Page 76 of The Duke's Indecent Match
They had luncheon at the local inn, which served a variety of meat pies and a delicious potato and leek soup with a thick, crusty bread.The innkeeper, Mr.Ward, had quickly shown them to a private room where they could eat without interruption, for which Kalina was grateful.Though she’d expected some stir about her arrival, she had not realized how deep the curiosity would run.Not just about her either, but about Hereford’s sisters.
She was beginning to realize how much they’d kept to themselves over the years, likely both because they had not been able to afford to do otherwise and also to keep up appearances.Of course, it would have been impossible to completely hide that the dukedom was struggling, but she wondered if anyone had realized how badly or if the family had only convinced themselves they were fooling their neighbors.
As they finished their meal, Fiona leaned back in her chair and looked around.
“Now what?”she asked, a little trepidatiously but also a bit hopefully.
They could return to the Hall, but Hereford had said they had the carriage for the entire day, that the earl did not need it.And Kalina had some of her own money in her reticule.Certainly more than enough to get a treat for all of them.She was not ready for the day to be over yet.She was enjoying herself, the sisters were warming up to her, and she had no desire to return to Hereford’s coldness sooner than she had to.
“Is there somewhere nearby that sells sweets?”she asked Julianna, whose eyes lit up.
“There is indeed.”
As far as her first day as the Duchess of Hereford went, Kalina felt it was a resounding success.
The only thing she was uncertain of was whether her husband would agree.
28
Nathanial
For the first time since inheriting his title, Nathanial was able to feel truly satisfied with his work.It turned out everything in life was easier when the money to cover basic necessities and beyond was available.
Again, that feeling of resentful gratitude welled up inside him.
If he could only work his emotions past the resentment… but every time he thought about it, his mind lingered on exactlywhyhe was resentful.About how his choices had been taken from him, when he’d had so very few in the first place.About how much he’d liked her.
Enjoyed her company.
Only to discover she wasn’t who, or what, he’d thought she was.
Maybe he would be less resentful if she had not pretended to be an honorable young lady.If she had not made him like her.
A knock on the door to his study made him jump.Though he knew the Milfords were about, he had not expected to be interrupted.
“Come in.”
Daniel opened the door, stepping inside with a frown on his face.
“Mr.Galbraith, from the village, requests an audience, Your Grace.”
No wonder Daniel was frowning.Nathanial’s lips turned down in the same manner.There was an unspoken agreement in the area that everyone adhered to, which was not to call on Hereford Hall unless it was a dire emergency.Not that Nathanial would have been able to help with many emergencies before, other than personally lending his own muscle to a cause.
Which he had done a time or two.
But from the look of disapproval on Daniel’s face, whatever brought Mr.Galbraith here today, it was not an emergency.
The man owned one of the village’s dressmaker shops, which his wife ran.
Ah.He must be here to ascertain that Nathanial was now up to snuff before having his wife start on the dresses for the girls.No wonder Daniel was disapproving.He would be insulted at the implication, no matter that there was reason for it.
Nathanial was a little as well, but he hid it.He could not blame a man for wanting to ensure he would be paid what he was owed.There were plenty among thetonwho took advantage of their position to keep from paying their bills for far longer than was conscionable, Nathanial’s own father included.He was determined to take a different route, now that he could.
“Show him in.”He knew he sounded weary when he said the words, but it was more resignation that Mr.Galbraith would see more of the Hall than most had since Nathanial’s father’s demise.Still, he could not go out to the foyer to greet the man.Thankfully, it was a short walk from the front door to the study, so he would not see everything about how depilated the Hall had become.
At least Nathanial’s study was in good condition, thanks to the fact that his father had rarely used it, even before Nathanial’s mother’s death.Though if he had actually done some work in it, perhaps the family and the Hall would not have gotten into such a state.
No use in thinking of what ifs, though.
