Page 31 of Wicked Is the Duke
Henry sat behind themassive oak desk that had seen three dukes conduct business. A pile of papers sat in front of him, all prepared by his estate manager. Beside the papers lay the estate ledger for his review. His mind, however, wasn't on business, but if he wanted to spend time with his bride without having to leave the estate, he would see everything signed and completed.
It was a monthly routine. Henry was very much hands-on when it came to running Blackmont Crest. It was a vow he’d made to himself when he inherited the dukedom. His father had tried very hard, along with his mother, to become more involved in the day to day operations of the estate. A stark contrast to his grandfather, whose only interest in the estate was hunting and riding. Even his grandmother was lacking in compassion toward their tenants. Stories circulated about how the duchess only recognized the tenants at Christmas, giving out hams or goose. Even that she did not do, sending her housekeeper or estate manager to spread holiday cheer.
He poured over everything until finally, he was finished. He opened the ledger to read how the estate was doing. As expected, everything was doing quite well, ahead of last year, and if they had the good growing season, the estate would be set for the coming winter.
A knock on the door, and the housekeeper appeared. She usually took care of matters herself, not bothering Blackmont unless it was something important. He'd asked her a favor and was sure she had a report for him.
"Good day, Your Grace. I hope I'm not interrupting," she said. She was a plain looking, middle-aged woman who'd been with the household for as long as Henry could remember. Her mother had been the head housekeeper, and when her mother died, she took over. Henry fully expected the woman would pass the task to her daughter when the time presented itself.
"No, come in," he replied, shutting the ledger. "What can I help you with?" He pointed to a chair in front of his desk, but the woman continued to stand just behind them.
"I wanted to let you know that the cottage has been thoroughly cleaned and awaits you and your duchess."
"Excellent. Thank you."
"I will have meals sent, and they will be delivered and left on the doorstep as you requested, Your Grace."
"Thank you. I thought since we won't be taking a wedding trip right away, this would be a perfect spot for us to spend a couple of days."
"I couldn't agree with you more, Your Grace, and if I may say, the staff wishes all the best to you and your duchess."
"Thank you."
She paused, looking around the room. "Is there anything else, Your Grace?"
"No, just make sure my sister, the countess, is kept apprised of how thing are progressing."
"Yes, Your Grace. I'll leave you to your work."
Henry nodded and sat back in his chair as the woman closed the door behind her, satisfied all was right with the world. Though he had one concern, Blackmont was determined not to let the matter consume him.
His man had come back from the village with news that the earl and Lady Caroline had yet to leave. The earl's carriage was fixed and his estate not terribly far. Why they were staying at the inn remained a mystery, and one he wasn't comfortable with.
They were up to something, but what? After the incident in the garden, he would have thought the pair would have been embarrassed enough to want to leave as soon as possible. Especially since his wheelwright reported to him the broken wheel had been deliberately tampered with. It had been the only way the pair could have gained access to his estate without it seeming odd. Knowing Blackmont to be a good neighbor, one who would never refuse another, made their plan easier.
He rose and walked around his desk to the far corner where he kept a crystal decanter of whiskey and glasses. Pouring a splash, he swirled the amber liquid as his mind searched for a reason that kept the earl and Lady Caroline at the inn.
Perhaps they might learn more if they visited the inn's tap room and listened for information.
He moved over toward the hearth where a small fire still burned. The mornings still held a chill, and the old house did as well. He let his mind wander to Anna. She had been so perfect, so responsive their first lovemaking. How would she respond to what he wanted to teach her? He would slowly begin to introduce new things to her. If he was correct, she would be a willing student, but he needed to go slow. He didn't want to scare her; no, he wanted her thirsty for more. His cock hardened as he envisioned his bride a willing participant. If done right, he would never have need to frequent The Quiver.
On their next trip to London, he would take her to a place he had in mind where they could privately view couples engaged in all sorts of sexual scenarios. He knew Anna to be curious; she'd shown that their day at the cottage.
He emptied his glass and poured another. It was early to drink, but he needed something to calm his nerves and desires. He knew he and Anna wouldn't have time together between now and the wedding. Her brother was due to arrive at Norwood's this afternoon, and tomorrow the ladies would be busy with the last minute wedding preparations.
For now he needed to ride and get his head clear. This afternoon would be for his enjoyment. This evening he was to dine at his sister's, as she'd reminded him countless times. Tomorrow would be filled with meeting with Robert Grover and making sure everything was in order. Business as usual except for his meeting with Grover which would be a most satisfying one.
