Page 74 of Hawthorne

For so many of these people working here, the extra days and hours are crucial for their stability.

“That’s nice,” I admit with a soft smile. Finally, I’m able to free myself from his hold. “Will you want me to take over for the day?”

“God, no!” His horrified face confuses me. “It’s a day off for everyone. You and me included.”

My stomach flips, but in a bad way. A little dismay comes over me because a day off with no one around means I will be alone, even if just for a day.At least, I have Primrose now.

Could we spend the day together?

A little bit of hope sparks in my chest.

“I already have something planned.”

Oh.Of course.

Why would I even think he’d consider me to spend their day off with? Stupid girl.

“I’ll be out of your hair,” I inform him. “I just got curious as to why no one was around.”

With a slight bow, I twist my body in preparation to leave him. Of course, he has commitments. He’s a duke.

Before I can even take a step in the opposite direction, his hand grabs my elbow and asks, “Where are you going?”

“I, uhm...” I stutter, confused.

It’s not like I have something to do if we’re not supposed to work today. Since the duke’s aunt got sick, I have distanced myself from most of my old college friends due to the amount of care she needed at the time—all but one.

Sadly, I am too shy to reach out, but maybe I should.

“Well,” I start, trying to find a reasonable explanation. “Since we’re not supposed to work today, I thought about picking Primrose up for a bigger walk around the property.”

I am so lame.

“Great idea! How about you prepare a picnic basket to go? I’ll join you downstairs in ten minutes.”

“Wha—” But before I can ask what he meant, he goes back inside his office and closes the door in my face.

What on earth...

Without another option, I go back to the ground floor and do what has been asked of me. Prepare food for a picnic.

I am almost finished filling the basket by the time the duke arrives in the kitchen. Not knowing what his preferences are regarding the food, I take the liberty of choosing what I like. He hasn’t had a problem with that before, so…

Fresh fruit like grapes and apples, a few smoked salami, and three cheese options accompanied by a couple of different bread types and some foie gras.

I hate foie gras, but it’s one of the noblest and most expensive products in gastronomy. Better? Only caviar.

But I certainly won’t bring caviar to a picnic.

It also has some scones, some biscuits and jams. Last but not least, I grab two glass bottles to fill them with water and freshly pressed orange juice.

“Is that a picnic or a banquet?” Vincent’s voice catches my and Primrose’s attention.

With a loud bark, she rushes to him and plasters herself on the floor with her belly up, begging for him to pet her.

Primrose has been learning to follow me and stand by my side all the time whenever I can bring her around. But she’s still a puppy and a needy one. She’s bound to look for all the attention she can get.

“It’s a picnic fit for a king,” I answer.

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