Page 37 of The Scarred Duke's Bride
This boy likely does not care one way or the other if I am a Duke or a Marquis or merely a soldier. All he sees is a master whom he must serve.
“I would like a horse if it is not too much trouble.”
The groom bowed again, “Of course, my lord. What kind of horse would you like? Something mild-mannered or feisty?”
Eric’s gestured towards the stables. “May I?”
The groom nodded eagerly, stepping aside. Eric considered him briefly. “What is your name?”
“Hendricks, my lord.”
“Well Hendricks, I am more a man of the sea than the land, but I did grow up riding horses. Which one would you recommend that would assist me to tour the property and also give me a good run without bucking me off?”
Hendricks grinned. “It’s Black Lightning you be wanting. She’s strong and has a good pair of lungs on her, but she’s patient and obedient.” He pointed to a pitch-black horse at the end of the stables.
“Thank you, Hendricks.” He nodded to the groom and smiled before heading to the stall to retrieve the horse.
Black Lightning lived up to her billing, reacting to Eric’s commands with swiftness while keeping a steady pace so that Eric’s seat on his back remained unthreatened. Eric rode along the road, nodding amiably at pedestrians as he passed, noting any croft cottages that he came across. The tenants seemed to be friendly, healthy-looking, and clean. They doffed their hats at him, smiling and nodding, before moving on with their days.
From their clothes to their equipment, it was clear that they were headed to their small holdings, eager to get to work even at this early hour. Some of the women emerged from their cottages, inviting him to break his fast with them. They obviously knew who he was— their future landlord— and they were curious about him.
He resolved that he would return with Freya and in company with his steward so that she might make a proper introduction. He made a note to send for the manas soon as he returned to the Manor. As far as he knew, Mr. Green was still in London, overseeing their businesses there. Perhaps he was jumping the gun by inviting him to Stark Manor, but every day brought home to him the depth and breadth of his new responsibilities, and he wanted to get a proper hold on them while the Duke was still around to question and clarify what he did not understand.
He rode for two hours before heading back to the Manor, eager to have breakfast with William and his mother, and if he was honest, he was looking forward to seeing Freya as well.
He returned Black Lightning to Hendricks before enjoying the scenic walk back to the manor house. As he went to step through the door, he was accosted by Silver, looking somber.
“What’s going on?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The lady’s maid has reported that your dear wife has begun her courses,” he saidsotto voce.
Eric was taken aback, first of all, that this was something the lady’s maid felt compelled to report to Silver and also that the butler had the temerity to discuss it with Eric.
“How is that any of your business? You have taken this a step too far!” He snapped.
Silver lowered his eyes. “Forgive me, I should have mentioned that the Duke specifically asked me to monitor your wife’s cycle so that he would know when she got with child.”
Eric sighed with irritation. The Duke was certainly overstepping boundaries of propriety, but they did have an agreement, and the Dukehadwarned them that he would do everything in his power to see that it came to fruition.
There was no use shouting at Silver for carrying out his duties with dedication. “Where is she?”
“In her old chambers, sir, where she will be lying in for the next few days as she is not feeling well.”
Eric nodded. He knew what that meant. He would not see Freya until her courses were done. He was surprised to feel a pang, thinking that despite himself, he would miss her. “Very well, then. Excuse me as I proceed to breakfast.”
Silver nodded and moved aside for him to pass. Eric paused and turned to him. “Have my valet attend to me, would you? I am in need of a bath.” Eric was indeed very sweaty from his ride, but he also wanted to remind Silver of his place.
“Yes sir.” Silver walked off in the other direction, his back stiff. Eric tried to feel satisfied about that, but he did not. With a growl, he went up to his chambers. There was evidence of Freya’s hasty exit. The bed was made up of fresh linen, and the wardrobes were wide open as if someone had changed in a hurry.
There was a knock on the door, and his valet walked in followed by several footmen carrying pails of hot water. Eric surrendered himself to his valet’s attention while his mind whirled, coming up and discarding ideas as he became more and more frustrated.
This impasse could not be allowed to continue.
* * *
Freya wiggled about uncomfortably, trying to ease the cramped feeling in her belly. Mrs. Beecham had brought her a hot stone which was only helping a little. She had tried to drink the willow bark tea that had come with it, but it made her even more nauseous. So instead, she sat by the window, taking deep breaths and trying to distract herself with a book.
Unfortunately, the story was not riveting enough to distract from her discomfort. The fact that she might have four or five more days of this only served to make her feel more miserable. She hated how miserable her courses made her and had no wish to see anyone, least of all Eric, while she was struggling under the weight of it all.
