Page 64 of Wicked Is the Duke
Chapter Twenty-Two
"Brutus!" Henry holleredto the rather large Labrador bounding across the drive. The dog stopped at his master's feet, waiting for Henry to give the next command.
Anna recognized the dog from Blackmont Crest. He was one of Henry's favorite hunting dogs, though Brutus was given preferential treatment being allowed inside the house where he would lie in front of the fire in Henry's study while he worked.
She'd never had dogs or cats as pets, though one of her uncles on the continent kept a kennel of hunting dogs as Henry did, but she wasn't allowed to touch or bother her uncle’s dogs. Which was why she was unsure how to act when Brutus came rambling up to her. The dog sat in front of her, waiting for a sign of recognition. Slowly, Anna put her hand forward and patted the dog’s large head.
"He won't bite," Henry said teasingly.
"I certainly hope not. He's just so big."
"That he is. Bred to hunt waterfowl similar to a spaniel. His mouth is quite soft."
"Pardon?" she asked, looking from the dog to her husband and back to the dog.
"He's quite gentle when he holds objects in his mouth."
Anna peered down at the dog. "I've never thought of that before."
He motioned for a stable boy to come collect the dog. "Why don't we go inside? I'm sure you'd like to rest from our journey."
"A hot bath would be most welcome before I do. Afterwards, I'd like to see the house," she said. She patted Brutus one last time before the boy led him away. "He likes you."
"Who? The dog?"
"Yes, Brutus. I had the dogs brought so they could work. Hunt while I'm in residence."
"Hmmm," she replied as she ascended the steps to the house. The large stone structure seemed to loom up out of the ground.
They were greeted at the entrance by the butler, Fitzroy. His family had served the Blackmont family for generations. The ruddy-faced butler had ascended to his position upon his own father's death some years before.
Inside, the small staff was lined up ready to meet their new mistress. Anna took everything in stride, carefully listening as the butler and housekeeper introduced each maid, footman, and cook. Henry followed behind, greeting the staff as they went.
"Would you like me to show you to the duchess's rooms?" he asked as they neared the grand staircase.
The house was far older than Blackmont Crest and in desperate need of some repairs and renovations. Henry hadn't noticed before, but Anna was looking at it through fresh eyes. The house didn’t have indoor plumbing or much of anything else in the way of modern comforts. As it was a lesser estate, and one he visited maybe once a year, Henry had seen no purpose in modernizing the old house.
A footman opened the door to the duchess's rooms, and he followed his wife inside. He watched as his wife took everything in, the furniture, the rugs, and every little detail in the room.
"The dressing area is through that door," he said. He turned to a far wall. "That door leads into the duke's suite."
She nodded. "Your family doesn't spend a lot of time here?"
"No. I try and visit at least once a year. Fortunately, I have a good estate manager and man in charge at the business."
"It seems such a waste."
"I would agree if not for the money and jobs the pottery factory creates and brings in," he replied. He neared, taking her in his arms. "I'll leave you to bathe and rest."
"Thank you," she replied, kissing him on the cheek.
"Tomorrow, when we're both rested, I'll take you on a proper tour of the estate and pottery factory. If you would like."
