Page 25 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“If I may, how did a lady come about obtaining her own vessel?” Charlotte said with interest.
Bonny’s smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. “My Lady, my vessel belonged to my father. He surpassed his era. He believed his daughters were equal to any sons he could have had,” Bonny said with pride.
“An inheritance. I am sorry for losing your father. He sounds like a wonderful father,” Charlotte said, thinking of her mother.
“Never met one that came close, My Lady.” Bonny replied with a slight gravel to her voice.
“So, how much treasure have you found?” Charlotte asked with wide eyes. Bonny laughed and Charlotte was glad to have distracted her from her sorrows.
“Actually, My Lady, my crew are on a voyage to find one of legend,” Bonny said in a hushed whisper.
“That is a pity. I had hoped to join you in search of lost gold,” Charlotte countered.
“I will send an invitation the moment she docks, My Lady,” Bonny said, without missing a beat.
“I shall hold you to that. Now I am not sure about you. I feel rather parched.” Charlotte looked about for the closest place to find a drink.
“I am almost always parched, My Lady. ‘It is the way of the sailor.” Bonny followed Charlotte in search of refreshment.
“Then let us remedy that,” Charlotte said, as she walked with Bonny and Lady Wells to see where the tray of drinks had gone. She searched the room for the duke’s whereabouts. When a couple moved, she could see him conversing with Tristan and Cecil. He took a sip of his drink and found her gaze. Charlotte smiled, and he returned it. Their subtle thoughts of seeking each other touched Charlotte deeply.
Do not mistake gentlemanly behavior for fondness! Charlotte reminded herself. How did society become like this? You can marry a man and hardly know him, never have him love you.
“Would you not agree, my lady?” Lady Wells’ voice floated into her thoughts.
“Forgive me, Lady Wells. Would you mind saying that again?” Charlotte asked as she felt a blush creep up her neck.
“Not at all, My Lady. Bonny might want to visit the factory I mentioned,” Lady Wells said again.
“The factory! What a wonderful thought. Yes, that would be something you may find of genuine interest, Bonny,” Charlotte said, as she thought of the Miller family mill. They had stayed true to their name and had been in the woodworking industry since man set sail on the ocean.
“In that case, My Lady, would it be possible to discuss a business proposition? I understand that might be more your husband’s area of expertise. Would it be too forward to ask for a meeting, my lady?” Bonny asked Lady Miller.
“Cecil would be delighted to see you, I’m sure. I shall send word in the following week,” Lady Miller said pleasantly. Charlotte looked at the two ladies and felt happy to be among genuinepeople. They all had money and titles, yet nothing about their calm, honest demeanor spoke of it. Charlotte saw the duke and excused herself when she noticed he had moved away from his company.
“Are you enjoying your evening, My Lady?” the duke asked as she approached him.
“You keep such kind, earnest company, Your Grace. I feel most fortunate to be among them,” Charlotte replied earnestly.
“You do not know how thrilled that makes me to hear you say that, My Lady. Have you had something to eat and drink? It is just that moving about all evening can be tiresome,” The duke said with a small guffaw.
“Yes thank you, Your Grace. I am, however, saving room for the main course,” Charlotte proclaimed.
“Thinking ahead, what a good quality. My aspirations are similar, though. I am simply saving room for the pudding.” The duke gave her a mischievous smile.
“If the pudding comes with such high recommendation, Your Grace, then I shall take your advice.” Charlotte realized they might have just had a flirtatious moment. The duke smiled a warm smile as dinner was announced.
The soup was a hearty one made with stew ingredients. Murmurs of appreciation could be heard as guests began their meal. Next, they were served duck with steamed vegetables and gravy. Extra platters with venison were brought out for those who preferred it. The desert was a baked cake. A round of applause broke out the moment the chef and his assistant brought it out.
Once most guests had eaten, they thanked the duke and made their way to their carriages. Those of noble blood knew they could now enjoy more fine wine and excellent tea.
“Your Grace, thank you for going to all this effort. I have had a wonderful evening,” Charlotte said as they spoke before entertaining the rest of their guests.
“It was no effort at all, My Lady. Not in doing anything for you.” The duke said in a soft voice meant for her ears only. Charlotte had not the faintest idea how to respond to his statement. “I must say I envy you, My Lady. I would much rather have more cake than a drink.”
“Your Grace has a powerful love of sweets.” Charlotte said in good humor.
“I believe that is why I have become most taken with you, My Lady.” The duke smiled cheerfully. “I do apologize, My Lady. This particular wine seems to loosen my tongue. I wish you a fineevening with the other ladies.” The duke gave her a slight nod and left to join the waiting gentlemen.
