Page 70 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“Two different items,” she revealed. “The first is an apple cake and one of Minta’s favorites. I had told you she is not overly fond of sweets and this one is not too sweet for her tastes. I have made it many times. The other thing we will attempt will be scones. Freddie has already told me he wishes to place raisins in them.”

“Who’s Minta?” Freddie asked. “I’ve heard that name before.” He thought a moment. “Wait, that’s your sister, Sera.”

Win hadn’t the heart to correct either boy as they used Sera’s first name. If any of the kitchen staff noticed, though, none of them indicated that.

“You remembered correctly, Freddie,” Sera praised. “Araminta—Minta—is my twin sister. She married your uncle Win’s cousin, who is the Marquess of Kingston. They live on the estate next to Woodbridge.”

“Does she have red hair like you do?” Charlie asked. “I think your hair is very pretty. Sera,” he said bashfully.

“Why, thank you, Charlie. Minta does have red hair but it is a different shade than mine. Hers would be called copper. It’s a warmer shade of red and brighter than mine, which is called auburn.”

“Your hair looks really pretty out in the sun, Sera,” Freddie complimented. “When you have babies, I bet they’ll have red hair, too.”

Sera’s cheeks flushed with color, endearing her to Win. She was easily embarrassed, her neck and face often turning red.

Before the boys could talk about who Sera would be having those babies with, Win said, “I will be off and let you finish your lesson then. I will enjoy your handiwork at tea this afternoon. I want the two of you to be there in order to meet not only Sera’s sister but her husband, my cousin. Percy and I grew up together and went away to school together, as well. He is like a brother to me.”

Charlie looked thoughtful as he asked, “Was he a better brother than our father?”

Not wanting to get into his family’s sordid history in front of the servants, Win merely nodded and said, “I will see you at tea this afternoon,” cutting off the conversation and bidding them farewell.

As he left the kitchens and returned to his study, he doubted he would be able to concentrate on much of anything today, anticipating his proposal tonight.

Then he thought of the various pieces of jewelry his mother had possessed. She was fond of diamonds but he had seen her wear numerous other pieces, as well. Win decided he would ask Mrs. Farmwell where the jewels were and go through them, piece by piece, seeing if he could find an appropriate ring to give Sera in honor of their betrothal.

*

Sera cut throughthe kitchens with Charlie and Freddie in tow, asking for hot water to be sent up for all of them. The day had been busy, starting with a lesson in the schoolroom, which then moved to the kitchens. She was pleased at how attentive the boys had been and how well the cake had turned out. The first batch of scones was so good that not only had the boys gobbled up two apiece, but they went around the kitchens distributing them to Cook and the scullery maids, proud of their work. She could see how moved some of the servants were by the boys’ thoughtfulness. They had to bake a second set of scones since none were left and, this time, she had not allowed any to be sampled. Neither boy complained, both saying they were full.

They had gone outside after that and the boys had taken their riding lesson from Harrison. Sera had slipped away for an hour and returned to the schoolroom, setting out certain books and writing out a few instructions to her successor, leaving the notes in the cupboard for the next governess to find. She returned and waved to Harrison, who ended the lesson. After the boys dismounted and the groom led their ponies back into the stables, they chattered away as they took her across the estate. They showed her the meadow and the mill, as well as the fields where many of the workers toiled in the summer sun.

Mr. Kepler, who served as the Woodbridge steward, had taken time to join them and walk a bit. At one point, the boys had run ahead to look at a pen of pigs and Kepler had turned to her, shaking his head.

“You have worked miracles with that pair, Miss Nicholls,” he praised. “I was conscripted to help care for those two when they first arrived at Woodbridge. I thought they would never amount to anything and would always be wild hooligans. They are so well behaved now, it is as if they are entirely different children than before.”

“I cannot take all of the credit, Mr. Kepler. I think the boys were misbehaving because they wanted a bit of attention and that was the only way they knew how to claim it. Once they got a little—especially from His Grace—they have settled down and are sweet, eager, bright boys.”

After that, they had returned to the house and Sera led them upstairs.

“You will need to change into the clothing you got from the tailor yesterday. Only after you wash up,” she cautioned. “We have been in the hot kitchens and traipsing about outside. All three of us need to freshen up. Can you get ready without my help?”

“We are big boys,” Freddie reminded her. “We aren’t babies like we used to be. We are learning the rules and how to behave.”

She smoothed the boy’s hair. “I know you are. I am very proud of you, as is your uncle.”

Sera returned to her room and removed her boots and stockings, which were quite dusty from all their walking. She had washed one of her gowns in the basin last night and had draped it across the trunk at the foot of her bed. It was now dry, if slightly wrinkled. She wished she had time to iron it before Minta and Percy arrived but it would take too long since they were expected in the next twenty minutes or so.

A knock sounded at her door and Sara entered with hot water. The girl looked a bit contrite and said, “Are you going to change your gown, Miss Nicholls? If so, I can help lace your corset for you.”

She accepted the olive branch the maid offered and said, “That would be lovely, Sara. I would appreciate your help.”

The servant helped her out of her dusty gown and she washed quickly, then removed her petticoat and retrieved her corset from the trunk. Sara laced it up with just the right amount of tension and helped Sera back into her petticoat and the clean gown.

Taking the basin of used water, Sara started out the door and then turned. “I am sorry that I doubted you, Miss Nicholls. Everyone is talking about how you have worked wonders with His Grace’s nephews.”

“Thank you,” she said simply and bowed her head in acknowledgement of the compliment. When she lifted it, the maid had gone.

Thinking she still had a bit of time to spare, Sera removed the pins from her hair and brushed it out since wisps had escaped her chignon. She twisted it up again and replaced the pins and then crossed the schoolroom to fetch the boys. They were already gone. She supposed they were eager to meet their guests and show off what they had baked.

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