Page 27 of Duke of Emeralds
With a nod, Thomas issued further instructions, his heart swelling with a sense of purpose. He understood the weight of responsibility that came with his title, having toiled himself to make ends meet.
As he exited the office, Thomas caught the sound of lively chatter drifting from the hallway leading to the Duchess’ study. Intrigued, he followed the noise, discovering Hester amidst a flurry of activity, directing maids and footmen as they rearranged furniture with a practiced efficiency.
The moment he stepped into the room, the servants paused, casting quick, apprehensive glances at their mistress.
“A gathering in my own house, and yet I was not informed?” Thomas remarked, an eyebrow quirking playfully.
“Would you have volunteered for the heavy lifting, Your Grace?” Hester shot back, a teasing glimmer lighting her eyes. “Pray, what would you like moved?”
Thomas rolled up his sleeves with a grin, ready to lend a hand. Her laughter rang out, bright and infectious, warming him from within. He let his gaze roam the room, taking in the organized chaos. Hester appeared to be crafting an embroidery station on the left side, surrounded by vibrant fabrics and spools of thread that spilled across the table like a painter’s palette.
Amongst the disarray, one item stood out—a canvas bearing an unfinished tapestry, adorned with intricate Celtic designs, far more elaborate than the delicate handkerchief-sized pieces he had previously admired.
“Close your mouth, Your Grace. You’ll catch flies,” Hester chided, a playful smirk dancing on her lips as she caught him staring.
“You said you merely dabbled, but this is truly magnificent, Hester,” Thomas replied, awe evident in his eyes as he stepped closer to admire the artistry.
“Merely magnificent?” she countered with mock indignation.
“Indeed, it is a marvel,” he insisted, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. “Ye possess a rare gift, my dear.” Hester’s cheeks flushed a delicate rose, and she busied herself with a spool of thread though the smile threatening to break free revealed her delight.
“Well, I do hope to craft something worthy of your praise,” she replied, glancing up at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
“I have no doubt ye shall,” he answered, feeling the burdens of the day lift as warmth enveloped them.
“I see ye’re beginning to forget yer humility as well,” Thomas teased, a playful grin spreading across his face.
“Living with you? It scarcely stands a chance,” she laughed.
As he surveyed the study, now transformed, a thought ignited in his mind. “Perhaps I could arrange for a proper workspace for ye, a surprise to unveil later,” he mused.
Just then, as she reached for a box perched precariously on a nearby shelf, her foot snagged on a pile of fabric, sending her into a stumble.
In an instant, Thomas stepped forward, catching her before she could fall. Their bodies pressed together, her back against the cool wood of the shelf, and he felt a familiar rush of warmth at her closeness.
“Do ye ever look where ye’re going?” he murmured, his breath mingling with the scent of her hair, the moment echoing memories of their wedding night when he had caught her in a similar embrace, both of them collapsing onto the sofa in laughter. She fit perfectly against him, and he found himself reluctant to release her.
Just as he leaned closer, a sound from the hallway broke the spell, causing Hester to perk up, her cheeks blooming that delightful shade of pink once more. “Oh, I best have this all finished before dinner,” she said with a sheepish chuckle, her eyes sparkling with mischief as Thomas gently released her.
“Very well, I shall leave ye to it,” he nodded, lingering at the door a moment longer.
He strode down the hallways toward his sports room, a need for an outlet consuming him. Boxing seemed a fitting remedy for the restless energy surging through him. However, upon entering the room, he was reminded of the broken training dummy he had neglected to replace during his last visit to the country.
“Leighton!” he called for his butler as he stepped back into the hallway. “The sooner I procure a replacement, the better.”
CHAPTER 15
The morning after Hester had arranged a delightful embroidery station in her office, she settled into her work with a contented sigh after breakfast. However, her rhythm was abruptly interrupted by a knock on her door.
“Come in,” she answered.
Slater walked in and bowed. “Your Grace, a party of ladies awaits you in the front hall.”
Her brows furrowed. “Ladies? I am not expecting anyone. Do you have their cards?”
“They do not possess cards, Your Grace. They are from the village.”
“Very well. I shall join them shortly. Please show them to the drawing room.”
