Page 18 of Lusting for the Duke's Kiss
***
After the serving of morning tea, the Duke balanced his teacup on one knee, fixing his gaze on her mother.
“What about a picnic today, near the lake, that I have heard so much about?” He smiled. “The weather is glorious, after all. A shame to be cooped up inside, on such a day.” He turned to Hetty. “What do you think?”
Hetty felt a stab of excitement but quickly masked it, shrugging hershoulders as if she didn’t care. Her mother, however, clapped her hands together in glee, saying it was a simply marvellous idea. She rushed out of the room, saying that she would tell Cook to prepare a picnic hamper this instant.
There was a strained silence in the room. The Duke took a sip of his tea, then put down the cup, turning to her.
“It is good to see you, Hetty,” he said quietly. “I find every time that I leave Hillsworth House, the more eager I am to return here.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment. But her heart lurched, once again.
“You have never told me why you need to leave so abruptly, in the way that you do,” she said slowly, gazing at him steadily. “What is this business that has you flying out of here as if you are being pursued by the Devil himself?”
He flushed slightly. “I did not realise that I was quite so manic in my exits.” He paused as if gathering his thoughts. “It is only as I have told you. I have business as well as the usual overseeing of my estate. A property that large does not run itself …”
“But surely, you have an overseer,” she persisted. “Someone who runs your estate in your absence and takes on the day to day decision making it entails. There would be no need to urgently gothere if you have a competent person. These grand houses are often left vacant for months at a time …”
“Do you miss me when I am gone?” he asked softly, a small smile playing around his lips.
Hetty coloured. She had not meant to infer that at all. But of course, he would think that was her motivation for asking him about it. Hewasa man, after all, and they all seemed to think that the sun rose and set around them.
“I am merely making conversation,” she said, gritting her teeth. “Enquiring, as one does, about your life beyond this house …”
“Of course,” he said, looking so disappointed that her heart flipped over in her chest once again. “I have several investments that I need to keep an eye on. They manufacture wealth for me in a multitude of ways. I guess I have not elaborated upon it before because I thought that it would surely bore you to tears. But if you wish to hear about the ins and outs of it, then I would be more than happy to oblige …”
“There is no need,” she said quickly, not wanting to hear about his shares in wool or rail. Itwouldbore her to tears. “Excuse me for my impertinence.”
Before he could reply, her mother rushed into the room again, beaming. “Cook is preparing a hamper,” she said excitedly. “We canleave for the lake in fifteen minutes if you are so inclined.”
***
The daywasglorious, thought Hetty, as they walked up the hill towards the lake. The sky was a clear, crystalline blue, and the sun a perfect golden orb within it. She could smell the scent of wild roses in the distance, and there was the faint warbling of birds in the trees.
Della was rushing ahead, excited to be stretching her legs as always. The Duke carried the wicker picnic basket in one hand, and a rug in the other. She twirled her green parasol, watching him out of the corner of her eye. He seemed glad to be outdoors in nature. He often requested that they go for a walk in the fields. Being indoors seemed to irritate him.
They scaled the hill, and then, she saw it, in the near distance. The lake. A shimmering pool of turquoise blue, with a few yellow ducks swimming around on the surface. She spied a pair of white swans, as well, gliding through the reeds. She turned to the Duke, covertly watching his reaction.
He seemed pleased, his eyes skimming over the lake. She felt a surge of pride. Itwasbeautiful, one of the most beautiful spots in the district, in her opinion. She was glad that he seemed to appreciate it.
They quickly set up the picnic, unfurling the rug, and opening thebasket. Her mother set to work, taking out a plate of sandwiches, and a whole poppyseed lemon cake. Her father had not been able to come as he had a pressing appointment in the village. So it was just the three of them.
She got up to chase Della, who was harassing some ducks, scolding the dog gently. All of a sudden, she felt a presence behind her. She turned to see the Duke standing there, watching her.
“She likes to chase birds,” he said quietly, bending down to pet the small golden dog. “It is the same with mine. As soon as they are out of the manor, they run like mad things, chasing their own tails, but also any bird that happens within their path.”
She nodded. “Yes, it is quite common. But Della needs to know that she cannot do it. I am afraid that one day she will hurt one if not kill one.”
He smiled slightly. “You have a very soft heart, Hetty. Have you never gone on a hunt?”
She shuddered. “I could not do it. For me, all animals are sacred, and I could not watch, while one was killed.” She paused. “Perhaps Iamtoo soft-hearted. I am sure that you would say that I am. I realise that my views are not conventional. Hunting, after all, is a revered pastime …”
He shook his head, staring at her intently. “I am not mocking you.”
Her mother called out to them that the food was ready, and they turned away, walking back towards the rug. Hetty felt another shiver fall through her, at being so close to him, despite the heat of the day. She had a strange urge to cry and simply had no idea why.
***
