Page 14 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“These same grape vines have been producing wine in our family for almost two centuries now,” the duke said proudly.
“That is absolutely remarkable,” Charlotte replied in awe.
“Do have a taste if you wish. They taste better than the wine, if I may be honest,” the duke added.
Charlotte felt more at ease in the duke’s presence than she thought she would. He was a good-looking man. His dark hair and eyes were an attractive combination. She liked the way he spoke calmly as well.
Charlotte obliged with a small laugh and reached out to grab a bunch. She tugged it gently from the vine and drew it to her mouth and delicately nibbled at one. “The best I have yet tasted, Your Grace.”
Charlotte felt happy that he returned her smile. Even if it seemed to fade quicker each time. It was made even more enjoyable knowing that the very scheme her stepmother had put into place, would bring Charlotte joy. They could not have accompanied them in fear that the duke would recognizeBethany. In turn she would not have to suffer their company any longer than she had needed to.
“That is most kind of you. Allow me to show you the orchard next,” the duke offered.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she replied and found herself happy to follow him.
Once they had left the vineyard they moved to an almost hidden part of the garden. The pruned trees made a protective wall around all that was hidden within. The duke moved to where an arch had been crafted from the same foliage.
The duke signaled his footman to move him over, to allow Charlotte to go through the arch first. She laughed with glee once she had emerged on the other side and had looked around her. She felt as though she had stepped into another world.
The ancient fruit trees reminded her of her home. Their wide trunks reaching into the sky while their thick roots grounded them firmly.
That must be what most people think of me. Charlotte thought with a small giggle. So filled with dreams that my feet need to be fixed to the ground.
“These were here long before the estate was, My Lady,” the duke said with a soft smile. Charlotte thought how much more handsome he was when he smiled. He seemed proud of his garden. It made Charlotte hope that they might have the same passions. It would make this union far more suitable.
“And almost as big, Your Grace.” Charlotte said.
“Quite so, My Lady .” The duke took a breath to say something more when Charlotte suddenly gasped and went toward a tree. It was a much smaller tree that looked like a newborn rather than the mighty giants that grew nearby.
“This is a red apple, Your Grace.” Charlotte said over her shoulder when she heard the duke and her father approach.
“Yes it is , My Lady. It was my hope that it would make you feel more welcome here.” The duke said with joy.
“It has, Your Grace. Thank you ever so much,” Charlotte replied softly.
“It means more than you know, Your Grace.” Lord Wentworth spoke for the first time in hours. The duke’s reaction was unreadable.
“If it would please Your Grace, I would enjoy reading my books here. I find keeping new things in the garden company helps them,” Charlotte explained, as she wanted to take care of this precious gift. Only she knew that her ways were eccentric and did not want to dissuade the duke from liking her. If she had to return home, then it was almost certain Lord LeBlanc would be waiting! He had seemed a good man. Until the day he had wanted compensation for his family’s help.
The very thought sent a wave of nausea through her abdomen.
Do not scare the duke off Charlotte! Her mind willed her mouth to say as little as was possible.
“That will be fine, My Lady.” The duke said and then proceeded to take them to the flower gardens. Charlotte was once again swept away. She turned toward the duke to compliment him when he plucked a low hanging flower and held it up to her.
It was the first time that a man had made such a gesture toward her. She felt deeply touched that he would go to the trouble.
Charlotte moved toward the duke and accepted it. “It seems we share the same interests, My Lady,” he said still smiling.
“It does indeed, Your Grace,” Charlotte said as she started to feel a bond growing between them.
It is so unfair that the only man who does not revolt me, may not be able to help accomplish my greatest wish. To have children of my own! Her thoughts marred her happiness .
Lost in thought Charlotte’s eyes met the duke’s. She awoke from her daydream to be caught in the next one. There was something about the duke that made her feel safe. There was so much in his eyes that he seemed to want to say yet could not or would not.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Charlotte said thinking the sudden solemn look on the duke’s face was as a result of her lapse in manners.
“I am quite sure you have seen enough. Now let me show you to the house.” The duke said in a dismissive tone that baffled her. Only moments ago the duke had seemed to enjoy her company. Then within the flicker of a butterfly wing, he had become so cold.
