To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey

Author:Amelia Grey
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Chapter 15

A gentleman would never be bored and fall asleep in a lady’s presence.

A PROPER GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO WOOING THE PERFECT LADY

SIR VINCENT TYBALT VALENTINE

It was late in the day, and it had been a long and bumpy one. Loretta had not cared. She’d taken every jostle, rumble, snatch, and rock of the coach with immense pleasure. Even the occasional slurring shouts the driver directed at the horses couldn’t put a damper on her day.

The sun had just broken on the horizon with shades of pink, blue, and gray when she’d boarded the coach that morning. The view from the back window of the carriage had been blocked with all the luggage that had been piled high, but she’d still waved good-bye to the big stone house in the beautiful light of dawn. She had no idea when or if she’d ever be allowed to leave again, and she was determined to enjoy every moment of her journey, her freedom, and her short stay at Hawksthorn.

The last time their small caravan of two coaches made a stop, the driver had informed Loretta the next one would be when they arrived at the front door of the Hawksthorn Estate. That was welcome news. Her joyful attitude hadn’t waned, but she was tired of the constant sitting and was eager to see the duke, his home, and of course his sister—the main reason she was allowed to accompany Paxton.

It had been a cloudy and windy day. Light rain had fallen from time to time, but not enough to drench the roads and make wheels bog into the soggy earth. The temperature had stayed well above freezing, making the journey bearable for everyone, including the drivers and their helpers.

Loretta and Paxton rode in the lead carriage, which when they started was pulled by six magnificent-looking bays. The horses had already been changed several times since then, because their pace had been brisk. Their coach wasn’t as elaborate as the one Mrs. Huddleston had described to her with such relish when the duke had last visited Mammoth House, but it was far fancier than Loretta was used to. Tastefully handsome on the outside and divinely plush on the inside.

The luxurious cushions were a deep shade of blue velvet and stuffed with the softest of feathers. The extra filling beneath her bottom made all the jostling from side to side, and the shallow holes, deep ruts, and large pebbles the wheels ran over, easier to bear. Fine wood framing around the windows and side panels had been polished to a high gleam. A basket filled with cheese, bread, and dried fruits rested on the seat beside Loretta, along with a generous supply of chocolate, wine for Paxton, and enough water to keep them all well satisfied.

Bitsy, Paxton’s valet, Farley, and Mrs. Huddleston rode in the carriage following them. It was only a little less ornate, and it pleased Loretta’s housekeeper greatly that she had the opportunity to ride in such elegant style.

Farley hadn’t been invited

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