Page 87 of The Duke's Pet

“I can see that.”

He turned to look out of the window.

“Is everything quite well?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“You are dressed early and dare I say it very smartly.”

“I am hoping today will be a good day.”

“I’m sure it will be. Yet again we have been blessed with clear skies and I can hear the birds singing.”

She thought he’d smile but he didn’t. Instead he walked swiftly over to the bed, his heels thudding on the hard flooring. “The trouble with hope is it can be disappointment yet undiscovered.”

She frowned; there was a tension to him that concerned her. “Sir, have I—?”

“I will fetch your breakfast. I thought you might like to have it in bed.”

“Breakfast in bed. I’ve never done that before.”

“So we will rectify the situation.” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I will return swiftly.”

She watched him leave, wondering what had caused his shoulders to stiffen and his smile to drop. Had she done something wrong again? She didn’t think so. Their night together had been tender and sweet.

Slipping from the bed, she went to the wardrobe. Within it was a long white nightgown with lace detail on the hem and cuffs. She pulled it on then walked to the window and into a patch of sunlight.

Three deer were on the lawn grazing and she thrilled at the sight of them. One was a stag and he was majestic and shone with good health. She gazed in wonder as they moved slowly along and then disappeared around the side of the house.

In the distance she spotted a fox, at the tree line, slinking in the shadows. Several rabbits saw him too, and startled, running away with their white cottontails flashing.

She would miss Hillcrest and its animals almost as much as she’d miss the owner.

The door opened and she turned.

The duke, holding a laden tray, stepped in. He pushed it shut with his foot and she smiled. He was different to any other landowner, or man with a title. Her duke was unique and his own man. She loved him for that.

Love.

Her heart did a little flip. Yes, she did love him. No wonder she was dreading leaving him. Just the thought of not seeing him every day made her nauseous and created a dragging ache in her chest.

I can’t steal from him. Not now. Not now that he’s a man I love. My first love.

“I will set it here,” he said, placing the tray beside the bed.

“Thank you.” She pulled in a deep breath, hiding the shake from it. She’d have to rethink her future.

“I saw a fox.” She gestured out of the window.

“Yes, James said there have been several litters this spring.” He was still tense, his words clipped.

“Are they a problem?”

“Not particularly. As long as we keep the chicken coop in order.”

“You have chickens?”

“Yes, how else would we have eggs for breakfast?” He frowned at her.

---