A Spinster to Heal the Duke

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

" I t appears I am the first to the table this morning," the Duke said as he entered the dining room.

"It would seem so," replied Anne as she and Peggy continued to set the table.

"Good morning, Your Grace," the maid said, offering a small curtsey as she continued to place the morning's setting of glassware at the table. "You are looking much better today."

Noah was still adjusting to greeting the help, but he offered the maid a nod and said, "Good morning. Thank you. I feel much better."

I suppose there's no harm in it, he thought. At Grandon, the help is typically seen and not heard, and they only speak when spoken to, but exchanging pleasantries and being generally amenable does seem to set a certain tone here that we might be lacking.

He tried to imagine a member of his staff saying more than a morning or evening greeting. He could not conjure the thought, much less the idea of one of them stating anything about his appearance.

His thought was interrupted when Anne said, "Yes, your stride is greatly improved."

"I was sore after my walk yesterday afternoon, but I believe it did provide great benefit. I still feel some pain today, but it is more tolerable."

"We are glad to see and hear that you are improving. Please keep us informed of anything we can do to help you. Perhaps we should soak your foot in cool water after your next walk," Anne suggested. "Will you take another walk about the grounds today?"

"Yes, immediately after luncheon," the Duke replied.

"After?" Anne asked, unable to hide her smile.

"I'm pleased my presence for the midday meal makes you smile," Noah observed, smiling as well. Then, he cleared his throat, straightened his face, and said, "I had an appetite well before dinner yesterday, and I realized I should not miss meals while I recover."

Peggy looked at her mistress and the Duke as they looked at one another.

"I should fetch the tea and coffee service," she suggested softly before quickly leaving the area.

Anne was the first to break eye contact, looking back at the table.

"I need to replace the flowers here and around the house," she said absently.

"They are still very fragrant," the Duke observed.

"Yes, but they are beginning to wilt," Anne said, pulling a yellow flower from the arrangement. "Better to cut fresh this afternoon, so we can better enjoy them."

"So, you will be about the grounds this afternoon as well?" the Duke asked.

"Yes, Your Grace," Anne replied. "But I shall not interrupt your walk."

He nodded but said, "I'm sure your company would be no interruption."

Anne smiled again, and the Duke smiled as well.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she said softly.

"Grandon," he corrected gently.

Before either of them could say more, there was the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Grandfather Jeremy and Charles' voices preceded their entry to the meal.

That morning, the conversation flowed as the tea poured round the table. Even Charles elected for tea over his usual hot chocolate.

"I suppose a young man does have to part with childish pleasure sometime," he said self-deprecatingly.

"Perhaps," agreed Noah. "But there is nothing better than hot chocolate and muffins or biscuits on a winter morning."

He smiled at Charles and tipped his glass toward him.

"Maybe even fall," Charles added hesitantly, almost as a question seeking permission.

"Maybe even fall," agreed the Duke. "When the first crisp burst of wind is in the air."

Charles rubbed his hands together and smiled broadly. Then, he ate as though he was ravenous.

"Grandon, it appears your pupil needs you to train him in table manners as well," Jeremy said with a laugh.

"I just want to make sure I have enough time for everything this morning," Charles replied, swallowing when he paused. Then, he continued to clarify, "I want to have enough time to work with Grandon this morning, and then go to town to speak to a couple of the shop owners you introduced me to yesterday. I'd like to tactfully ask them a few questions."

"Did something seem amiss during your outing?" Noah asked, looking concerned.

"Not really," replied Charles with a shake of his head. "I just think one or two could benefit from some of the information you've shared with me to better manage their affairs."

"A sign of learning well is to be able to teach another," Noah said, looking pleased. "Perhaps I should come with you in case you need help explaining anything?"

"No, I think I have it down, but we can review before I go. And I don't want to seem intimidating by bringing the Duke of Grandon for such matters," Charles replied.

"That is true. My demeanor tends to make most people think the worst," the Duke admitted.

"My demeanor makes most laugh," said Jeremy with a hearty chuckle. "If you go, I should go to balance the air in the room."

Everyone at the table laughed then.

"You could come, Grandfather," Charles said sincerely when things settled down again. "Everyone seems to be getting the idea that we are moving toward when I assume your role as baron. You can help me say what I need to but still have the friendly connection that underscored the conversation like yesterday."

"I never turn down a trip to town," replied Jeremy.

"We will be back for luncheon, Anne, but we might be late," Charles said, looking at his sister.

"Very well, but I can serve it a little later as well," she offered.

"No, I would hate for Grandon to wait. Please, go ahead as normal but leave the table set for me and Grandfather," he instructed.

Well, he certainly is in a take charge mood this morning, Anne thought proudly.

"Yes, future Baron of Reedley," she said in a half mocking, reverent tone.

Charles didn't seem to mind. He only smiled and continued to eat faster.

Soon, breakfast and Charles' lesson with the Duke were done. He and Grandfather made quick goodbyes as they were both eager to get to town.

The Duke and Anne remained in the parlor for the remainder of the morning as they normally would, but a deafening silence seemed to remain with them.

Finally Anne said, "Well, I should probably begin preparing our luncheon."

"I shall…" The Duke paused unsure of how to respond. "I suppose I shall rest here a little longer."

"Good, you will need your strength for your walk," Anne said.

They smiled at one another, and he stood briefly as she rose from her seat. Once she left the room, the Duke sat down again.

Could I have sounded more foolish? Noah asked himself.

Will our lunch be so silent? Anne wondered.

When they did share their meal, conversation was somehow easier.

"Dr. Edwards was correct about your jams. When I return to Grandon, I will miss spreading your jams and preserves over my scones," Noah said, buttering a biscuit and covering it in thick jam. "Your scones are far better, too. I could eat them plain."

"That is quite a compliment," Anne replied happily. "I have several jars, and I am more than happy to send some with you when the time comes. But I could also make more while you are here. We have grown some very nice plums and raspberries this year."

"That would be quite gracious of you," the Duke said, surprised by her generosity though he was beginning to think he shouldn't be.

Anne and the rest of the Drowtons are such a generous family, despite having so little, he thought.

"Please, do not think I am boasting, but I make a very nice spiced plum preserve," she said, leaning forward and speaking in a hushed tone.

The glint in her eyes when she's proud is rather charming, the duke thought.

He leaned closer to as well and said, "You don't say? Now, I must try some."

"My secret is to prepare two parts plum to one part apple and add extra clove and star anise. Everyone uses a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon, but the clove and star anise make such a difference," replied Anne excitedly.

"Anise, anise," the Duke repeated thoughtfully. "That has a bit of a licorice flavor doesn't it?"

"It does to some," Anne replied, pleased with his knowledge. "In cooking, it's a sweet spice that can take a new life depending on what it is prepared with while bringing out unexpected flavors in a dish."

"Fascinating," the Duke said, staring at Anne. "I'm not one for licorice, but your spiced plum preserve sounds inspired."

Those green eyes of his, Anne thought. It is like being lost in a spring forest to gaze into them too long.

She sat back and felt she needed to remind herself to breathe.

"Thank you," she said as she tried to temper a shudder that moved through her.

The Duke did not see because he had to settle himself as well. He quickly finished his scone in two bites before buttering another and trying a different jelly.

"Tell me more," he said.

I could listen to her talk so eagerly for hours, he thought, looking at her again. I could watch her talk so happily twice as long.

"Um, I also make a pretty standout orange marmalade," she said in a more general tone and volume. "Most people just keep it simple — oranges, lemon juice, sugar, water. That is good, but I add a bit of mint and thyme."

"That sounds delicious, too. I bet that is a bright burst on the palette with a breakfast muffin," the Duke replied.

"It is," agreed Anne.

As they spoke, they heard a door in the house open then they heard Jeremy calling.

"Anne, we've returned. Where are you? How is our guest?" he said, entering the dining room. "Ah, found you both. Mm… and treats."

He and Charles settled at the table, and Peggy promptly entered the room with place settings for them.

"Thank you," they both said.

"What have you two been up to while we were gone?" Jeremy asked.

"Nothing really," Anne replied. "We spent the rest of the morning in the parlor, I prepared a snack, and now, you are here."

"Anne was just sharing some of her cooking secrets with me," the Duke said, tipping a jellied scone.

"Ah, lucky man. I don't believe she has shared many of her culinary secrets with anyone. Peggy might know a few ingredients for things here and there from helping in the kitchen, but our Anne has certainly never divulged what makes some of the simplest things stand out when she prepares them, even to Charles and me. Like her orange marmalade. I know there is mint, but there is something else, too," Jeremy observed, gesturing at the dish on the table.

"So, she's secretive about the goings on in her kitchen?" the Duke said, smiling at Anne with a raised eyebrow.

She turned away and blushed.

"They have no need to know nor any real interest. Grandfather and Charles rarely set foot in there," Anne replied, waving off what had been said.

Yet she shared several details with me, and I must leave eventually , the Duke thought.

"Pass the apple butter, Grandon," said Jeremy. "Let's see if I can figure out the hidden flavor this time."

Anne and the Duke shared a look as they passed the apple butter.

"I had only been devouring this gooseberry jam, but that looks very good," the Duke observed. "And I would agree, there are probably a few unexpected ingredients in this as well. It is unlike any gooseberry jam I have tasted before."

"It is," replied Jeremy. "In the case of the gooseberry, I think it is a use of spices. For the apple butter, I know there are dates or figs or something in here."

"Well, those two are rather far apart in flavor to make them both be a guess. One is more like a honey sweet where the other is that richer flavor, like a cooked caramel, Reedley," replied the Duke.

"For a man who arrived eating so little, you have a penchant for flavors," declared Charles.

"Indeed," agreed Anne. "It's quite impressive."

"Thank you," Noah said, looking at Anne. Then, looking at Charles, "Thank you both. I suppose it just comes from learning what foods I tolerate well."

When everyone completed their snack, the Baron of Reedley was more than ready for his customary afternoon nap. The younger gentleman of the house was rather worn out as well.

"I think the excitement of digging my heels in with the people was a bit much," he said, following his grandfather upstairs.

"It's invigorating," replied the older man. "Then, you come down like someone who has had too many sweets, my boy."

"You could have warned me. I would have paced myself," replied Charles. "It seems I need to build up stamina for being among the people."

"Yes, interacting can be exhausting, depending on the company," the Duke agreed watching them go up. "Your family's company seems to have the opposite effect on me. I feel energized for my walk. Enjoy your rest gentlemen."

"I shall help Peggy tidy up," Anne said. "Then, I shall make my way to the garden."

"Are you joining Grandon on his walk?" Jeremy asked his granddaughter.

She gasped, and the Duke looked at her uncertainly as well.

"No, I was going to clip flowers to make a new arrangement for the dining hall and cut a few more to put in vases around the house," Anne replied.

"Ah," replied Jeremy. "That would be good. Still, it might do well for you to begin walking with him as his walks become longer in case his ankle gives him any trouble from over exertion like yesterday."

"I wouldn't refuse the company," the Duke said, looking at Anne. "I'm learning it can be good to accept help when necessary."

"Then, perhaps I could join you after I have collected my flowers today and begin walking with you tomorrow, Your Grace," Anne offered.

"Thank you, I would appreciate your company," the Duke replied.

He resisted the urge to correct her by saying, "Grandon," though he wished she would dismiss with the formality between them.

"I look forward to it as well," replied Anne.

As she and the Duke made their way outside, Jeremy observed, "It might take a little effort on our part, but I think there could be something blossoming besides in the garden."

"Those two?" Charles asked.

"Those two," replied his grandfather. "Now that they are past their rocky beginnings, I think with a little water and sunshine, something could grow there."

Charles shook his head and moved past the older gentleman.

"Well, if it requires any effort on my part, it will have to wait until after I've rested," he said.

The Baron gave him a playful shove on the shoulder. Then, both men continued upstairs.

Outside, Anne looked at the flowers.

I've made such a big deal of these things; I must put together an arrangement that is more than pretty and fragrant. I need something eye catching that captivates all the senses, she thought. It's been talked up to everyone in the house now when initially it was merely an excuse to be in proximity of the Duke.

She startled herself with the realization.

"I want to be around Noah Campbell, Duke of Grandon," she said softly to herself aloud, dropping her basket and clippers.

She put her hands to her lips and snapped her mouth shut.

"Oh, dear," she whispered.

Then, a voice behind her asked, "Could you include a few of those blue ones? I noticed them yesterday. They have a unique look about them and a very prominent smell that doesn't offend the senses."

She turned to see the Duke and wondered if he heard her. It didn't seem so. He stepped past her and picked one of the flowers he referred to.

"It even matches your dress today," he noted, handing her the sprig of blue flowered sage he had plucked. "You look lovely in blue."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Anne said softly.

She had been caught by surprise when he was behind her, but it was nothing compared to the shock of the Duke complimenting her and offering a flower.

With a smile, he departed to begin his walk.

Anne looked at the flower. It did match the blue fabric of her morning dress. It was a true bright blue and not the purple shades of some other blue flowers.

I wonder if I have anything this shade for dinner? she thought.

She smelled the small petals and leaves. It was a fragrant plant that would fill each room with a floral arrangement with a pleasant but not overwhelming smell.

Without outright knowing much about either, His Grace seems to have good taste in food and flowers , she thought.

Then, she set her basket down and cut several varied lengths of the blossoms. After a walk around to see the other florals of the garden, she decided to pair the blue color with toadflax and Hawthorne for a blue, yellow, and white set.

"I think this will be nice without seeming overdone," she considered. "Then again, I might add a few Blackthorns. Only a few."

Anne took her time filling her basket. Anything she decided not to use could be added to the compost for fertilizer later. She cut plenty to make a setting for the dining table, one for the side table in the parlor, another for the study, and one for her own room upstairs.

This is far more than necessary, Anne thought. All this thinking about the Duke has distracted me. I've gotten lost in my thoughts and carried away with the task. I have no need for so many flowers or to make four arrangements. They will be quite full if I were to use every cutting here.

Then, she decided to leave her basket near the rear door and search for the Duke. When she found him, he was walking in her family's orchard.

"Are you enjoying your walk?" she asked, disturbing his thoughts.

"Hmm?" he asked before seeming to return to the present. "Yes, greatly. Did you collect your flowers?"

"Yes, I've already arranged them in vases around the house in my mind," she replied.

"Excellent. Then, they should be as much a marvel as your food," he complimented.

Anne blushed and said, "Thank you, Your Grace."

"You're welcome," replied the Duke.

"So, where have you ventured today?" she asked.

"I decided to view the trees around the property," he replied. "I have visited plums, tree nuts, and these apples so far. One would not imagine so few people could care for so many growing things."

Anne made a small face reflexively but reminded herself that the Duke likely meant a compliment despite slighting her by bringing up her family's circumstances once more.

"Well, the trees were planted years ago as you can tell. At this age, we just let them live and collect the harvest to sell, store, and eat," she explained modestly.

"I honestly have no idea what goes on in the upkeep of the gardens at home," he said. "Strange, when I consider myself on top of things. But I suppose if the staff is doing what they should, there are not issues to draw my attention."

"Has an issue drawn your attention today, Your Grace?" Anne asked, feeling herself on the edge of being offended.

"No, no." replied Noah. "I was merely observing. Comparing."

He wasn't sure what to say or what he had said, but he could see, somehow, he had already said something he shouldn't have.

Rather than make things worse, he asked, "Shall we return to Reedley Manor? I think I have walked my limit today."

Anne could tell by the change in his tone the Duke was as irritated as she was, even if only because she was angered first. Although she felt, somehow in their moment together, she had been struck.

"Yes, we'd better," Anne replied. "I'd hate for you to suffer another wounded ankle or a splinter."

"Do you think I am so fragile?" asked the Duke with offense.

"I think the strange thing is that you know nothing of hard work. I think the impolite thing is you feeling that things must not be being done here since you have noticed," Anne said pointedly, turning his words against him.

"I meant nothing against you or your grounds, and I would have you know that while I may not do the landscaping, I do plenty of other tasks that are demanding work," the Duke argued, his voice rising.

"Do not take that tone with me," Anne snapped.

"You do not take a tone with me," he rebutted.

They stared at one another for a moment then they each began walking quickly.

At Reedley Manor, the Duke offered to carry Anne's large basket of cuttings, but she refused.

"No, thank you," she replied. "If you were not here, I would be carrying them myself."

"But I am here, and I am offering," the Duke insisted, but Anne began to reach for the door as he attempted to assist her with the basket.

Instead, the Duke quickly turned his efforts to the door and opened it for her.

"I did not mean to offend you this afternoon," he said, blocking her path and looking at her directly.

He towers over me, she thought, looking up at him and then lowering her gaze from his eyes to a button on his coat.

"No, it was more likely that I was too sensitive," she replied.

I know my circumstances, so it shouldn't affect me for him to mention things in conversation. In hindsight, he wasn't even rude, was he? she asked herself.

"Can we start over tomorrow?" the Duke asked. "Join me for my walk tomorrow afternoon. I promise to be better company."

Anne hesitated but said, "Very well. For now, these have been cut too long to not be placed in water, so please, let me pass."

"Of course," the Duke replied, stepping aside.