Page 26 of The Duplicate Duke
“Is it lonely?”
“You are intuitive.Yes, it can be lonely.”Why hadn’t he noticed before?Had he been too busy saving the estate?The return home had lost some of its appeal.
“I would love to visit one day,” she said, peeking up at him from under her pale lashes.
“You would like it,” he agreed.“We shall arrange it once your brother has arrived.”
Later as he dressed for supper, the conversation echoed in head.He could see her at Wickton House, greeting him at breakfast, charming the servants, arranging dinners with the neighbors.
Deuced nodcock,he thought.Things a wife would do.
Is that where this was leading?He had decided it was time for a wife.
“You seem pensive all of a sudden.”Lady Gwendolyn squeezed his arm.“I’d be happy to lend an ear if you need one.”
“I was thinking how nice it would be to dine with my cousins tonight,” he said, reaching over and tweaking her nose.“Or do you prefer the Duke and Duchess of Cranbrook over my humble table?”
“Never, my lord!”She withdrew her hand as he opened a door, and she slipped inside.“Until tonight, then.”
CHAPTER13
“The meal was superb,” exclaimed Mama.
Gwen agreed.The sole had been poached to perfection, the lamb seasoned and delicious, the peas and asparagus just the right texture.She stared at the strawberry tart topped with cream, wondering where she would put it.
“Cook outdid herself tonight,” said Miles.“These tarts are tasty enough for the King himself.”
With that, Gwen poked her fork into the dessert, her eyes closing as the sweet crust and tangy berries exploded on her tongue.She thought of the empty cupboards in Boston, the dismal meals, and took another bite of the tart and decided she loved England.
“Shall we challenge ourselves with a few riddles tonight instead of music?”asked her mother.
“That’s an excellent idea.I love a puzzle,” said Gwen.
“I feel as if I’ve been living a puzzle the past months,” quipped Miles.
They chuckled together, and Gwen was pleased to note how the viscount was softening, even teasing about the debacle now.
Miles pulled another chair near the hearth and formed a semicircle.He sat in the middle chair with a cousin on each side.“Who wants to begin?”he asked.
“Mama, I would wager since it was her idea.”
“As a matter of fact, I do have a riddle ready,” said her mother.
“Riddle ready,” laughed Gwen.“Mama is riddle ready.”
“And you are madeira muddled,” joked Miles.
“I do enjoy that wine,” Gwen agreed.She would have to be careful in the future not to overindulge.
Mama began:
My first descends from yon eternal skies;
A winged weapon from my second flies;
And in my whole these colors may be seen.
“An angel,” boomed Miles.
