jeremy excitedly. "How was your walk this afternoon?"
"Very well, thank you," Noah replied. "But I can tell I am going to need to start slowly. I returned to the house not long after the two of you left and have spent the entire afternoon and early evening resting in my room."
"Really?" replied the Baron. "Pity."
Anne looked at her grandfather, unsure what he meant, but before she could ask, he had moved on.
"Well, something smells wonderful," he said, turning his attention to the table.
"Everything," said Charles even more excited than before. "Everything looks and smells wonderful. Oh, Anne, you've made all my favorites!"
"Wait until you see the second course and dessert," Anne replied.
Charles sat at the table eagerly.
"I wanted to do something to show you I am proud of how hard you are working, learning from His Grace. I thought a meal of all your favorites would be a nice encouragement," she explained. "He will only be with us for so long, so I'm proud of you for learning all you can while he is here."
"Well, he is recovering quickly, but Noah has committed himself to a banquet. We all have," pointed out the Baron. "So, we have him in our presence a little longer yet."
CHAPTER 8
"It appears I am the first to the table this morning," the Duke said as he entered the dining room.
"It would seem so," replied Anne as she and Peggy continued to set the table.
"Good morning, Your Grace," the maid said, offering a small curtsey as she continued to place the morning's setting of glassware at the table. "You are looking much better today."
Noah was still adjusting to greeting the help, but he offered the maid a nod and said, "Good morning. Thank you. I feel much better."
I suppose there's no harm in it,he thought.At Grandon, the help is typically seen and not heard, and they only speak when spoken to, but exchanging pleasantries and being generally amenable does seem to set a certain tone here that we might be lacking.
He tried to imagine a member of his staff saying more than a morning or evening greeting. He could not conjure the thought, much less the idea of one of them stating anything about his appearance.
His thought was interrupted when Anne said, "Yes, your stride is greatly improved."
"I was sore after my walk yesterday afternoon, but I believe it did provide great benefit. I still feel some pain today, but it is more tolerable."
"We are glad to see and hear that you are improving. Please keep us informed of anything we can do to help you. Perhaps we should soak your foot in cool water after your next walk," Anne suggested. "Will you take another walk about the grounds today?"
"Yes, immediately after luncheon," the Duke replied.
"After?" Anne asked, unable to hide her smile.
