Wicked Is the Duke by Jamie Salisbury & J R Salisbury

Author:Jamie Salisbury & J R Salisbury [Salisbury, Jamie & Salisbury, J R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jamie Salisbury
Published: 2022-03-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Blackmont's ducal carriage stopped in front of his London home. Not a townhouse like so many kept in London, but an actual house, encompassing most of the block where it sat.

A footman opened the door, and Blackmont exited the carriage. He lifted his hand to assist his wife as she descended. Anna looked up at the three story structure in awe.

"I never knew your London home was so large," she whispered. "I heard rumors, of course, but I had never seen it until right now."

Blackmont tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and began walking toward the stairs. "Blackmont Manor was built by my grandfather after the original structure burned to the ground."

"That's awful. Was the original home as large?"

"No. When it came time to rebuild, my grandfather decided he needed something more ducal, more intimidating."

She smiled. "He certainly accomplished that."

"I think you'll enjoy it. There is a rather large ballroom, which my mother and grandmother adored, plus a small garden off of that."

She arched a brow. "Is that a hint, Your Grace, that we need to host a ball?"

Blackmont smiled down at his duchess. "At some point in time, yes. For now, I think we should keep the ton waiting with bated breath."

"Yes, I have to agree," she replied. "I'm sure we've got our fair share of invitations awaiting a reply."

He stopped at the bottom of the steps. "I'm sure we do. Would you like me to go through them with you?"

"Please. I want to make sure I accept the right ones."

"As you wish," he replied. "Come, let's go inside. The sky looks as though it's going to open up any second."

They hurried up the steps and past Blackmont's London butler, Oswald. Inside, the butler had staff lined up in the entry hall awaiting their introduction to their new duchess.

Henry followed his wife through the line of faces as Oswald introduced each and every one, indicating their position and how long they'd been in the duke's employ.

"Cook has luncheon waiting as soon as you're ready, Your Graces," Oswald said. He was a thin, fairly tall man with a hawkish nose, which had been the first thing Anna noticed. Still, he had kind brown eyes that won her over immediately.

Anna glanced toward Blackmont, who said nothing. "Give me thirty minutes to change."

"Very well, Your Grace. Luncheon will be served in the red dining room."

She nodded as Blackmont took her by the elbow and guided her toward the magnificent marble staircase. "I'll show the duchess to her rooms," he said.

He led her up the stairs and turned left toward the ducal suites. The ones belonging to the duchess were directly next door. Walking down a hall a short way, he nodded at a footman waiting at the door of Blackmont's rooms, with the duchess's suite adjoining his.

The footman waiting beside the door threw it open as Anna and Henry entered. The door shut quietly, and the two of them were alone. "The duke's suite is through that door," he said quietly as he nodded to a closed door.

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