Page 27 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“Your Grace… Welcome home.”
“Thank you,” he replied, regarding her with a strange expression.
Anna cleared her throat and held out a folded piece of paper to him.
“My sister was here earlier and she recommended some nursemaids we could consider hiring to care for Nicholas.”
“Ah,” he nodded, his fingers brushing against hers as he collected the piece of paper, the action sending shivers down her spine. “I will look into it. Since we did not have much luck searching for one on our end, we will simply contact the people on this list and set up an interview.”
“Y-Yes. That sounds like a fine idea.” Anna nodded, clearing her throat.
Neither of them said anything after that and the silence made the air between them coarse and thick. Anna kept her gaze lowered, unable to look at him directly because she feared the sight of him would weaken her knees even further.
She could feel his gaze on her though, heavily running along the lines of her body silently and heat filled her cheeks as she tried not to squirm, as she wondered why he was still —
“Have you had something to eat this afternoon?”
Anna stared up at him, unsure she had heard incorrectly. But he stared back expectantly, clearly waiting for a response.
“I did,” she said finally. “I had a meal with my sister before she left.”
The duke nodded but before Anna could inquire about why he had asked, he nodded and walked away.
And Anna was left standing in the foyer, confused and at a loss for words.
The next day, Anna was tending to Nicholas after his meal when Ernest came to inform her that one of the nursemaids her sister had recommended had arrived at the estate.
“Already?” Anna blinked in surprise, not expecting that her husband would have kept his word.
“Yes, Your Grace. His Grace would like to know if you wish to interview her or if you would prefer, I do the honors.” The butler replied.
Anna only hesitated for a moment before she spoke up, “I’ll do it. Let her wait for me, I shall be out shortly.”
Ernest nodded and bowed. “Right away, Your Grace.”
When the butler left, Anna looked down at Nicholas who was watching her already, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“I shall return, my darling.” She promised softly.
Nicholas seemed to understand her words and he let out one of his high-pitched giggles, reaching out to press a hand to her cheek.
Anna felt a strange tug on her heart and she couldn’t help but lean forward to press kisses to his cheeks. His joyous laughter set her heart alight and she hugged him close.
“I give you my word, I will be by your side again very soon.
Carefully, she handed him to Gretchen who smiled down at the little and teased,
“I might not be as lovely as the duchess, but I am pleasant enough company.”
Nicholas seemed to disagree because he let out a grumpy sound, much to the disappointment of the maid. Anna laughed, rising to her feet as she said,
“Take good care of him. Remember —”
“Be gentle, careful and quiet. Do not worry, Your Grace. He’s in good hands.” Gretchen assured.
Anna nodded and after one last look at the infant before she left the room. Ernest was waiting outside to guide to where the guest was waiting and before the opened the door to the drawing room, Anna turned to the butler and asked,
“What is she like?”
