Page 66 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"He will," she agreed then she asked, "And what do you need in a good match? Why haven't you taken some girl's hand? Don't you wish to have a little one at home when you return from business?"
Noah was thoughtful.
Then, he said, "I want someone I can talk with or be content in complete silence with. Someone who is my perfect company on walks. And little ones in their due time when I can devote myself to them."
He paused and looked at Anne directly, and she blushed and slowed her step.
"That sounds like a life to be happy with," she said softly.
"It does," he agreed, offering her his free arm as they strolled a bit further.
Behind him, his sister suddenly loudly complained, "I believe I would like to be seated for lunch soon. Are we going far?"
"There is an open meadow that grows betony not much further," said Anne. "I thought that would be an area that might please you. We don't have many areas with predominantly white flowers, but their soft purple hue and the butterflies they attract would be a pleasing aesthetic while we dine."
"Perhaps, but the bees they attract along with the butterflies will be bothersome," complained Diana.
"Only if you disturb them," said Charles. "Otherwise, in their own way, they can be just as enjoyable to observe."
"Naturally, you find something like bees fascinating," snipped Diana with a somewhat disparaging laugh.
"I do," said Charles. "With your brother's help, I have learned the value of the local honey harvests, but aside from that, I have always found bees and many other useful insects fascinating. Where would our flowers and gardens be without them? Who doesn't admire the miracle of their flight despite the proportion of their body and wings? And their coloring, means of communication, and resilience are all striking."
After a moment, Diana replied, "Well then," seeming unsure what else she could say.
Noah and Anne looked at Charles and then each other proudly.
Once they reached the meadow, Charles, Noah, and Anne worked together to lay a large blanket and unpack the baskets they brought as Diana watched or looked out at the field. They didn't eat right away, but the men sipped ale, and Anne poured a glass of lemonade for herself and Diana. She also placed the nut and berry muffins with jam near Diana, hoping her gesture would soften the Duke's sister some.
"Would you like to see a trick?" Anne asked Noah once they were settled.
"All right," he replied, usure what to expect.
Anne pinched a few stems of the betony surrounding them and held them toward the duke.
"How does that smell?" she asked.
"I don't smell much at all," he replied.
She held them toward her brother and Diana.
Charles said, "I don't smell anything either.
Diana rolled her eyes, but observed, "No, there is hardly any scent, not in the whole field.
Then, Anne plucked the petals from their stems, rubbed them between her hands, and released them into the napkin.
She held it before them and said, "Now?"
The others looked at her questioningly but leaned in and inhaled.
"That is pleasant," noted Charles.
"It's lightly minty," said Noah.
"It is in the mint family. It used to be commonly used for a variety of medicinal purposes," Anne explained.
"Flowers should be observed for their beauty," Diana said.
