Mystical Gift by RaShelle Workman

Author:RaShelle Workman [Workman, RaShelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RaShelle Workman

17

RESEARCH

The clock in the corner said it was after noon. Lucy debated whether to ring the bell or knock on Will’s door and see if he was awake. She slept too long, wasted too much time.

She didn’t have to decide because a soft knock came at her door and a young woman with cropped blond hair hurried in with a tray of cold meat, toast, preserves, and hot chocolate. There was also a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, which surprised and delighted her.

The girl’s name was Beth, and she helped Lucy dress in a sky blue morning dress, then brushed out her hair, and pinned it up at the nape of her neck. Wispy tendrils dangled, casually mocking her with their rested disposition.

“Do you know whether Mr. Godwin is awake yet?”

“Yes, mum. He’s downstairs in the library with his grace.” She curtsied as she spoke. The sight made Lucy miss Harriet.

Lucy drank the orange juice and picked up the toast. “Can you show me where the library is?”

“Right this way.” Beth opened the door.

Lucy followed the young woman down the stairs and round the corner into another hallway. Before they reached the end, she could hear Will speaking. Her heart sped up at the thought of seeing him.

“Here you are, mum.” Beth indicated she go in.

“Thank you.” She entered just as Will and the duke turned.

Will was seated at an enormous desk, books spread out all around him. Some were stacked three and four deep. He wore a linen shirt, open at the neck, and his hair was rumpled in the most exquisite way. When his blue eyes caught hers, she sucked in her breath. He was glorious. “Hi,” he said, smiling brightly. He seemed refreshed. She hoped he was able to sleep.

“Good afternoon, Miss Channing,” the duke said. He was dressed in tan breeches, dark chocolate boots and a pull over shirt opening at the neck. His dark hair was also rumpled, though he looked like he hadn’t slept. “I see you are taking your sustenance on the go.” He held a leather-bound book in his hands and was standing near another large desk.

“I hope that’s acceptable.” Lucy suddenly felt very foolish. She should’ve eaten in her rooms.

“Of course, but before you touch the pages, why don’t you finish your breakfast.”

Lucy realized how thoughtless she was. A library full of books was not the place to consume buttery, crumbling toast. She hadn’t thought beyond seeing Will as soon as possible. “I am so sorry. I can leave.” She turned toward the door, but the duke stopped her.

“Nonsense. Beth will bring you something and you may eat in peace near the window.” He indicated she sit at a small table in front of the enormous window against the far wall.

“Very good.” She sat, holding the toast over the table, not moving.

Thankfully Beth returned quickly with a new plate and a napkin.

Lucy ate rapidly, sending Beth on her way. “Again, I am so sorry,” she said when she was finished.

“Think on it no more.

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