Page 5 of Wicked Is the Duke
He entered the breakfast room a short time later, grateful that no one else was in residence. His head couldn't tolerate conversation at the moment. He picked up one of the many newspapers that awaited him each morning, his eyes scanning the headlines as a footman brought him a plate of coddled eggs, sausage, fruit, cheese, and toast. Though the mere thought of food made his stomach lurch, he knew he needed it to be focused and ready for the day. A shot of whiskey might have helped, but only if he were staying home. He needed to stay sharp and focused today.
His first stop was his solicitor's office to sign papers for a property he’d recently purchased. He gazed at the gold lettering on the door. Cooper and Watkins. The firm had long been employed by the Blackmont family. His father and grandfather had used the firm exclusively. They'd never steered them wrong.
"Good morning. I trust everything is in order and ready for my signature."
Mr. Cooper nodded. He was a few years older than Henry, which was why Henry felt comfortable around the man. He knew everything that was going on in London as far as business went. What properties were for sale, businesses that were available, making Henry grateful to have someone he trusted in his employ. "I have them right here, Your Grace."
Henry sat down in the chair in front of the desk. He picked up the stack of papers Cooper motioned toward. "Anything out of the ordinary I should know about before I sign?"
Cooper shook his head of dark brown hair, which was beginning to gray at the temples. "No, I believe you'll find everything in order. Nothing unusual about this one."
Though his head still pounded, Henry read through the document himself. He trusted the firm implicitly but still had the need to read exactly what he was signing. He had friends who'd failed to do so and then had to deal with the consequences. All because someone got greedy.
He bent over the papers finally and signed his name to the documents. "Thank you for taking care of this as always."
"As always, it's my pleasure, Your Grace. Is there anything more I can do for you today?"
Henry sat back in the leather chair and pondered the man's words. He tried to have monthly or quarterly meetings with the man where everything was discussed. "I plan to take a wife this year. It's time I had an heir," he said. "I'll keep you informed with the details once I know who she is."
"Excellent, Your Grace. I look forward to serving you through the details of the young lady's dowry, whoever she may be."
"I'm not sure the young lady I have in mind has much of a dowry. It matters not. I don't need the money."
It was true; he wasn't certain what sort of dowry Anna had, though he was fairly certain her brother would have the matter in hand. It probably wasn't huge, but then he scarcely needed the money. Perhaps he'd put whatever dowry she had away for their daughters. If they had any. Having come from such a large family, Henry wasn't certain how many children he wanted. Not that it mattered. He would love each and every one of them.
He suddenly caught himself wondering what it would be like to bed Miss Grover. How would she respond to him? He would have to teach her what he hungered for.
He rose to take his leave. "Thank you as always. I look forward to our next meeting."
"Your Grace."
He climbed into his waiting carriage and directed the coachman to take him to the Grover's townhouse. If she had suitors calling, he wondered who they were and how many there were. She should have his flowers and card by now.
This evening another soiree, and the anxious mothers would have their daughters lined up for him to choose from. Even Lady Caroline, who had several seasons behind her would be in attendance. She had turned down at least six prospective suitors, giving one reason or another for not accepting any of them. Henry knew why Lady Caroline refused all offers of marriage. She was determined she should be his duchess.
Henry shook his head at the thought as the carriage slowed on their approach to the Grover's townhouse. There was a young man leaving and one going in. Smiling to himself, Henry leapt down from the carriage and headed towards the front door.
