Page 10 of Dueling with the Duke
“Now, if we will all bow our heads, I shall lead us in the grace,” Nicholas said.
Bridget could not help herself, so she opened her eyes to look at the Duke. She should have known the rogue would be looking straight at her, and she almost gasped when he winked at her from across the table.
“Lord, we wish to thank you for the food we are about to consume. Let us always see with open eyes and love with open hearts,” the Duke said.
“Amen,” Michael uttered from beside him. He patted Nicholas on the shoulder and then held his hand there, squeezing gently as if he knew exactly what was going on.
Bridget looked at her sister, who was eating the soup, looking oblivious and happy. Bridget felt a little guilty for pushing the politeness, but her sister was having fun, so the lunch was so far a success.
A large, savory pie was served for the main course with a filling of chicken and vegetables in a cream sauce.
“Please, serve the ladies first,” the Duke instructed when the trolley was wheeled into the room.
“Oh, we will not hear of it, will we, Margaret?” Bridget countered. “I know how hard you men work, and you must get the first serving so we can be sure you both get enough.”
“Lord Michael, you must try some of the pie first,” Margaret said to her betrothed.
“Whatever you wish, my dear,” Michael replied.
Bridget would never feel that way about a man, but she did enjoy seeing Margaret with Michael. She was glad he was nothing like his brother.
Bridget looked over at the Duke as he was served his slice of pie. “You will want to send your compliments back to the chef after tasting one of their wonderful pies.”
“Whatever are you talking about?” Penelope murmured from beside her.
“I am sure I will,” the Duke replied. “My mouth is already watering for the smell. For now, I ask everyone to raise their glasses as I give a toast. To the most beautiful couple I have ever seen, Margaret and Michael.”
“To Margaret and Michael!” the collective reply came.
“This is a wonderful occasion, and what a wonderful toast,” Bridget enthused. “I am overjoyed to have gentlemen in our house again, especially two with such good manners.”
“Well, politeness is everything,” Nicholas declared. “Without manners, we are nothing but animals.”
“That is very true,” Bridget agreed. “Without manners, we are animals.”
“We must discuss the wedding some more,” Penelope interjected sternly, steering the conversation to other matters. “Margaret, have you decided what flowers you would like.”
“Lilacs,” Margaret stated.
“You didn’t tell me that, my dear,” Michael said.
“Oh, do you not like lilacs?”
“On the contrary,” he replied. “I would have asked for lilacs for the wedding.”
“Those two are made for each other,” Rebecca commented.
Penelope clasped her hands in front of her. “They certainly are. Is it not beautiful to see?”
The conversation carried on, and Bridget and the Duke shot each other the occasional glance. Penelope had steered the conversation to the topic of the wedding, and neither of them tried to dominate it anymore, fearing they would take it too far.
The Duke looked continually amused, and it only irked Bridget more. She had gone toe to toe with him and had not come out on top. Still, neither had he. For now, she enjoyed her pie and tried to think about other things. He had consumed her thoughts for long enough.
The plates were taken when the main course was finished, and no dessert was immediately brought out.
“We have a selection of fresh fruit out on the veranda, along with some blancmange,” Penelope announced. “It is a fine evening, and I thought we might enjoy the weather while we can.”
Chairs were pulled out, and people got up from the table. The maids waited patiently to clear away the rest of the dishes and cutlery.
