A Bride for the Duke of Frost: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel (Dukes of Vice Book 2) by Harriet Caves

Author:Harriet Caves [Caves, Harriet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Published: 2023-08-29T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“Do you think she’ll come?” Anastasia turned to glance at Louise, wringing her hands together as she paced back and forth in the drawing room.

“I don’t see why she wouldn’t, Your Grace,” Louise said gently, her eyes softening as she watched Anastasia fretting. “You extended the offer. And it was a rather gracious one, I think. I’m sure she will come.”

Anastasia nodded, but she wasn’t convinced. However, before she could say anything to that effect, someone cleared their throat. The butler was standing in the doorway, his chin held high as he looked at the two women standing inside the room.

“Lady Mary Fletcher, here to see Her Grace,” he announced, bowing low before stepping back to reveal Anastasia’s guest standing in the doorway.

Mary looked lovely, wearing a gown of a beautiful royal blue that complimented her dark hair and bright eyes. She was also wringing her hands together nervously, looking around the space as if she expected the Dowager Duchess to jump out and yell at her at any moment.

Mr. Taps, who had been sleeping by the unlit fireplace, was woken by the announcement from the butler. Noticing a newcomer, he jumped to his feet and rushed across the room, his tongue lolling happily as he sat at Mary’s feet, looking at her expectantly.

“Is he yours, Your Grace?” Mary asked, looking from the wiry, white dog and then back up to Anastasia.

“He is,” Anastasia answered with a nod, smiling affectionately at the little mongrel. “His name is Mr. Taps, and he is very fond of pets and snuggles.”

“What a peculiar little thing,” Mary said, reaching down to scratch the top of his head. “And a peculiar name.”

“It will make sense soon,” Anastasia answered with a laugh, waving Mary further into the room.

“I’ll go fetch the tea and biscuits,” Louise said with a quick smile to both women. She paused just long enough to give Anastasia a pointed look, one that said, “I told you, you had nothing to worry about,” before turning and walking out of the room.

Mary crossed the drawing room floor, Mr. Taps at her heels. His nails clicked against the wooden floor, echoing slightly throughout the space, and Mary’s face lit up with a smile.

“Ah,” she said. “You’re right. It does make sense.”

Anastasia laughed, pointing toward one of the comfortable, stuffed chairs by the large, ornate fireplace where Mr. Taps had been lying previously. This room was not as brightly lit as the music room, having only two windows that were not very large in size. But it was cozy, and the art on the wall was rather lovely to look at.

“First,” Anastasia began, turning her attention fully to the other woman. “I’d like to apologize for all the unpleasantness that occurred when you were here last time.”

Mary’s cheeks flushed with color, and her eyes dipped down to her lap. It was hard for Anastasia to reconcile that this shy, kind woman was related to Dorian and Pippa. Because even when they were being kind and personable, she would never describe them as demure.

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