Page 54 of Wicked Is the Duke
"I hope we're not disturbing you, Your Grace. Cook wanted to go over menus for the rest of the week," the housekeeper said.
She passed Anna a piece of paper. On it were the handwritten menus for each day. Dinner mostly. She scanned it quickly. Most were simple like she'd told both women they preferred when not entertaining guests. Fortunately, Henry wasn't a picky eater.
She decided to keep things as they were, and making one minor change, she passed the list back to cook.
"This looks amazing," she said, nodding to the women. "If anything changes, or the duke wishes to entertain guests, I'll let you know."
"Yes, Your Grace," the cook said, bobbing her head.
"Would you like to go over the household accounts this afternoon?" the housekeeper inquired.
Anna shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't. What about tomorrow morning? After breakfast. I'll put aside an hour, more if you think we'll need it, and you can familiarize me with the household."
"As you wish, Your Grace."
She watched as the two women left the room. She smiled when the door closed. Her life certainly had taken a change in the past couple of months. Her husband had left the household, staff, and running of the houses in her care. Her house. The words still made her want to pinch herself.
***
Henry's mind wanderedfrom the tedious, boring debate going on in the chamber to his wife. She'd surprised him wanting camera equipment. He'd known she had an interest in the medium. Her brother had mentioned as much during one of their many discussions. Still, it caught him off guard but in a good way.
This afternoon he'd accompany her as they visited a shop in order for her to purchase what she needed. He was grateful she had this unusual interest. Sitting indoors doing needlepoint bored her.
The construction of the railroad which would run near the borders of his and Norwood's properties could be photographed. Documentation of the progress could be helpful should there ever be a need for it. The same went for his two northern estates. He could have her photograph the pottery produced and the facility where it was made. The houses and grounds might also be of some use, if only to keep as a family history. Her newfound interest was going to be a useful one.
He looked up and noticed the debate had ended. He remembered vaguely hearing a vote would be held the following day. Before he got wrangled into spending the afternoon being sought after by both sides for his vote, he needed to get out. Perhaps he would surprise his bride by showing up early. He could suggest they have lunch out, and afterwards see to her appointments.
"You're leaving?" Trent asked as Henry began to walk towards the door.
"Yes, there is no reason to spend the afternoon debating the same thing. My mind is made up."
"I see. You cannot be swayed to stay and listen to the other side?"
Blackmont let out an exasperated sigh. "I thought that's what we'd been doing this morning. I, for one, am tired of all of it. I need a break to clear my mind."
Montgomery nodded. "Go home to your pretty little wife, Henry. You haven't been here except in body since you arrived."
Blackmont arched a brow. "How did you know?"
His friend slapped him on the shoulder. "Because you’re not the first of my friends to marry."
"Yes, well, I've got a lot on my mind, though I will admit I can't keep her out of my thoughts. I'm to meet her for lunch. She has some shopping she wants me to accompany her on."
"Go, attend to your business. Just be prepared for what lies ahead in the morning. Your vote carries a lot of weight, you know," Montgomery replied.
Henry shook his head. "I don't think I'm as influential as you would have me believe."
"Keep telling yourself that. You wield a lot of power and influence. More than I believe you are aware of."
Politics had always been a part of his life. His father had been an influential Member of Parliament. Unfortunately, his father had died before reaching his full potential. Now it was his turn to carry the mantel and do his family proud. As a single man, he'd kept himself apprised of everything that went on in chambers. Things were different now, and pursing an aspiring political career was a move he needed to discuss with Anna.
"I'll see you in the morning, Trent.
"See you then. Lunch at White's tomorrow after the vote?"
"Yes, let’s," he replied. He turned to continue his walk out of the chambers. It was still crowded. There were new matters to be discussed, but he didn't need to stay. A record of what each was about would be delivered to him in the next couple of days, and that would suffice.
His work as a Member of Parliament always followed him to wherever he went, to whatever estate he was at. This time it would be no different. Lots of men did the exact same thing. The only thing that set him apart, at least right now, was Anna.
