Page 60 of Wicked Is the Duke
Anna shook her head. "No, we're leaving to visit my husband's northern estates next week. Afterwards, we'll spend time at Blackmont Crest."
"He's taking you with him?" A tall, dark-headed woman asked. She stood on the other side of Violet and hadn't taken her eyes off Anna since she and the countess arrived.
"Of course he is. As his wife and duchess, it's important to be seen," Violet muttered.
"I meant no offense, Your Grace. It’s only that men usually prefer to make these trips alone. Leaving us at home in the country"
"Well, they are newlyweds," Violet said with a cackle.
The ladies giggled, and Anna quickly wondered what sort of marriage these women had. Were they there simply to produce the next heir, or were they a love match? She decided very quickly it was best to leave some things unsaid. These women obviously did nothing more than what society dictated they should. Support charities of all sorts and be thankful when their husbands donated to their cause. It was for the best that she not mention her photography or how she was going to help Blackmont. She knew they wouldn't understand.
"I haven't been to Blackmont Crest since the duke's father and mother died," Violet said. "Back then the sounds of children filled the house, even from the nursery."
"The house is just as grand as it was when you visited, Your Grace. Only now the remainder of Blackmont's siblings are at a school. The house is quiet, and I can tell he misses the sound of their antics quite a lot."
"I'm surprised he didn't hire a proper governess," Violet replied.
"Oh, he did, but decided they needed the structure of a girls’ school. Plus they needed to learn to socialize with others outside the family."
"Blackmont's always been a forward thinker. His sisters should have no problem finding a match when their time comes."
Anna agreed with the duchess. "He's done an amazing job having been left unexpectedly with so many siblings. They adore their oldest brother, and he spoils them shamelessly."
Though enjoying her conversation, Anna searched the room for her husband. The next dance was a waltz, and he'd promised to return and dance with her. She tried to be discreet as she looked about for him. He always stood out in a crowd. Not because he was taller than most, but because of his presence.
Finally, she heard a familiar voice as he greeted each of the ladies. "Duchess, I believe this is our dance." He took her hand and helped her out of her chair. "Ladies, if you'll excuse us."
***
Henry led his wifeonto the dance floor. A waltz. His favorite because not only was it more intimate, but it was the only dance where he could have a conversation with Anna.
He held her close to him, his hand at her waist drawing her closer. Her scent calmed him.
"I take it you're faring well with the ladies. The Duchess of Northumberland seems to be taken with you."
"I wasn't sure what to make of her at first, but that quickly passed. She seems to be a progressive sort of woman."
He chuckled. No matter what, Anna always had a place for free thinking women. Not unlike her, the duchess was well known for some of her unusual charities. Certainly, she was a patron to orphanages and hospitals, but it was Lady Violet's interest in the more downtrodden women that caused tongues to wag behind her back.
"So I've heard. She and my mother headed up a small charity for widows. Not just any widow would do. The women had to meet a certain criteria."
"What criteria?"
"Let me see if I remember..." He whirled past the crowd standing at the edge of the dance floor. "Oh, yes, I remember now. The women were usually the widows of shopkeepers, sailors, farmers. Women who had no family to either go to or help them out."
She smiled up at him. "It sounds like something I should look into when we return."
"Yes, you should. For now, I'm afraid you're going to have your hands full."
"Yes, I will. I've started a notebook with everything I need to do, where I'm to photograph as well as what. I scarcely see myself having time for much else."
"Good, I'm glad to see you so excited."
"It's a new adventure. This entire first year of marriage to you is a first."
"I can't wait," he replied. "When we return to Blackmont Crest, I thought we could spend some time at the cottage. Just you and me."
"I'm not sure about all that. Perhaps we could sneak in an afternoon here and there as I'm sure you'll have more important matters to tend to."
