Page 32 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“I shall be sure to instruct someone to keep it hidden then. Though it is a pity, as you play like an angel, My Lady.” He chuckled.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Charlotte said, not fully sure what to say or do next.
“I shall write back and confirm that we are expecting her, My Lady.”
“That is good of you, Your Grace,” she said.
“Think nothing of it, My Lady. May I escort you back to the estate?” Charlotte gave a nod and started to walk beside him. The balmy air carried Jasmin and Rose and made Char feel that wishes could come to fruition.
“What is she like, My Lady?” the duke asked.
“Strict. She means well and wants the best for me, Your Grace,” Charlotte answered and then thought of her.
“Perhaps you were unruly as a child, My Lady,” he teased.
“Hardly, Your Grace. I was a rather meek child.” Charlotte enjoyed the fact that the duke was interested in who she was.
“That was not the impression I got on our first meeting, My Lady. I met you as a young girl… one who seemed to be rather spoiled,” he said with a frown.
“Maybe I still am, Your Grace,” Charlotte replied, and was reminded that he wanted to get to know Bethany and not her.
He knows! Why is he asking the same questions? Charlotte’s mind raced as she fell silent.
“My Lady, do forgive me. It was not my intention to attack your character.”
“That is quite alright. I was rather a terror when I was young,” Charlotte replied, thinking of her sister.
They soon arrived at the estate where they settled in for the evening. The duke went to his study, Charlotte to hers, and her father could be found in the library. She and her father had settled in very well with the duke. They had settled into a rhythm of their own.
While Charlotte waited for her nanny to arrive, she found herself missing the duke and going to find him every day. Often she would just be thinking of him, only to discover he was on his way to her. On other occasions she would go in search of him.He was happy to see her and she did not once feel as though her presence was not wanted.
They had relaxed meals together and found their conversation to flow more easily as time went by. The duke had invited Charlotte to lunch by the nearby river the next day. She joined him just as he had caught a fish.
“Well done, Your Grace,” Charlotte exclaimed. The duke carefully brought the fish to him and held it still while he gingerly removed the hook. He then called a man servant to place it back into the water. He watched to make certain his instruction was followed with care. Charlotte had grown up with hunting and fishing, yet, had not seen any person ever care that much about one fish.
“I apologize that you had to witness that, My Lady.”
“It does not bother me, Your Grace. Especially when great care was taken of the animal,” Charlotte replied, and made her way to him.
“One must respect your hunt. Then there was also a time when one fish meant one more day,” the duke said, referring to times of war where the lack of food took many lives.
“It was a time many would soon want to forget,” Charlotte replied.
A man servant hastily came to them. “Your Grace. The carriage is here with Miss McCain.”
“Splendid! Take her to the patio for tea,” the duke said. The man raced off to follow his instruction as they made their way back to the estate.
“Nanny, it is so very good to see you,” Charlotte said once they had made their way to her. The patio had sunlight any time of the day. The overhead canopy helped keep one comfortable while seated there. The servants had quickly prepared hot water for tea as well as an array of eats.
“I have missed you too, dear. I have come to make sure my duties are complete,” she replied.
“Are you to retire, Nanny?” Charlotte asked, finding that she had missed her.
“I am afraid so. You are to be a married woman with the need to hire your own nanny.” She replied with uncharacteristic humor.
“Why not you?” Charlotte asked with hope.
“I would if I could. I am of the age where I shall live out my days as I wish,” her nanny said with a rare amount of sympathy.
