Page 44 of Duke of Gold
Elizabeth groaned softly, her exasperation evident. “Anna, truly.”
“What?” Anna replied, entirely unrepentant. “As Aunt Petunia so wisely said, it is better to be cautious than have regrets.”
“You scarcely believe in such nonsense yourself,” Elizabeth countered, her tone a mixture of amusement and reproach.
Peggy glanced between them, her lips twitching involuntarily at their bickering, though her heart remained heavy. For all the warmth and familiarity of their exchange, she could not ignore the echo of emptiness that still filled the castle.
“After hearing our dear sister’s reflections, I must confess I am beginning to form an inclination myself,” Anna said with theatrical gravity. She cast a deliberate glance around the drawing room, her gaze both expectant and cautious. “There is a peculiar heaviness in the air that I cannot seem to make sense of since our arrival.”
Peggy released a soft laugh, though the sound felt lighter than her mood. “Oh, it is likely nothing more than the dust,” she quipped, motioning vaguely to the high ceilings and ornate moldings. “The furniture is nearly as old as the castle itself, you know.”
The corners of her lips lifted in amusement as a sudden thought struck her—what would Morgan think of a renovation? The grand drawing room, while undeniably stately, bore an air of faded splendor. The drapes hung heavy and dark, the gilded frames of the paintings were dulled with time, and the once-vibrant rug beneath their feet seemed muted by years of wear. It was clear the house had not been redecorated since, well, at least Morgan’s grandmother’s time. Perhaps, she mused, a touch of modernity would breathe life into its somber halls.
“Well,” Anna replied, her voice bright though her gaze remained thoughtful, “whatever the case, I suggest you keep Aunt Petunia’s salt at hand.” She laughed lightly, but Peggy did not miss the flicker of concern in her cousin’s expression.
Peggy tilted her head, studying Anna with a touch of curiosity. Was Anna still unconvinced about Giltford? The weight of her cousin’s earlier doubts brushed against her thoughts, but Peggy chose not to dwell. Instead, she schooled her features into a semblance of cheer. “I shall keep it in my reticule, just in case the spirits of Giltford should object to my presence,” she said with an exaggeratedly serious nod.
Elizabeth, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward, her expression softening as she reached for Peggy’s hand. “Peggy, dearest, I believe I am uniquely positioned to offer you counsel in this,” she began, her voice low and steady. “Considering my own marriage was, shall we say, equally sudden.”
Peggy felt the warmth of Elizabeth’s hand over her own and found herself holding her breath as her elder sister continued. “Give it time,” Elizabeth said gently. “The servants, the household—everyone needs time to adjust to the presence of a mistress after so many years without one. But most of all, givehimtime.” She squeezed Peggy’s hand in a reassuring gesture. “I am certain he will warm to you.”
Peggy’s throat tightened, and she quickly blinked away the sting of tears. “Thank you, Lizzy,” she managed, her voice quieter than she intended.
“Should he fail to warm up,” Anna interjected with a mischievous glint in her eye, “you must know that I am but a missive away.”
Peggy let out a surprised laugh, while Elizabeth fixed Anna with an exasperated glare. “Anna! You might show a bit more optimism for once.”
Anna merely shrugged, a smile tugging at her lips. “What? A word of caution never goes amiss. And, rest assured, if necessary, I will see to the matter myself.”
“And what exactly would you do, Anna?” Elizabeth challenged with incredulity.
“Why, there is no husband alive who cannot be set straight with a properly worded warning,” Anna declared, her voice grandiose, though her playful grin betrayed her true intent.
“I shall have rooms prepared for you,” Peggy said warmly, her hands clasped before her as she regarded her sisters.
Elizabeth shook her head gently, her auburn curls brushing against her collar. “There is no need, Peggy. We have already made arrangements for lodgings in the village.”
“And besides,” Anna added with a mischievous smile, “we could not possibly intrude upon your honeymoon. Far too early for that yet, would you not agree?”
Elizabeth shot Anna a pointed look, though her lips twitched with suppressed amusement. Peggy flushed, her fingers curling tightly around the edge of her shawl.
“Well,” Peggy began, determined to redirect the conversation, “if you will not stay the night, then I insist you join us for dinner before you return to town. I shan’t take no for an answer.”
Anna’s grin widened. “How formidable you’ve become, Peggy. I suppose there is no arguing with a Duchess.”
“None whatsoever,” Elizabeth agreed, her eyes sparkling with affection. “We would be delighted.”
“Splendid,” Peggy said, feeling a flicker of excitement. The house had felt oppressively quiet since her arrival, and the prospect of a lively dinner was a welcome one. “I shall have everything prepared to perfection.”
Her sisters exchanged a knowing look, and Elizabeth took Peggy’s hand briefly. “It will be wonderful, I am sure,” she said gently.
After bidding her sisters farewell, Peggy wasted no time in seeking out Mrs. Hallewell . She found the ever-efficient housekeeper in the kitchens, her brisk movements commanding the attention of the household staff as they tended to their daily tasks.
“Mrs. Hallewell,” Peggy called, her voice carrying just enough authority to be heard without startling.
The housekeeper turned, smoothing her apron as she approached. “Your Grace,” she said with a respectful nod.
“I wish to host a dinner,” Peggy began, clasping her hands together. “My sisters will be attending, and I should like it to be... memorable.”
