Page 23 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
He found her sitting by the apple tree he planted to welcome her here. She was absorbed by what she was reading and had not noticed his arrival. When he came closer and she had still not seen him, he allowed himself to gaze upon her beauty.
She looked even more so when she busied herself with a task. He had noticed how her brows furrowed as she read or thought about something. He was already not quite sure what he would do each day, once she was no longer with him.
“Good afternoon, My Lady. I trust that you slept well.” The duke finally approached her.
“Yes, Your Grace. I slept most well thank you. I trust you did too.”
“Yes thank you, My Lady.” The duke knew not what he should say to further the conversation.
Surely years of the best education had not in been in vain! Say something! The duke’s mind screamed.
“The shade should improve in a year or so, My Lady, and be much more comfortable to enjoy your reading.”
That is the best you could do? he thought with disbelief.
“I am sure you are correct, Your Grace. Mind you it is quite lovely here already.”
“I will be hosting a dinner tonight in your honor,” the duke said and waited for her to react.
“Your Grace, you indeed do me a great honor,” she replied.
If you use the excuse that it is only what is proper again… The duke’s own mind warned him.
“I felt it was time that you had the opportunity to meet some of my closest acquaintances. I would really like you to meet more of my friends.
“I hope to do you proud, Your Grace.” Her reply seemed sincere.
“I have a feeling you will do well,” the duke said, and believed it. “I bid you a good afternoon, My Lady. I look forward to introducing you.” The duke left before he might say something worse.
As the sun starting to hang lower in the sky, the duke could not contain the excitement that had been simmering beneath the surface.
Would it be that poor a choice to enjoy having her as my future intended? Could I not just this one time give in to my own desires? The duke mused, as he picked out a handkerchief that would suit her dress. He had thought it a very emasculating tradition when his peers had done the same. Now as he wondered what her reaction would be to the sentiment, he understood.
If the mere thought of her smiling at just me makes me this delirious, how will it be when I see her?
The duke marveled at how soon he had taken to her and craved her company. How her happiness had become so firmly entwined in his.
He called the servants to dress him in his chosen garments. They were good people who did not question when the duke would reach things a man in an invalid chair should not be able to. He had hated having people wait on him yet had to accept it as a duke.
In turn, he had made their living quarters luxurious, and provided quality garments, food and education. He would never see them as less than or worse, or use the hardworking people on his estate as entertainment. The servant entered and narrowed his eyes at the garments neatly set out.
The duke smiled and knew that the man had caught him out.
“Your Grace has made a fine choice,” the servant said, as he went about dressing him.
“I can stand for a few moments,” the duke remarked unnecessarily as he stood to change trousers.
“Your Grace, I hope that one day you will find your legs again.” The servant said it with such emotion that the duke felt terribly guilty. He inspected his reflection before going to meet the arriving guests.
“Thank you so much for having us, Your Grace,” Cecil said the moment the duke came downstairs. The shoot that had beenused in previous years to take laundry from every room to the laundry room in the basement, had been converted to allow the duke to go any place in his estate without having to be helped.
“It would not be a dinner without my dearest friends.” The duke was genuinely happy to see them. He excused himself and greeted the last few guests as it came time for his intended to make her entrance. The duke made small talk as he awaited her entrance with as much anticipation as his guests.
“Ladies and gentlemen, The Lady Bethany Wentworth.” A man servant announced. Gasps of admiration could be heard as she appeared on top of the staircase.
She wore the dress he had bought her. Nothing could have prepared him for how the emerald silk made her eyes look ethereal. She had matched them perfectly with delicate jewelry. He found his breath catching in his throat as she floated down the stairs toward him. Her radiant smiled was directed only at him and he felt like the richest man alive. He took her gloved hand in his when she reached him, and they turned toward the room.
The guests gave a polite applause before they could start enjoying the champagne and light meal before dinner.
