The Dream of a Duchess by Sande Linda Rae

Author:Sande, Linda Rae
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Teacup Publishing
Published: 2018-01-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Luncheon with a Distracted Duke

Twenty minutes later

Isabella dared a quick glance out her bedchamber window, worried the duke was admonishing the head groom with whom he had been in a discussion since his return from the meadow.

He didn’t seem angry as they stood facing one another, but then it was hard to tell from this far away. At least Octavius wasn’t waving his arms about. And she couldn’t hear him bellowing at the man. Not that he would bellow. He was entirely opposite of her father in almost every way.

If Reeves lost his position because of her, Isabella would feel awful. Watching the two a moment longer, she noted how Poseidon occasionally pawed at the ground, his head tossing until the duke seemed to do something to settle him. Missing whatever it was—one of his hands was blocked from her view—she made a note to ask.

She was sure Octavius would have caught up to her whilst she made the return ride to Huntinghurst. Ares was fast, of course, but she didn’t allow him full rein knowing Octavius would probably lecture her on her poor judgment. Instead, she had forced the Thoroughbred to keep to an easy run. Poseidon should have been able to outrun Ares given the duke’s experienced riding skills. There was another reason, as well, but she didn’t follow the thought as she washed her hands in the basin and then saw to a repair of her hair. Several pins had escaped during her ride.

A quick sniff of her riding habit had her undoing the buttons down the front and stepping out of it in favor of wearing a sprigged muslin gown. She had left the pale yellow frock splayed out on the bed in anticipation of wearing it for tea later that afternoon. Spending most of her day in a riding habit, she rarely changed clothes.

Isabella was in the middle of pulling on the gown when one of the household maids appeared in the open doorway.

“Why, my lady, the duke is back in residence. You really must remember to shut your door,” Thompson whispered.

Stunned she hadn’t closed the door to her bedchamber—had she really been in that much of a hurry?—Isabella gave a nod. “Could you help me with my boots?”

The maid was quick join her, making sure the door was latched before moving to pull off the riding boots. After a struggle, the two finally managed to get them off. “I think it’s time the duke buys you a new pair,” Thompson commented as she studied the soles. She aimed them in Isabella’s direction. “You’ve a few holes.”

Isabella sucked in a breath. After more than a year of almost daily wear, they were in need of repair. “Indeed,” she replied. “Do I look... presentable? I’m having luncheon with His Grace.”

Her eye’s widening, the maid gave a nod. “Well, you’ll need some slippers,” she hinted, disappearing into the dressing room.

Isabella took the opportunity to move to the vanity. Studying her reflection in the mirror, she wondered if she would be considered a handsome woman in London.

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