Page 32 of His Haunted Duchess
She could wear what she wanted to her own wedding. It didn’t matter to him whether or not she showed up in a sack, so long as she appeared in time for the ceremony.
CHAPTER 11
“Remember, dear—the Duchess of York holds tea?—”
“—on Wednesdays,” Caroline finished. She resisted the temptation to rub her temples. “Her favorite card game is Whist.”
“Or Hazard, if she can get it,” Esther said primly, “but we won’t hold it against her, will we?”
The drawing room itself at Highcastle was a lovely space. Light gold beams fell onto her hands and feet, warming them like a cuddly cat. The hours of personal preparation for her future role, however, were not so enjoyable and were starting to fray the edges of her patience.
“You will be expected, of course, to host small gatherings here. For my sake, dear, do include a few leaves of Pekoe. I’ve nothing against Bohea and Hyson, but the palate does love refreshing, now and again.”
“I’ve never tried Pekoe,” Caroline said, staring out the window. “What do you like about it?”
Esther smiled.
“Excellent, dear—finding common ground and pursuing an interest. That will be an exceedingly helpful conversation skill in the days to come. Shall we review Earl Dorsay’s favorite operas?”
Esther moved her quill farther down the list they had already reviewed twice.
“It might seem excessive, but the best way to make information stick is to repeat it.”
Caroline put down her teacup. The crumbs of afternoon tea lay scattered on the plate. She stifled a yawn.
“If you prefer, Esther, I shall review them. His favorite opera isGiasone,but where he finds an opera house who performs it willingly is another question.”
Esther’s lips puckered as she stifled a laugh. Caroline blushed and frowned a little. Her impatience was making her forward—far more forward than she had ever dared be when it was just her aunt and Winifred. Esther set the quill down on the table.
“Your wit will serve you well, dear—just take care not to air it in front of the count.”
“Of course, Your Grace. Though I hardly think he’ll be in any position to hear me say it. I’ve never even seen him before!”
Esther looked over Caroline’s shoulder and smiled.
“Ah, Earl Dorsay?—”
Caroline whipped around. Carlyle bowed.
“More tea, madam?”
She sank down a little in her chair. Esther smiled.
“Yes, Carlyle, thank you.” She turned back to Caroline. “Let that be an additional lesson to you, dear—one never knows when one could be overheard.”
Caroline sighed, rubbing the scar on her hand. Overheard, overseen, constantly observed. The last week had been a little trying for her, accustomed as she was to the quiet and gentleness of her former routine.
Carlyle entered with the tea. Caroline nodded to him. The servants at Highcastle had been very civil at least. Not one of them stared at her or had whispered anything as she walked by. It was a small gesture but one she deeply appreciated.
Esther set aside the quill and list, much to Caroline’s relief, and made space for the gilt silver tea tray. Carlyle had brought thema small plate of petit four secs—soft, crumbly pastries that made her think of home parties at Michelmas.
Esther poured a cup of tea which Caroline gratefully took. How odd it was that in just a week, she would be the one serving! Carlyle also handed Esther a note, gilded with an elaborate seal.
“Oh dear!” Her eyes passed over the paper. She put her unfinished petit four down upon her plate. “I’ve just received a message with some urgent business—I simply must attend to it. You’ll be all right here at Highcastle for an hour or so, won’t you? Carlyle will see that you have everything you need.”
Carlyle bowed. Caroline nodded politely. Inside, her heart leapt. She had been longing to escape the drawing room but failed to think of a suitable enough reason. The garden just outside the long, sash windows tempted her awfully. What a lovely opportunity to indulge!
The stark water garden, with its stone fountains and pink-topped lily pads, was a truly beautiful space. But for Caroline, the heart of the garden beat in the winding wisteria walk.
