Page 24 of Wicked Is the Duke
"Not at the moment. I will have some missives that will need to go out today."
Smythe nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace. I'll come for you as soon as your bath is ready."
"Excellent. Give me about thirty minutes to finish my task."
The valet turned and disappeared. Henry started down the hall to his study. He had some friends in London he needed to write.
***
Anna swung her legsover the side of the bed. She'd been unable to nap. Her thoughts kept turning to the earl and Lady Caroline. A walk in the gardens might help clear her mind. Henry would be returning for dinner, and she didn't want to be distracted by her thoughts and fears.
She summoned her maid, who was in the adjoining room readying her gown for the evening.
"Bring me my apricot day dress. I find I'm unable to rest. I'll take a turn in the gardens."
"Yes, my lady. The sun is back out. A walk in the gardens will be lovely."
After pulling on her half boots, Anna headed to the stairs. Her maid was right; the late afternoon sun was shining brightly. The house was quiet, though as Anna passed through the drawing room, she was surprised to see Jane with her needlework.
"I couldn't rest. I thought a walk in the garden would soothe me."
Jane smiled, putting her needlework to one side. "I understand. You've got a lot going on, planning your wedding and all. Have you decided when?"
"In four days. Henry was going to send word to Robert. We've decided to hold it inside the house and afterward hold the wedding breakfast outside so all the tenants can come."
"The chapel roof still needs repair?"
"Yes, though Henry promised it would be fixed immediately," she replied. "Do me a favor—please don't speak about this with Lady Caroline or the earl. I find I don't trust either of them."
Jane nodded. "I understand. No worries, I won't breathe a word when they're around."
"Thank you," she replied. "I'll see you shortly, unless you wish to join me."
"No, go on by yourself. I need to speak with cook about dinner as it appears we may have two more joining us."
"The wheelwright hasn't come?"
"Not that I'm aware of, and I'd rather know there will be enough should our unexpected guests have to stay for supper."
***
Assuming Carlisle tobe waiting on the wheelwright, she walked towards the house after taking a leisurely walk through Norwood’s gardens. As she neared, she stopped to admire a peony, unaware Carlisle was there waiting like a lion waiting for his prey.
"Ah, Anna, it's so nice to see you."
She gazed up at the portly, blotched, red-faced man. "I'm sorry, my lord, I don't recall giving you permission to call me by my given name."
"I thought we shared something special, a bond."
Anna stared at him in horror. "You are mistaken, my lord. We share nothing," she replied. She pivoted to leave when he grabbed her arm with his beefy, sweaty hand.
"Unhand me, my lord."
He shook her, his grip tightening. "Listen to me and listen to me good. Marriage to Blackmont? It's not going to happen, not after he finds out how you threw yourself at me. I'm sure your brother will be happy to be rid of you."
"You're insane. If you don't let me go, I'll scream."
"Go ahead; who's going to believe you? I'm an earl, you a mere nobody, just a whore who jumps from bed to bed."
