Page 50 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Seventeen
Anna gazed at her husbandas they sat at dinner, waiting for the main course to be served. Since her arrival, she'd requested simpler meals when it was only the two of them. Henry seemed to appreciate not having to spend hours over a meal.
Henry had just informed her they would be going out later in the evening. He wouldn't tell her where. He was being far too mysterious for her. Usually, he would tell her; tonight she couldn't pry information out of him. He seemed to enjoy it, a cat-like smile on his face.
The roast pork was served, and Anna tried to concentrate on what was in front of her. She speared a piece of potato and thoughtfully ran through her mind where he might be taking her.
The theater seemed the only possibility, though when she mentioned that, Henry merely waved her off. Unless it was a different sort of theater. Not the one where he kept a box, but something a little wilder. He was always looking for the next adventure and was hardly one to sit contently at home.
"You're not going to tell me, are you?" she asked. She picked up the potato to savor it. Cook used remarkable seasoning on the meal. Anna decided she would have to ask the woman what her secret was.
He grinned a devilish smile. "No, I'm not. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if I did, now would it?"
"No, I suppose it wouldn't."
"I think you'll enjoy our outing this evening," he said smugly.
"Have you decided when we'll leave for your northern estates?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Sometime next week. That will allow me to finish my business here, and we can attend some of those soirees or balls we've been invited to."
"Excellent, that will work."
"Do you have plans to occupy your days while I'm attending Parliament or am in meetings?"
She speared a piece of pork roast as she thought about what he'd asked. "I have some shopping to do. I'm sure I'll have invitations once the ladies realize I'm back in town. I won't be bored, Your Grace."
She needed to see what some of the other fashionable ladies of thetonwere devoting their time to. Surely she could find a charity or two that would interest her.
Working with the church and the women who lived on the estate made it much easier. These were all people she would know or already knew. She wanted to be hands on. London, however, was another matter entirely. Everything was based on who knew who or how much money they had.
Perhaps she should ask Henry for advice. She could see what he was working on in Parliament. There might be something she could focus her attention on.
"I'm sure you will," he replied, eyeing her curiously. "I thought perhaps we could visit my sisters while we're in town. Their school is not too far away, and I know they'd love to meet you."
She smiled broadly and nodded. "Yes, I would love to visit them. What about your brothers?"
