Fenella J Miller - [Duke 02] by Bride for a Duke

Author:Bride for a Duke
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Next morning dawned bright and clear and Anna discovered the swelling on her foot and hand had gone down sufficiently to wear both boots and gloves. She intended to take Westchester up on his offer of a mount; a gallop around the park was exactly what she needed to clear her head.

“Molly, I shall need my riding habit. I don’t want my chocolate as I shall breakfast when I return.”

“You’re happy today, miss, you beginning to like it here, then?” Molly asked as she held out the various items her mistress needed to complete her toilette.

Anna could hardly tell her abigail her first real kiss was what had raised her spirits. For the past few years she had wondered what it would be like to experience a man’s lips on hers, now she knew. It’s didn’t mean anything of course, the duke was not about to pay court to her, but it had given her the confidence to become part of the household.

Then her happiness drained away. Only when a man was betrothed to a lady was he allowed to kiss her. The ladies who were kissed in other circumstances were no better than flirts or even worse. He had taken advantage of her. She was legally married to his brother—what he had done was shameful. She was tempted to remove her riding habit and remain in her rooms. She had no wish to meet either brother. There was no danger of meeting Rupert as he would be in bed until noon and his rooms were on the first floor. But Westchester? Was he an early riser?

“Could you make sure the duchess knows my whereabouts? I shall visit her after I have breakfasted.” She glanced at the array of gowns Molly had draped over a wooden rail for her inspection. “I shall wear the russet that has a pretty neckline and long sleeves. I expect to be gone at least an hour and I should like to bathe when I return.”

As the hour was early there was no sign of either gentleman. In fact she was certain she spotted two parlour maids with dusters whisking round a corner as she descended the staircase. The fires were lit, the vast central hall quite warm. It must cost a fortune to keep a house of this size comfortable during the winter months if the place was so cold in April. She hesitated, she was sure there must be a more direct route to the stables then using the front door. She was about to pull a nearby bell-strap when she heard steps approaching.

“Good morning, Miss Hadley. Excellent, you are here to accompany me this morning. Might I be permitted to say how attractive your habit is? The colour is the exact shade of your hair now that hideous dye has been removed.”

She wanted to put him in his place. Make sure he knew he could not trifle with her affections but his warm smile prevented her sharp retort. “Good morning, my lord, I did not expect to see you at this time.

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