Page 19 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
They stopped to look out across the lake, a shimmering, pearly grey.
“What’s that bird?” asked Henry. “The strange bird that is so much taller than the others?”
“What a stroke of luck. You’ve spotted the heron. We might see it dip down to catch a fish if we keep very still.”
They watched the heron as it rapidly dipped its head into the water, bringing it back up with a fish in its beak. Arabella felt the whisper of the Duke of Montbury’s breath on the back of her neck as he stood close behind her. She was aware this sensation drew her attention more than the sight of the heron out on the lake.
As they walked on, the duke pointed out quiet pools at the side of the lake. “You can dip your feet in here quite safely,” he said.
“Can I, Mama?” asked Henry excitedly.
“Yes, of course. Just make sure you don’t fall in,” Arabella replied.
Henry soon sat on the lake’s bank, dangling his feet in the water.
“And yes, there are indeed great crested newts living near the lake. They are quite rare, and we’re lucky to have them. Once you know where to look, they are quite easy to find.”
Somehow, she managed to tell him she was a widow, living at Horton Hall with her uncle and aunt. Was it her imagination that his spirits seemed to lift after she told him this? It was only a momentary impression because soon afterwards, Henry spied the man who had helped Dash and rushed to be introduced.
“Is that your dog?” asked Henry, “Is it a spaniel just like Dash?”
“Indeed, both are spaniels, though Mickle has a shiny black coat, and Dash is the colour we call roan.”
“Uncle Robert, can we play with Mickle?” asked Freddy. “I know he likes chasing sticks.”
“Of course,” said the duke, watching them race off together. “My sister gave me Mickle this morning. She thinks I am too solitary and need a companion. She’s right. I’ve enjoyed this walk and am glad it has led me to meet you again, in pleasanter circumstances.” This time, he looked into her eyes as he spoke, and she felt a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
“I must apologize for my mood and the words I spoke in anger yesterday. I pride myself on my horsemanship, and I’ve only been unseated a handful of times. What do they say? Pride comes before a fall,” the duke continued.
She laughed, noticing how his eyes crinkled when he smiled, liking the fact that he could laugh at himself. It seemed genuine humility.
He offered her his arm as they descended the muddy track. Arabella ignored the fluttering sensation in her stomach and began another conversation about Castle Montbury and its history.
Chapter 7
The days were getting longer, and it had been a good week with plenty of sunshine as the landscape transformed into summer. Robert loved the view from his bedchamber window, showing the beauty of the park and the wilderness on the moorland on the far hills.
He’d returned from the woodland walk in a strange mood where he felt unable to settle, which was unusual for him. In the end, he’d retreated to his library and tried to read in solitude, but even then, his attention wandered.
Last night he had wondered if he would ever meet the woman with the jade green eyes again. Today, their paths had crossed again.
It sounded as though he may be seeing a fair bit of her if little Henry was to join Freddy for tutoring by the Reverend Nathaniel.
Jackson, his new valet, offered him a choice of two cravats. “Any preference, Your Grace?” he asked.
“Oh, most definitely this one,” he responded, choosing the more discrete of the two. “I’m no Pink of the ton. Give mea simply tied cravat any day, even on occasions when the prince regent is present,” he joked.
He remembered some of the complicated fashions sported by elegant gentlemen and the monstrosities created by the dandy set.
“I was reluctant to have a valet, Jackson. Mother insisted, and she can be formidable. However, you are proving to be unobtrusive, which is a quality I value very highly.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” said the young man, a look of pride in his eyes.
“Would you consider returning to London with me?” he enquired.
“Absolutely, Your Lordship,” he replied, nodding enthusiastically before adding, “I’ve never been to London.”
Making his way downstairs, he saw the carriage waiting by the main door. Soon after, his mother and Elinor joined him in the great hall.
