The Beauty and the Beastly Duke by Elizabeth Downton

Author:Elizabeth Downton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2016-11-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Carefree

Anthony arrived at the Beaumont residency in the late morning, with Christmas just three days away. He was expected, and it was made known that his visit was a welcome one by Lord Beaumont’s warm greetings.

“I am glad you decided to pay us another visit,” Lord Beaumont said as he ushered the guest in to his home. “I am also glad to see you have regained the colour in your skin and are not on the brink of death.”

The Baron laughed heartily at the joke, Anthony laughed politely, and Bridget wished she could escape from the embarrassment of her father clearly letting the Duke know what he thought he knew.

“Now I will have ample opportunity to know you a little better,” Lord Beaumont continued.

They settled in the living room and as Lord Beaumont busied himself showing how enthusiastic he was about the Duke’s visit, Bridget noticed how different Anthony seemed. His face was calm, more relaxed, which only added more depth to his already engrossing eyes.

“I am afraid I cannot stay long,” Anthony said. “I actually hoped I could invite Miss Bridget to my home, where the workers at my estate gather and tell stories.”

“That sounds lovely,” Lord Beaumont said. “Then, given the occasion, you would not mind if I came along too. I really do not have anything else to do when my daughter is absent.”

“Clearly,” Bridget said under her breath.

Lord Beaumont’s large figure leaned in towards Anthony as he awaited the reply and, seeing no way out of it, Anthony could not but invite the Baron over. Bridget made it immediately apparent that she was not at all amused by his inability to say no.

“It is a little cramped in here,” Lord Beaumont said as he hauled his large body into the coach. “Where there is a will, however, there is a way.”

Bridget shot a fierce glance at Anthony, daring him to respond to that statement, and knowing what was best for him he decided to smile politely instead and nod his head.

“So what sort of arrangement is this you have with your workers?” the burly man asked. “It seems curious indeed.”

“Yes, Anthony, what is all this about?” Bridget asked. “Given what I know of your relationship with your workers, it seems a curious thing indeed.”

“It is a family tradition, something we have practised for three generations now,” Anthony replied, more to Lord Beaumont than his daughter. “In truth, it has been somewhat forgotten these last few years, and I thought, given my relationship with my workers, that it could only do some good.”

Lord Beaumont nodded his head impressively, but Bridget was clearly the more impressed. Unfolding her arms from the position she had held them throughout the ride, she thought she could see signs of Anthony regretting mentioning his intention in front of her, in fear she would claim that as a victory.

“So, you wish to improve your relationship with your workers?” she asked.

Anthony smiled as a reply, but it only let Bridget know she was making strides with him.

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