Page 77 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"What is it?" Phoebe asked when Anne's stride paused.
"Lord Noah Campbell, Duke of Grandon," Anne replied breathlessly as he approached them.
"Anne," he greeted with a nervous and surprised expression, "how are you?"
More formally, Anne said, "Your Grace, this is my cousin, Lady Phoebe Turner, daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Turner of Weston, here in London. I am visiting as they prepare for the season."
"A pleasure to meet you," Noah said, greeting Phoebe.
"We have met once before," Phoebe replied, smiling but also appearing curious. "Though it seems you two know each other well?"
"Your cousin and her family cared for me when I was injured when my carriage crashed in Reedley," Noah explained. "I became quite close with their family during that time. Would you mind if Anne and I spoke privately?"
"Not at all," Phoebe said with a smile. "I shall just continue this direction until I reach a bench, Anne."
Anne nodded.
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she wasn't sure she had words to speak. She was amazed she was still standing at all.
"How are you?" Noah repeated. "How are the Baron and Charles?"
"They are doing well, probably better now that I am away for a little while," Anne replied, not adding that she had been sulking, pining for him since he left.
I imagine as I see differences in him, he likely sees any changes there have been in me,she thought.
"How is Diana?" Anne asked.
"She's likely better now that she tossed me out of the house for the afternoon. She says my ill mood has begun to distress her, and she needed time away from it," he admitted. "So, here I am on a walk where I can keep my low feelings to myself."
"Oh, I would think you should be amid an exciting time with upcoming nuptials. Congratulations by the way," Anne said.
"What are you talking about?" Noah asked.
"You are getting married soon?" enquired Anne. "Or are you planning a later date?"
"Didn't you receive any of my letters?" Noah asked.
"What letters?" Anne replied, feeling more confused by the minute.
"Anne, I have written to you nearly every day since I left Reedley Manor. Have you received none of them?" Noah asked, looking concerned.
"I have not received anything," she admitted.
Noah looked perplexed and then very angry.
He calmed himself and asked, "You said you are staying with the Viscount and Viscountess of Westen?"
"Yes," answered Anne still confused.
"I must go home and have a word with Diana then I wish to call upon you. Is that all right?" the Duke asked.
"I believe so," Anne replied. "I think the Viscountess would be more than happy if you were coming by. The concern would be that she is making changes to the house for the season, so please excuse that."
"It is no trouble. I will see you this evening," Noah said.
As he turned away, the growling anger inside him took over, and he rushed home in a huff. Anne returned to her cousin and felt she must tell Phoebe how she and Noah were acquainted. She regaled her cousin with tales of the Duke's stay at her home as they returned to the townhouse.
At Grandon, Noah stormed into the house and shouted, "Diana! Diana, I wish to speak with you now."
