Page 45 of Wicked Is the Duke
"Cook has luncheon waiting as soon as you're ready, Your Graces," Oswald said. He was a thin, fairly tall man with a hawkish nose, which had been the first thing Anna noticed. Still, he had kind brown eyes that won her over immediately.
Anna glanced toward Blackmont, who said nothing. "Give me thirty minutes to change."
"Very well, Your Grace. Luncheon will be served in the red dining room."
She nodded as Blackmont took her by the elbow and guided her toward the magnificent marble staircase. "I'll show the duchess to her rooms," he said.
He led her up the stairs and turned left toward the ducal suites. The ones belonging to the duchess were directly next door. Walking down a hall a short way, he nodded at a footman waiting at the door of Blackmont's rooms, with the duchess's suite adjoining his.
The footman waiting beside the door threw it open as Anna and Henry entered. The door shut quietly, and the two of them were alone. "The duke's suite is through that door," he said quietly as he nodded to a closed door. "I hope we will continue our practice here as well."
"And what would that be, Your Grace?" she asked demurely.
"You will use this for dressing and whatever else you need. At night, we'll sleep together in my suite."
"That is most acceptable, Your Grace." She smiled warmly at him.
He gathered her in his arms and bent down to kiss her gently. "You minx. You sorely tempt me, but I'm afraid it must wait."
"I cannot wait, but will if we must," she replied with a sly smile.
"You may make these rooms your own. If you desire to redecorate, let me know, and I'll contact the man I use here in London for such matters."
"I shall. Now off with you, or cook is going to wonder why we never touched her luncheon."
"Very well. I'll be back for you in thirty minutes."
"Thank you. I imagine it's going to take me a few days to learn the layout of this house."
He smiled. "I'm sure you'll manage just fine, my love."
Henry kissed her on the cheek, turned, and walked out the door. She turned to find the dressing area. Her maid came through a door, a blue muslin day dress in her arms.
"Will this do, Your Grace, or would you prefer the lavender?"
"This will be fine since I don't have much time. Come, help me out of this."
Anna stood looking out the window of her sitting room staring out at the rain pelting down when Henry came for her. She turned at the sound of his footfalls.
"I can't wait to walk the garden," she mused.
"Unfortunately, it won't be today."
She nodded and drew near to him. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid you may be right."
He took her hand to lead her out of the room. "Was everything satisfactory, Your Grace?"
"Yes. I think it's perfect. Perhaps some new paint and wall covering, but it can wait."
"If you'd like to at least choose what you require, it can be done after we've returned to the country."
"Come, I find myself quite hungry."
He led her downstairs to a small room with a table with seating for a less pretentious number of people than a main dining room. A sideboard sat against a wall.
"This is where we eat breakfast as well."
"I like it. Even on a gloomy day such as this there is lots of light," she replied.
