Page 12 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“No what happened?” The duke asked remembering that Lord Wentworth and his daughter were still on their way.
“There was an attack, well of sorts anyway. People are saying there is a beast about. Common sense says they had an accident and wolves found them.”
“That is terrible news,” the duke replied, his voice a bit nervous.
“Oh, I am sorry. I forgot she was still on her way. I am sure she will arrive here safely…” Cecil replied.
“I do hope so.” The duke was even more ill at ease than before.
“In answer to your earlier statement, I am not always kind,” Henry remarked, as he tried to lift their spirits. “Besides, rather a kind fool than as greedy as most.”
“There’s no threat of that. Now for the important details. What does your future bride look like?” Cecil asked with a smirk.
The duke burst out laughing. “To be honest it was so long ago that I can hardly remember her. I do recall she was a handsome woman at least. Her father wants me to agree to a courtship of one month. I rather like the idea of getting to know the women I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with.”
“I agree. I don’t mean to pry, how did she react to your condition?” Cecil tried to ask the delicate question.
“I’m unsure. I do know her father will honor our agreement,” the duke said still in awe. Cecil gave his old friend a strange look then turned away before he asked him to explain its origin.
“I’m well aware that I’m not a prize catch. I do however deserve a chance at happiness, wouldn’t you say?” Henry asked his friend, quite seriously.
“Of course you do, I’m just concerned for you.” Cecil replied.
A sudden look of horror swept across the duke’s face. “I have no idea how to even begin to prepare.” He said aghast. “How do I receive her? What do I even say to her?” He asked, every word filled with more dread than the last.
“First, you have at least a full day until her arrival. You will need a chaperone as well. They will show you what to do to stay within the rules of courtship.” Cecil offered.
“You are a married man Cecil. Would you serve as my chaperone?”
“Me?”Cecil asked, surprised.
“Please.”
“It’s been so many years. I have little knowledge of new rules and legislations that might have passed since.”Cecil explained.
“Right so you are just as afraid.” The duke laughed.
“I accept.” Cecil replied with a crooked grin. He had known the duke would coerce him into agreement by claiming he couldn’t or was too afraid to accomplish a task.
“Have the servants draw you a bath, we need to do something about your hair. You need to look your best when you meet your future intended.” Cecil went on.
“What will you be doing?” The duke asked.
“Going home to ask my wife to help welcome the future Duchess.” Cecil replied.
“That is most kind,” Henry said before he put his household to work. Within a few short hours the estate was busy as a hive. Servants carried out their tasks at a fevered pace. Long forgotten parts of the estate grounds now had a second chance of being nurtured.
When the duke was finished dressing from day wear to evening wear, he asked that his chair be placed near the window. He hadthought the gardens had looked beautiful before. Looking at the trees that made a canopy over the road that entered the estate. They had been cut neatly and all the old leaves cut off and taken away. The duke felt as though he had been given a similar new lease on life. Yet worry snaked its way into his happy thoughts.
Will she love this place as much as I do? Will she want to leave the moment she sets eyes on me? I cannot let her know the truth either. The right woman will love me regardless of my capabilities. What if she doesn’t even want to stay if I do tell her the truth? No matter it will show me who I can trust.
The duke’s mind tormented him.
Tomorrow she will arrive here with her father. These worries are ones I can let rest till the courtship has come to an end.
How can I be so gloomy when I’m hours away from having the company of a women. Now this is a reason to throw a dinner party! The duke tried to change his perspective.
The duke let himself dream of what it could be like having company. He had become so accustomed to being alone and doing things his way that he knew already that hardship lay ahead. He would have to spend time with her and found it hard to imagine what he could say that would genuinely be of interest to her.
