His Three-Day Duchess by Laurie Benson

Author:Laurie Benson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-10-24T17:14:35+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

If six months ago someone had told Lizzy that some day she would be dining with the new Duke of Skeffington in the parlour of The Stuffed Pig, she would have told them that they were mad.

The room they were in was small with whitewashed walls and wooden beams that crossed the ceiling. Now that the door was closed, it proved to be a quiet and restful spot in the busy inn. The round table with four chairs and the three plump upholstered wingback chairs that were near the roaring fire were old, but appeared clean and softly broken in with use. It was a surprisingly comfortable room. However, her favourite feature of the parlour by far was the delicious meat pie that had been placed on the table for them to enjoy. It had to be one of the finest pies she had ever tasted. Not that she would ever admit that to the likes of Mr Alexander.

If this had been a typical evening while on a journey, she would have freshened up in her room before dinner and changed out of her travelling clothes, but since the food was ready before the room was and Lizzy could feel her stomach rumbling, she had little choice but to eat in her carriage dress.

The silence that stretched between them during dinner was not an unusual experience for her. She was accustomed to sitting in silence with someone while she ate. She had done it throughout her marriage to Skeffington. Tonight’s silence was a different kind, though. This silence was brought on by the shared contentment of two tired travellers, enjoying the delicious food and drink that was brought out for them. While Simon savoured his large tankard of ale, Lizzy was surprised to find the sherry adequate and when dinner ended, she felt quite satisfied and ready to retire to her room—their room—for the night.

Just the thought of being alone with him in their shared room was making her body hum with anticipation. That wasn’t a good thing. She knew he didn’t think of her in that way. He had reassured her that he would not be inappropriate with her, which was his polite way of telling her that he did not find her the least bit attractive. What was it about her that made her so unappealing to men?

Mr Finch’s daughter, Mary, cleared their plates from the table as Simon sat back in his chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. ‘That was a very good meal. Please send our compliments to your mother.’

The young girl, who was probably no more than twelve, nodded shyly at him. ‘Papa says I am to show you to your room when you are ready. If you like, I can take these plates away and then take you upstairs.’

‘That would suit us very well,’ he said with an easy grin that made the girl start to smile before glancing quickly back down at the plates on the table.

‘Her Grace and I have a few things to discuss before we retire for the night,’ he continued.

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