Once A Lady (Silk & Scoundrels Book 2) by J R Salisbury

Author:J R Salisbury [Salisbury, J R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-06-06T23:00:00+00:00

She went in search of the dowager duchess and was met by her maid at the door of her chambers.

"Her Grace wanted to inform you she was going to rest until tea later this afternoon."

Caroline had hoped to see her before tea, but she knew the voyage and subsequent journey home had taken a lot out of her. "Very well. I'll see her at tea. Thank you, Molly."

She found the house eerily quiet as she descended the stairs to the main level. Not knowing if she should bother the duke, she went and sat down in front of the fire in the drawing room. There was a chill in the air, reminding her that winter wasn't far off.

As she sat there staring into the fire, she heard someone behind her. She turned, and there stood Douglas. The butler neared.

"His Grace has gone to the stables. Would you like for me to have luncheon served, or would you rather wait for His Grace?"

"He's probably going to be a while. He's rather attached to that young colt. Tell cook not to go to any trouble. Some meat, cheeses, fruit, and bread will be all I require."

"Would you care to dine in here or the breakfast room?"

"Here would be fine," she replied. "Thank you, Douglas."

Well, drat! She'd hoped to make use of the time while the dowager duchess slept to talk to him. Caroline had gotten quite comfortable with the duke on their way back to Scotland. They'd put their encounter in the garden behind them. As much as they wanted to, it wouldn't be wise for them to pursue anything more than friendship. Not until Carlisle made a move.

She was grateful to have the duke's friendship. A lot of men wouldn't be so amenable. They were taught that women weren't friends. Not after they'd grown up. Kirkcaldy wasn't like that. He was a caring man who didn't follow all the rules of proper society.

Rising from the dark blue damask chair, Caroline walked over to the windows and looked out. The gardens were bleak, looking nothing like they had when they departed for the continent. The seasons were indeed changing.

She heard a knock on the drawing room door and turned to find Douglas overseeing a footman bringing a trolly with her lunch on it.

"Is there anything else, my lady?" Douglas inquired.

"No, that will be all. Thank you."

After the door closed behind the butler, she strode over to the tray. She found the sharp cheese made on the estate, some chicken, apples, and pears along with a warm, freshly baked bread. It all looked divine.

She poured herself a cup of tea before taking a plate and filling it. Sitting back in front of the fire, she sighed, wishing she didn't have to eat alone.

She was about to take a sip of tea when the duke walked through the door. His hair was disheveled, a lock out of place on his forehead. "Douglas said he'd just brought lunch in here. I thought I'd join you before I spend my afternoon catching up on correspondence.

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