Page 72 of Wicked Is the Duke
"The duke is not one to cross. I'm sure his solicitors are already on the matter."
They ate in silence for the next few minutes. Anna picked at her food.
"I must apologize to you for the way I behaved at the factory. I don't know what came over me."
She leaned forward and took his hand. "No need to apologize. We both said some unpleasant things. It's long forgotten."
"Thank you. May I continue to photograph the outside of the buildings?" she asked.
"Do you think you can finish tomorrow because I would like to head back to Blackmont Crest soon? I received word from Norwood concerning the railway, and I'd like to get back to discuss it with him."
"Yes, I can finish tomorrow. The interior can be done another time."
"Thank you."
"I'm actually looking forward to documenting this new project at Blackmont Crest."
"I'm sure you'll do a spectacular job of it."
"Henry, on another matter...could we bring the girls home for the summer? I understand the boys’ situation is different, but the girls..."
He barked out a laugh. "We must be thinking alike. I thought I'd send for Daisy and Alice as soon as we arrive back at Blackmont Crest. It's past time the three of you became better acquainted."
"It will be good for them. Jane is close by to help me keep them amused. Alice is going to need to get ready for her first season you know."
Henry groaned. "Don't remind me. Daisy won't be far behind."
"Then you won't mind if I call on Jane for her assistance. She knows them far better than I and will help me keep from getting run over by them."
"No, you're right. Jane knows them far better than even I do."
"Excellent, and thank you, Henry."
"No need to thank me yet. I'll send for the boys at some point this summer. While it does them good to spend extra time at school, I also remember how I felt when my own parents left me at school while so many of my friends went home."
She accepted a plate of fruit and cheese for dessert and picked up a strawberry. She bit it in two, all the while watching her husband.
"I also thought we might host a soiree of some sort this summer. It's past time for us to start entertaining."
"What do you have in mind when you say soiree?"
"Something small, invite some neighbors, perhaps the vicar. We need to start with something small and grow."
He smirked. "Meaning we're not ready for a large scale ball?"
"That'll happen when we go to stay in London. Perhaps something for Alice's coming out."
"I'll leave it to you. Just let me know the when."
Anna had so many questions but decided not to overwhelm her poor husband. She was glad he’d agreed to bring the girls home from their London school for the summer. They needed the break, and the three of them needed to get to know each other better. While they'd always looked up to Jane to answer their questions, Anna knew she had to assure the girls they could rely on her as well. She was ill-prepared without Jane's assistance. She'd never had a sister, her interactions being primarily with her brother, Robert.
She decided she would pen Jane a note when they returned to Blackmont Crest. She could invite her sister-in-law to tea, and they could discuss the girls’ needs.
***
Henry poured himselfa brandy and sat in front of the fire burning in his study. Though summer was upon them, the evenings were still cool.
Anna had retired for the evening. No doubt to change and ready herself for him. This was the time of day he cherished the most. The time he could spend with her. Hopefully soon, she would be with child, something he looked forward to.
