Page 26 of Wicked Is the Duke
Anna nodded and gratefully headed to the house with Jane. The day had been eventful, and there was still much to be decided before her wedding.
***
Henry and Norwood stood, watching the two women as they walked toward the house. "You're to be commended, Blackmont. Some men would have concluded she was ruined and given way for the offender to marry her."
"I know Anna better. She is nothing like the earl described her."
Norwood shook his head. "No, she's not. You're going to have your hands full with Anna. She's been raised to be quite independent, regardless of being under her brother's thumb."
"That she has. I'm very fortunate Grover agreed to the match."
"Any fool could see the two of you are in love."
Henry chuckled. "Love is for romantics. Anna and I are quite fond of each other, but love?"
"Give it some time, Blackmont. You'll fall head over heels like the rest of us. Frequenting places like The Quiver will become a thing of the past once you've taught your young wife the pleasures of your marital bed."
Henry thought back to his earlier encounter with his betrothed and smiled. "Perhaps you're right."
Norwood laughed and slapped his friend on the shoulder. "I know I'm right. Now come, let's make sure the earl and Lady Caroline are on their way."
"Has the wheelwright come?" Henry asked as his eyes followed the two women until they disappeared from sight.
"Yes, he just arrived."
“Good, the sooner it’s repaired the better.”
The departure of these two couldn’t happen soon enough. Neither could be trusted and he wouldn’t sleep until Carlisle and Lady Caroline were gone. He’d sleep once he and Anna were married, but until then he needed to keep his guard up.
Chapter Nine
"I'm going to Blackmont'shome today. I wish to meet with his cook and housekeeper to make sure everything will be ready for the wedding breakfast," Anna announced to Jane as they ate in the breakfast room.
Jane glanced up from her scandal sheet. "I'm sure everything will be ready. I've sent a couple of kitchen maids to assist his cook."
"I know, thank you. Blackmont is sending a carriage for me shortly. He wants to show me my rooms, and we plan to go for another ride," she casually said. "Hopefully, rain won't come and ruin this one."
