Captivated by his conven.., p.12
Captivated by His Convenient Duchess, page 12
There was no stopping the way Anita’s cheeks warmed as Myles looked down at her, but she still wasn’t embarrassed. Just remembering.
‘We were busy,’ he said.
Diana nodded. ‘Yes, well, I’ll go tell them you’ll be in shortly.’
‘Thank you,’ Myles said.
Anita held her breath as Diana turned and walked towards the house, with her lovely dark blue cape nearly sweeping the ground with each step. Despite her renewed determination, Anita had a distinct sinking feeling. Releasing the air from her lungs, she looked up at Myles.
He was looking at her, smiling. ‘Ready?’
She nodded. Where there was a will, there was a way. He’d kissed her. They’d kissed. Really kissed. It had been the best moment of her life, and she refused to let anything diminish that.
That thought gave her confidence a boost. So did knowing she was the Duchess of Redford. However, it started slipping as they walked towards the house, and she wasn’t sure how to gain it back.
‘We’ll go in through the back of the house,’ Myles said. ‘Your maid will meet you there to take your cloak.’
She tried harder to pull her confidence back up. ‘Yes, she will.’ Claire was always close at hand.
‘We can freshen up and proceed to the parlour together.’
‘Thank you. I appreciate that.’ She did. She always felt safe when he was near.
He stopped walking, looked at her. ‘I know this may appear to be an uncomfortable situation, but in truth, it’s nothing more than a visit by a horse buyer. Such events occur regularly here.’
He was right about that. She was just so insecure that everything made her nervous right now. That couldn’t be. He needed a wife who didn’t require his constant attention so he could see to his business of raising and selling horses. She had to find a way to be that wife.
He grinned. ‘I know she’s in there.’
Confused, she asked, ‘Diana?’
‘No,’ he replied. ‘The woman who drove a team of horses in here like the devil was chasing them. That woman has confidence in herself and determination in what she wants.’
Anita’s breath caught. He couldn’t possibly know what she’d been thinking. How she needed to gain confidence. ‘That wasn’t confidence, that was fear for Joshua’s life.’
‘You handled those horses with confidence.’
‘Because I’ve been doing it for years.’
‘At high speed through snowstorms?’
‘No.’
‘But you had the confidence to do it because it was inside you, just waiting to be used.’ He kissed her forehead. ‘Just like you have the confidence to walk into that house like the Duchess of Redford. It’s inside you, just waiting to be used.’
A tiny shiver rippled down her spine. She wasn’t fearful for anyone’s life; however, their marriage could be at stake. It was completely up to her to become the wife he needed, and she would. She would help him, support him and defend him with all she had.
The shiver was gone and her spine stiffened.
Myles was still looking at her, still smiling.
She would also need to learn all there was to know about the Redford thoroughbreds, which would be an easy and enjoyable task. ‘What horse is he here to buy?’
Myles’s smile increased. ‘A two-year-old. He wants to train it himself.’
‘Is he trustworthy? Good to animals?’
‘Yes, he is. I refuse to sell to anyone who isn’t.’
‘Very well,’ she said, taking a step towards the house. ‘We shouldn’t keep them waiting.’
* * *
Entering side by side, they found their guests were in the front parlour, where there were still vases filled with blooming flowers from their wedding day, and being received by Mary, who was in the midst of serving tea.
Myles introduced Anita to Niles Brockholder, the Viscount of Wilmington, and his wife, Lady Barbara, as well as Barbara’s brother, Matthew Green. After the pleasantries were out of the way, Myles escorted Anita to the sofa, but when she realised that he intended to sit down beside her, she whispered, ‘You don’t need to stay.’
He searched her face for a moment, and she made sure to maintain a full smile the entire time.
‘I’m sure,’ she answered his silent question.
‘Thank you,’ he whispered and kissed her cheek softly before he turned to the men and invited them to accompany him outside.
Anita sat and joined the conversation during tea which covered the weather and the upcoming yuletide, using most of the time to observe the family. Though lovely like her daughter, Lady Barbara had a coolness about her. There was no shine in her eyes, and her smile was false, and Diana was clearly bored. She didn’t even attempt to hide it.
When a lull in the conversation began to turn into a heavy silence, Anita asked, ‘Would anyone care for more tea?’
‘No, thank you,’ Lady Barbara replied, fiddling with the white lace on the cuffs of her gold-coloured dress as she looked from vase to vase filled with flowers.
Diana shook her head while letting out a sigh.
‘Well, then,’ Anita said, fully aware that things could grow uncomfortable, more than they already were. ‘Shall we take a tour of the greenhouse?’ She gestured towards the vases of flowers as she stood. ‘As you can see, we have a variety of flowers still blooming, which is so wonderful when the weather turns as cool as it has.’
Perhaps because she was the Duchess of Redford, no one felt they could decline and everyone stood.
‘Lovely idea,’ Mary said, stepping up beside her.
Anita smiled at her mother-in-law as the women hooked their arms together. The specially made boots had lessened her limp, but her gait was still different, in part because it was how she’d always walked, and changing that would take time. Knowing those behind her could see her uneven swaying, and her slowness, she was conscious of every step she took while she and Mary led their guests from the parlour.
If she wanted these people to believe she belonged here, she had to believe it herself. Not sure how to do that, she chose to share some history of the home. ‘This home was built by the first Duke of Redford,’ she said as they entered the corridor. ‘And there are furnishings from around the world, brought home by the third Duke of Redford, during his sailing days.’
She continued to share small bits of information, and answered questions from Lady Barbara, who was obviously only asking them out of politeness, until they arrived in the greenhouse.
‘Oh my,’ Lady Barbara said, clearly impressed with all of the pots and long beds filled with blooming plants. ‘I’ve never seen such variety.’
‘Thank you. Please, feel free to explore.’ Anita gave a sweeping arm gesture.
Mary flashed a smile as she moved towards the long beds that held the ivy and holly plants that would be used to decorate for Christmas.
Following her mother along the centre aisle filled with various blooming plants, Diana showed a slight curiosity in the flowers that her mother was naming, but Anita would guess it was more out of boredom than true interest.
Anita moved farther into the room to look out of the windows at the barn and a small section of one of the stables. The same stable that she and Myles had been in just a short time ago.
Where she stopped to stand may have been a mistake, because Roscoe, who was still in the back garden, instantly noticed her. He barked and ran towards her, and that caught the attention of the peacocks.
The glass wall was no barrier for either the barking or the screeching. Nor did it smother the sound of screams and crashes behind her.
* * *
‘My apologies for arriving unannounced,’ Wilmington said as they stood next to the corral where Matthew Green was examining two particular horses. ‘I felt it was an opportunity for society to know that despite the broken engagement, we are still friends.’
Myles stared at the Viscount for a moment. He’d respected the man for years, which had been part of the reason he’d thought a marriage to Diana might work. However, he wasn’t overly certain that was the main reason for Wilmington’s visit. He’d chalk that up to curiosity. He was sure half of London was curious about his new wife. ‘I see no reason for us not to be friends,’ he replied.
‘I was also thinking of your best interests,’ Wilmington said.
Myles lifted a brow, waited for the Viscount to say more.
‘Brunswick came to see me two days ago, he wanted to know why the engagement between you and Diana was broken. Claimed he was worried about his niece.’
Myles drew in a deep breath in an attempt to control his irritation. ‘Brunswick has never worried about anyone except himself.’
Wilmington nodded. ‘I know. I told him to mind his business and sent him away, but I thought you should know, because I’m not the only one he’s visiting. He’s claiming his niece was like a daughter to him and that he’s acting as any father would. But I believe he’s attempting to use your name to gain access to places he’s otherwise not welcome.’
Myles turned his gaze to Green, who was still inspecting the horses. There was an ounce of truth in what Wilmington had just said. Brunswick had never treated Anita like a daughter, but he was acting like a father might. Parents got involved in their offspring’s marriage plans, not because they wanted what was best for their children but because society directed that family heritage and status played a primary role in marriage, and the truth was, he was no different than Brunswick in that sense.
Those same motives had been behind his decision-making when he’d been looking for a wife. He’d almost committed himself to women he hadn’t felt any real affection to because it was expected for him to marry a woman whose father had rank. In all honesty, he’d married Anita for those very same reasons.
He hadn’t even met her when he’d arranged their marriage. He’d done that because it fitted his needs.
That wasn’t a welcome acknowledgment, but it was true.
The other thing that was true was that Brunswick was annoyed. Angry that his niece had been chosen over his daughters. He’d hoped to gain money through marriage, and that hadn’t happened.
The softening that happened in the vicinity of his heart was enough to make Myles crack a smile. He’d made the right choice. He’d found a wife who loved the country as much as he did, and animals. She had many more endearing qualities and he would do all he could to assure she had the life she deserved.
‘Thank you for your concern,’ Myles said. ‘But I assure you, there is nothing to worry about. Brunswick is an incompetent man who pilfered away his family’s wealth and may end up in debtor’s prison someday.’
‘I agree,’ Wilmington said. ‘And your wife is nothing like he described.’
‘No, she is not, nor is she anything like her uncle.’ Pride filled Myles. ‘Her beauty, kind nature and upstanding character puts others to shame. Which should not come as a surprise to anyone who knows Brunswick. The man rarely speaks the truth.’
‘That is true, and I hope that you will not think less of me for our visit today. I felt you needed to know of the man’s actions.’
The entire ton had known about his search for a wife, and now knew about his haste in marrying Anita. Many of those people he’d known his entire life, and it was of no surprise that they’d be concerned about him having any dealings with Brunswick. ‘You and your family are always welcome at Redford,’ he said. ‘Brunswick is desperate for money and is searching for ways to find it, but this scheme isn’t going to work any better than his other ones.’ Myles gestured to Matthew Green, who was walking towards them. ‘I believe your brother-in-law has made a decision.’
Chapter Eight
‘I’m so sorry,’ Anita whispered, with a hand pressed to her stomach. ‘It’s all my fault. I did not mean for any of it to happen, but I should have known that Roscoe would see me through the glass and start barking. It wasn’t his fault or the peacocks. They are animals, simply doing what animals do.’
Upon seeing her descending the staircase, Myles had excused himself from Wilmington and Green, letting the men enter the parlour while he’d waited at the bottom of the steps for her arrival. He took a hold of her hand. ‘What are you talking about? What did Roscoe and the peacocks do that has you so upset?’
She stood on the first step, making them eye to eye. ‘You have not heard of the mishap?’
‘No. I just came in from the stables.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘What happened?’
‘Did you sell a horse to Mr Green?’
‘I did. A filly. I’ll show you which one later, because it won’t be delivered to his home for a couple of days. Now, tell me what happened.’
Her gaze cast up and down the hall, before she leaned closer to him and whispered, ‘After you left the parlour, I suggested a visit to the greenhouse. Where I foolishly stood near the glass. Roscoe saw me and started barking, which made the peacocks squeal. That startled the ladies, and evidently, Lady Brockholder accidently tossed a pot in the air, covering both her and Diana in dirt.’ She let out a distressed sigh. ‘So much dirt.’
‘Diana and her mother?’ he asked.
‘Yes. They are upstairs. I just checked on them. None of their clothing appears to be stained and is being brushed clean. So is their hair.’
It was not funny, for someone could have been hurt, but just the same, Myles used a single fist to hide his smile at the image forming in his mind of Lady Barbara being showered with dirt, for it seemed fitting. She hated the country as much as her daughter.
Anita didn’t miss the action and gave his arm a slight slap. ‘It’s not funny. Someone could have been injured.’
‘You are correct.’ He inspected her from head to toe, concentrating on looking for dirt and not getting caught up in her beauty. ‘You did not get any dirt on you?’
‘No. I was near the window, and your mother was near the ivy and holly. She said she would explain the event to you and Viscount Wilmington while I was seeing to the ladies.’
He nodded, using the action as a response while he determined his options. Their options. His mother would have the retelling of the mishap under control, and the maids appeared to have everything under control upstairs, and he was just as certain others were taking care of the greenhouse; therefore, he suggested, ‘Shall we go check on Roscoe and the peacocks?’
Anita’s lips parted in a small O shape before pursing together as she shook her head.
‘I assumed you would be worried about them,’ he said. That was true, but in all honesty, he was thinking about kissing her again and would prefer a touch of privacy for that.
She drew in a breath before whispering, ‘I already checked on them. Roscoe is in the kitchen and the peacocks are in the barn. Where they will all remain until our guests have departed.’
The pride, the happiness, that filled him was quite remarkable. Though he hadn’t doubted it, his new duchess was certainly more capable than she imagined. ‘Well, then, my dear, you have everything under control. There is only one thing left to do.’
‘What is that?’
He took a step back and continued to hold her hand as she stepped off the stair, then lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. ‘For me to thank you for handling the mishap so proficiently.’ No longer concerned about privacy, he pulled her closer to kiss her lips, and took his time in doing so.
* * *
Anita had never been so relieved to see a carriage depart in her life. She was certain that both Diana and her mother were relieved to be leaving, too. Neither woman had looked worse for wear when they’d come down from upstairs, thankfully, but Anita could only imagine the tales that they would tell about their visit to Redford. Her mind had conjured up all sorts of versions of what happened. From past experience, she knew how easily things could be turned around and how easily people found someone to blame. Namely her. Barely a thing had gone wrong at Brunswick that hadn’t been blamed on her, but this time, it truly had been her fault.
If she hadn’t suggested a tour of the greenhouse, and if she hadn’t chosen to stand near the glass, and if she hadn’t encouraged the animals to befriend her by offering them treats, none of this would have happened. If word of what happened spread, all of London would believe she was incompetent at being the Duchess of Redford.
Although, she did have to admit that Myles hadn’t appeared to be upset over it at all, and the amazing kiss he’d given her at the bottom of the stairs had momentarily made her forget all about the calamity.
They had shared a smile, too, when Diana and her mother had barely said a word other than goodbye, which had sounded much more like ‘good riddance.’
‘Well, now, that was an eventful afternoon,’ Mary said as the three of them turned to enter the house as the Brockholder carriage ambled down the driveway.
‘Indeed, it was,’ Myles said.
Having not had the chance, Anita touched Mary’s arm. ‘I am so sorry to have caused such an embarrassment.’
‘You didn’t cause it,’ Mary said, patting her hand. ‘You handled the situation with poise and grace. Thank goodness you were there. I was working so hard to hide my laughter that I couldn’t even speak. I’m going to be laughing about it for weeks.’
Anita was taken aback by that reply.
‘I was so proud of you,’ Mary continued as they walked inside. ‘Of how perfectly you took care of everything. I still am proud of you.’
