Page 58 of Married to the Cruel Duke

She nodded. “Then I think that sounds lovely. Thank you.”

“Then that settles it.”

The pair enjoyed the rest of their meal in a content silence.

The next morning, when Rebecca dressed, she didn’t make her way to the unusual parlor where she would meet with Mrs Anderson. Instead she headed down to the landing where William was waiting for her, a large basket in his hands.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked when he saw her.

“I am, but are you sure you want to carry that basket the whole time? I can understand if you would rather simply return home for lunch.”

“I want to carry it. I could also simply have someone arrange the picnic while we are on our walk, but I wanted to do it this way.”

She hesitated, “Very well, if you are sure.”

“Then let’s go,” he said, offering her his arm.

She hesitated for a moment, flushing softly before the couple stepped out into the late morning light.

They spent the better part of the morning walking the grounds and talking about everything under the sun.

“When we get back, I need to meet with Pat rick today.”

“Why? Is everything all right? I hope you aren’t having any difficulties with your business.”

“No, nothing like that. He simply prefers to have me look everything over t least once a week to ensure I am still happy with it. It usually doesn’t take long, but I may run late for dinner.”

“Then would you like to invite him to join us? It seems a shame to send him all the way home hungry with you working so late.”

“I can ask him, but I’m not sure if he will be free.”

“If he doesn’t want to, I understand. I just thought I might save him a trip.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“Then again, it might make trouble for the kitchen if they don’t know we might have an additional guest. Perhaps you could have someone send word to him to see if he would want to.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but even if we don’t find out until he arrives, it shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

“I’m glad. Even if he can’t stay, perhaps you could stop and introduce him to me for a moment.”

“I can if you like, but I don’t understand why you want to meet my solicitor so much.”

“The other day, when I was talking about Pnelope and I mentioned she was the person I was closest to in the world, you said Patrick was the person you were closet to.” she paused, smiling at him. “That makes him seem rather important if you ask me.”

William blinked in shock, stunned. “I didn’t realize you would remember that conversation.”

“How could I not? It seemed rather important.”

“Still, I- I didn’t expect you to. I will see what I can do about having him stay for dinner.”

“Thank you, please let him know if he can’t stay tonight, I would like to invite him another day.”

“I will let him know, but I doubt he will turn down the invitation. I have no doubt he will want to meet you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Did I ever tell you how I came to be looking for a wife to begin with?”

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