A Spinster to Heal the Duke

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

T he following day, despite herself, Anne looked forward to a second opportunity to join the Duke on his walk.

"I will be better company, too," she told herself.

She had replayed the previous day in her mind all night and the following morning, their argument was all Anne could think of.

I was wrong to behave so childishly over nothing, she thought, scolding herself. It is a good thing we do not have regular company of the nobility. It seems I don't know how to mind myself in their company. I did not realize I was so thin skinned.

The Duke had been considering the encounter as well.

After our rocky start when I first arrived, I would hate for us to take steps backward when we finally seemed on a more civil track, he thought that evening.

They had both been considerably less involved with conversation after dinner. Rather than his usual glass of brandy, when the Baron came to the parlor for his after-dinner pipe, the older gentleman found himself with only his grandchildren.

"Where's Grandon?" he had asked.

"Gone to bed," replied Charles as Anne said, "I don't keep up with his whereabouts."

The older man had been disappointed and smoked his pipe n silence.

Charles won a quiet game of chess against his sister but remarked, "This win feels hollow. I don't even think you were paying attention at all. Just moving a piece when you noticed a change on the board."

"Today I will start our walk with a few flowers I have picked and hidden away for her," Noah thought.

Unfortunately, when they were finally outside for their walk, he saw what she meant about flowers being too long clipped without water.

"I picked these for you earlier and hid them to give you on our walk," he confessed, holding a semi wilted bouquet. "I see what you mean about them having to go into a vase before sitting too long."

To his surprise, Anne smiled happily as ever and accepted them more than graciously. She smelled them and looked at them with an expression he hadn't seen before.

"They are beautiful," she said, even though they were from her own garden. "It is thoughtful that you made the effort."

He felt a weight he didn't realize he carried lift a little.

He explained, "I'm not sure what I said wrong yesterday, but I want you to know that I am making the effort to do well today."

"You did nothing wrong," Anne replied. "Yesterday I was a silly girl having silly, childish feelings."

"I assure you, you and your feelings are anything but silly to me," the Duke stated.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Anne replied.

They looked at one another for what seemed like a long moment hanging between them then the Duke offered Anne his arm.

"Shall we start our walk?" he asked. "Show me your favorite places on Reedley grounds."

Anne accepted his arm.

She asked, "Did you know we have a pond?"

"I did not," the Duke replied.

"Then, that is what I shall show you today. It is a beautiful spot. We can work our way to my favorite place over the next few days if Your Grace feels up to it."

"I do," the Duke replied though he wondered why she still referred to him so formally.

I thought she had been joking when she said she would still call me Your Grace, but she has yet to cease with these proper greetings and addresses.

But he continued their stroll, enjoying the light pressure of her small hand upon his arm.

She has such a delicate touch for someone who works so much around the home. She plays so many roles, but Anne Drowton, Granddaughter of the Baron of Reedley is most certainly a lady, he noted to himself.

As they walked, Anne talked some about the bushes, trees, flowers, plants, and vegetables they passed.

"We've planted rhododendrons near several trees along the walking paths. They do well with the filtered light of the treetops and add nice bursts of color," she pointed out. "I'm partial to the butterfly bushes though I hate pruning them in the spring."

"I imagine caring for all the plant life can be daunting, remember what light it all needs, when to plant, how they winter," the Duke commented.

"I suppose it could, but it doesn't feel that way to those who enjoy it," Anne replied. "I suppose when I was learning, I'd get a bit frustrated with planting the vegetable garden. Some seeds look so similar and remembering what I should plant in early spring or summer was a challenge."

"Perhaps you care for flowers more," the Duke suggested.

"Maybe, but I have certainly improved my gardening skills all around as my love of cooking has grown. It makes a difference in the flavors, colors, and aromas I can include to brighten a dish," Anne said with a smile.

"Then, I shall suggest my chef at home spend more time assisting the gardener," the Duke decided.

When they neared the stalls and the fields, Anne introduced the animals that had names and spoke less of the ones that didn't, but mostly, she smelled her flowers.

"This mother cow is Lilly," she said, petting a large milking shorthorn. "Her milk is the sweetest. I'm not sure why. I think it is her disposition. The other cows are not as friendly as she is, are they girl?" she jokingly asked the cow as she stroked its snout with her free hand. She smelled her flowers once more then she tilted them toward the cow.

Anne had to pull them back and tell the cow, "Not for you," when Lilly attempted to nibble one of the flowers.

She told the Duke of the history of the property, and he listened politely. He asked questions when it was appropriate and made observations and suggestions.

"One would not guess so many things were grown here on the grounds of the manor. I feel I should walk around the property with your brother and his ledger. If you sold what you did not need to live on, he could cover the wages of a gardener or two to tend all of this and still turn a greater profit at the market," he observed.

"I suppose a lot is wasted each year with what we cannot collect ourselves," Anne replied thoughtfully. "In apples alone, we lose countless bushels every season. We could also arrange a contract with the florist. Not many people in the area have the success with some of the more challenging plants that Peggy and I have."

"It really is money down the drain," Noah said. "Years worth."

Anne frowned. This felt like a failure she could have noticed and pointed out to Charles.

Before she could linger on the thought long, the Duke asked, "Is that the pond?"

"Yes," she replied, happy for the change of thought. "It is full of fish if you enjoy fishing, but it is a water garden as well. I'm told in Reedley's heyday, men and women would picnic around the edge enjoying whatever would splash at the surface, breaking water between whatever was in bloom."

"This is breathtaking…" admired the Duke, "even with the grass and reeds grown up around the edge and the moss on the legs of the benches."

Then, there was a splash in the water.

"Did you see that?" he asked excitedly. "I believe I saw a fish jump. It is a shame I don't know as much about fishing as I do hunting. I would love to know what would swim this pond."

"Charles or Grandfather could probably tell you," Anne said, overlooking his comments about how overgrown the area had become. "They would be happy to take you to the pond and take you fishing in one of the old canoes."

"That would be great," Noah replied. "Or, if they have a small canoe or paddle boat, we could come back. I could paddle us around the pond."

"That would be nice," Anne agreed, surprised by his suggestion.

"Show me more," he said, making his way out of the tall grass. "I'll ask Charles about a scythe if we are going to spend time here at the pond."

"The grass is not that overgrown, and Charles hardly has time to come cut it," she replied, leading the way away from the pond.

"I was offering to do the work myself," the Duke said, following her.

"How would it look for a Duke staying in our home to be put to such menial tasks?" Anne argued ardently.

"I suppose no different that the daughter of a baron serving her home as cook, housekeeper, and everything else you are," he replied nonchalantly.

"Very different," she said. "I am a woman caring for my home."

"And I am a man, offering to help with something while I am here and we are spending time together," he defended. "It seems a reasonable way to repay your hospitality — pitch in and help where I can."

"You can continue to help Charles. That seems to be making a great difference," Anne replied. "Is this because of our conversation yesterday? Now you feel a need to prove something by engaging in physical labor as we do or perhaps you want to appease the offense I took? It is not necessary."

"Of course not," the Duke objected. "It just seemed like a thoughtful gesture. Despite our arguments, I have been enjoying your company. And though I have not articulated it as well as I should have, I appreciate the care your family has shown despite my sudden imposition."

I don't understand why she is making such a fuss, the Duke thought, but he felt his temper rising to match Anne's.

Anne looked at the Duke.

If he is sincere, I should not argue with him, she thought. As he explains it, the gesture would be rather considerate of him in many ways.

"Very well, Your Grace. In that case, thank you," she said humbly.

"It is my thanks to you and your family," he assured.

They were each quiet and looked away from each other for a moment. When they looked at one another again, their eyes met and held. Anne felt her breath quicken.

She turned away and took a deep breath.

"If you would still like to walk around, there is a wooded path we can take," Anne suggested taking a new direction.

"I would like that, yes," replied the Duke.

She walked without pausing or looking back, so the Duke adjusted his step to catch her and keep pace.

More calmly, she said, "We have a few sheep and goats and such. Peggy and I can bring a few to the pond. That would ease the amount of work you have to do."

"Very well," he replied, considering her words a compromise.

As they walked the wooded path, Anne's did her best to resume the pleasantness between them she felt her strictness had shattered.

"These paths are old. Although, I suppose one could say overgrown as well," she observed.

It is difficult to share my home with him now when part of me feels judged and beneath him, she thought disappointedly.

"I think you and I have had some sort of misunderstanding," Noah said.

"Have we, Your Grace?" Anne asked. "You are curious about our property, but these strolls at times feel like your inspection. In the same breath, you are both inquisitive and critical."

"That has not been my intention," replied the Duke.

"We have been wasteful with what we grow, things are overgrown, and any number of additional criticisms that have rolled through your mind but have yet to reach your tongue," Anne observed.

"I meant each comment constructively and with no offense," he replied.

Anne did not speak.

"Wait one moment," he requested, stopping in place.

Anne stopped and slowly spun on her heels to face him.

"Yes, Your Grace" she said.

"Honestly, some things are overgrown, and some things do look like money wasted that could have helped your family, but do not mistake that to be all that I have said or think about Reedley," he clarified.

He gestured around him and smiled. His smile alone reassured Anne somewhat.

He continued to say, "The garden is overgrown, but I like it. It is free and wild and natural. It was what the gardens at Grandon lack with their over manicured bushes, topiaries, and colorless shrubs. There it is nothing but varied shades of green with white blooming flowers. Here there is every color nature created to dazzle the senses."

Anne blinked at him and tilted her head in confusion.

"What?" she asked. "You like it?"

"I do. It makes me think about how little I consider the gardens of Grandon and why. There is no life to them. I walk them periodically but not with the enjoyment I have here, and I don't think I could grow tired of these gardens in the way that I am desensitized to my own.

"I feel like you are telling me what you believe will make me feel better," Anne said. "I know that I have seemed short-tempered, but that is not necessary."

"I assure you that I'm not," replied the Duke. "I think your orchards are wonderful. There is nothing wrong with me suggesting it could produce enough to fund caretakers for the grounds. That doesn't say anything against you or your family — it points out where you can save cost by using the profit on maintaining. Even seasonal help would benefit you. And since I tell you the good and bad of my thoughts, know that I am not simply appealing to your good graces."

"At this point, I am not sure either of us could appeal to the others good graces, sensibilities, or anything else," Anne said, still unsure of how to receive the Duke's comments.

"That is disappointing," the Duke said somewhat forcefully. Then, with hesitation, he added, "Because I find Reedley Manor and its residents, the young lady of the house in particular, very appealing."

Have I misjudged him again? Anne asked herself.

Her tone softened, and she felt herself blush.

She said, "I am sorry I was harsh with you."

"It is not harsh to defend your home, and I understand how I must have seemed," Noah replied. "I wouldn't expect a guest in my home to do certain things, and I know I can be critical. Even if I am well intentioned, I suppose I could work on the way I phrase things sometimes."

"You and I certainly might get along better," Anne replied. "I will also try not to overthink your meaning or be so sensitive. It is an effect you have on me that I am not used to. I suppose, part of me wants you to find me pleasing in whatever way that can be."

"Even as we argue, rest assured I find you diverting and, in all ways, pleasing," the Duke said, stepping slightly closer to Anne.

They stood silently for a moment.

Then, Anne pointed out, "I will need to return to prepare dinner and dress for the evening soon. Shall we walk the path a little further before we return, Your Grace?"

"Yes, let's continue," he replied.

He offered his arm to Anne once more, and she accepted. Whatever tension or irritation there was between them was properly settled. They walked quietly but with a new sort of tension between them until the Duke pulled away to inspect the ground.

"Your woods must be quite good hunting in the winter months," he stated.

"Grandfather has always said so though he and Charles don't hunt as often as some others do," Anne replied. "What makes you say that, Your Grace?"

"We have passed an abundance of animal tracks, but this set was worth a closer look," Noah pointed out.

Anne joined him and looked at the ground.

"It resembles the sheep's prints but more angular," she observed. "A bit larger, too."

"That is because the hooves of sheep, deer, goats, and a few other animals are two cleaves," the Duke explained. "But the prize you have here is a large deer of some sort."

He rose and looked around.

"It looks to be alone rather than in a small group, but if there is one here, there are several. They stay close enough to mate or be small herds when they have families," he indicted.

"That is fascinating," Anne replied. "I don't know that I have ever paid attention to tracks in the area. Though, I have seen many deer here over the years. Deer, foxes, badgers, and all manner of birds."

"If I could return in the winter, I would coax your grandfather and Charles into some early morning hunting. Enter the woods at sunrise, return to the manor with game in time for breakfast, and have the meat ready to braise for dinner. That would be a time to invite those neighbors of yours for a banquet, celebrating a good hunt," he said happily.

"Do you hunt a lot in Grandon?" Anne asked.

"London is not the best place for hunting, and I haven't been to my country house in some time," the Duke replied. "I enjoy it when I have the opportunity, but typically you hunt in a party. I find that since I have stepped into my title, my time for leisure activities has decreased. Since I don't go as often, my invitations to sport have become infrequent. Seems my peers expect I will say no to anything that is not business."

"Do you say no?" Anne asked gently.

"I suppose I might have early on," Noah replied thoughtfully. "I wanted to be taken seriously, and I needed to get my bearings in my new role. But I have been trying to be more sociable in the cooler seasons. Most business shifts during that time anyway."

Anne nodded understandingly.

"I suppose I can speak for Grandfather and Charles well enough to say that you and any guests you wanted to bring would always be welcome to hunt the Reedley property," she said. "In fact, it would remind Grandfather of the property's glory days of hunting parties, balls, and banquets."

"I feel Reedley is on the cusp of a turnaround," he replied.

"Perhaps," Anne agreed. "For now, I think this is the point of the path where you and I turn around. We should return to the manor. How is your ankle?"

"I had forgotten I had been in any pain at all for a moment," Noah replied.

"I hope you will not be too sore later," Anne said.

"I have no complaints," he assured, wiggling his foot mid step.

When they returned to the house, Noah went to the parlor to read until the evening meal. Anne went to the kitchen to begin preparing meat and bread, but first, she placed her flowers from Noah in water.

"Those are lovely," Peggy said when she joined her mistress in the kitchen. "A bit wilted though."

"The Duke of Grandon picked them for me earlier and gave them to me at the start of our walk," Anne explained.

"That's nice," replied the maid. "His temperament seems much better now that his foot's healing. I don't imagine he'll be here more than a month, if that."

"No, I suppose not," Anne said thoughtfully. "He'll go back to London or finish his business in Scotland away from Reedley."

And us, she thought disappointedly.

"Well, he will at least be here a few more weeks because of that banquet — that takes some planning," observed the maid.

"It does," Anne replied, knowing that was only partially true. "But we've known from the beginning he would only be here as long as his injury needed to fully heal. I didn't realize he would be on the mend so quickly."

That's what I would have wanted when he first arrived, but he almost seems a different man, Anne thought. Now, I almost don't want him to leave.