Page 30 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“I agree with you. It is still pleasant enough weather to eat outside at the very least,” the duke replied with cheer. We shall have the hunting picnic today instead of the next day.”
“I do not see why we cannot, Your Grace. I am quite certain all the food must have been prepared already. Shall I go to the kitchen and relay your orders, Your Grace?” Tristan offered.
“Thank you Tristan. Though take heed being so helpful. I am used to you being more trouble than anything else. I may start to like you,” Henry teased.
Tristan smiled back. The duke thought he would at the very least defend himself. He just laughed and said nothing further.
They arrived on the estate grounds within an hour. The duke looked towards the main house and smiled as Bethany, playing with her puppy, came into view.
I would never in my lifetime have guessed how pleasing it could be to have a woman waiting at home. The duke thought as he watched her. When she looked up and waved to him, it was the last bit of courage he needed to make his feelings known. She gave such a radiant smile that it blinded his sight from his fears. As soon as his chair touched the ground, he hurried to greet Charlotte.
“I hope your day was lovely, My Lady,” the duke said, once he was close to her.
“It was, Your Grace. Congratulations on your successful hunt,” Charlotte said with obvious pride. “I hope it will not upset you, Your Grace. I wanted to thank you for making my father and I so welcome in your home. I took it upon myself to make a dessert for tonight,” Charlotte said nervously.
“No, not all, My Lady. That is the most kind of you. In fact, I must admit I cannot wait to sample it.” The duke said, looking pleased. “Are you pleased with the puppy, My Lady?”
“Oh yes, Your Grace. He is so strong and playful. I have named him George,” she said.
“I am not sure how His Majesty would take that,” the duke said with a warm chuckle.
“Then it would be for the best if they did not meet, Your Grace,” she replied and joined in the laughter. The duke moved to go in and she followed him without being asked. They made small talk and only left each other’s side at the staircase to get ready for the afternoon lunch.
The hunting lunch was a family affair. It was hosted outside after hearing the French were doing this, and they called it a picnic.
Guests would bring food or drink or even contribute towards the costs of the meal. It was held in good weather where guests couldenjoy sitting on soft grass or blanket where they could eat with their family. The duke had caught wind of it and felt it would make Lady Bethany feel more welcome. He personally was fond of the idea. Eating outside as opposed to in the dining hall, felt adventurous and thrilling.
Young children ran around playing while the older children played lawn bowls. The adults spent time on their blankets with books or nibbling the eats they had brought. The duke liked to be seated under a canopy. It enabled him and his guests to move more easily. Where the other families had baskets of food, the duke had a table set for his guests.
Servants stood at the ready nearby to serve the food on offer. The duke had ordered they have a table prepared for his guests while they had brought baskets of food. The servants had unpacked it all and stood ready to serve.
The quail took center stage, placed on a silver platter with trimmings on the side. The meat had been smoked for hours, preserving it in a glistening cherry wood coating. Preserved fruit stood nearby along with boards of cheese. The duke’s favorite white Cheddar has been garnished with figs cooked in sugar. The rest of the table had plates with cakes or preserved meats. Fresh breads proudly held their own section of the table.
The duke took Lady Bethany to make sure she had lunch before he chose a plate for himself. They waited for Lord Wentworth to arrive before they sat together. The duke had insisted Georgeattend the picnic with them. Two children came to ask if they could play with him.
The duke had been delighted when His Lady had joined them. He found comfort that she was so good with children. Her love of animals and appreciation of the gardens just added to her appeal.
She must want children of her own. She must also have concerns… and wonder if it were a possibility. I hope I have not caused her too much pain already, the duke thought bitterly.
George ran at full speed and leapt onto the duke’s lap. Lady Bethany and the children stopped their play and looked at him. The duke looked down at the puppy and scratched him behind his ear. The puppy leapt up and gave the duke a few wet kisses. He burst out laughing and looked at Bethany.
Could this be what life could have been? Could I have had a wife and children? Only I would be on my feet and having good fun as well. It is too much to hope for. I shall have to enjoy this moment and it will have to sate me. The duke’s mind gave him a harsh talking to.
“I do apologize, Your Grace,” Lady Bethany said as she went down to pick George up.
“I love animals, My Lady.” He hoped she had not heard how he had struggled to say the word love in her company.
“A very desirable quality, Your Grace,” she said. The duke looked at her for a moment, trying to decide if she had meant her statement to sound as provocative as it had.
“Would you two like to join us?” She asked the children.
“We would not want to impose, My Lady,” the young lady replied. Her younger brother smiled in agreement.
“Not at all,” the duke said. The children smiled their thanks and followed Lady Bethany to the table. She made sure there were four plates made with only the finest meats, breads, cheese and sweets. Once they had eaten, the boy asked the duke if he was allowed to feed the puppy a last piece of meat from his plate.
“I think George would like that very much,” the duke said, in an impressed tone.
“What type of puppy is he, Your Gwace.” He addressed the duke, his young way of speaking still struggling with annunciation.
