Page 29 of Wicked Is the Duke
Moments later she made a plate that consisted of ham, roast beef, cheese, and apples as Henry poured them a glass of wine. He sat across from her on the hearth and they ate in silence for a moment.
Finally, Anna broke the quiet. "This is excellent cheese, Henry. Do you make it here?"
"We do. It's something we've done for generations," he replied. "The ham is also made here from our hogs, smoked and cured right on the estate."
"The taste is similar to ham I've had in Italy."
He cracked a smile. "Good, that's what I was hoping to achieve."
She popped a piece of apple into her mouth. "Not to change the subject, but don't you think we need to discuss our wedding?"
"Yes, we should. Your brother is anxious to return to the continent to finish up some business. Are two more days going to be sufficient?"
"Yes. Between your cook and Jane's, there's more than enough time to prepare a proper wedding breakfast."
"She'll enlist the help of every tenant wife if that's what it takes. Cook is an amazing woman when it comes to preparing food. Especially at the last minute."
"I'm happy we're inviting your tenants."
"I think it's an excellent idea."
"Since we're to be married in your drawing room, a lot of them won't be able to witness our wedding. This will be a small gesture to make them feel a part of the festivities."
He leaned over and kissed her. "I agree, though I'm sorry we can't marry in the chapel."
"We can have other events there."
"I promise to make replacing the roof a priority."
She smiled, picking up her glass of wine. "The morning drawing room will suffice. I would hate for us all to gather in the chapel and be deluged by a downpour."
"It's settled then."
"I'm sure Jane will breathe better. I know she wants to decorate with flowers. This way she can without worry."
He nodded from his spot at the doors, his glass of wine in one hand. He brought it to his lips and took a healthy sip. "Yes. There is something I want to show you."
"What?"
"Did you notice the small island in the middle of the lake?"
She nodded. "Yes. I meant to ask you about that."
"It's only assessable by boat. Very private."
"I can see that."
"My mother would row herself out to it, and none of us could bother her."
"I would love to see it sometime."
"And you shall." His lips slanted over hers, and he showed her the heat he was feeling.
After a minute, Anna pushed him back and looked into his eyes. “I’m so glad we found each other.”
He leaned down and kissed her again, and she responded with passion. Never had she met a man with as much passion and sincerity as Henry. Being married to him was going to spectacular.
