Chapter Eleven #2
“Second son, and York is where they sent him.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. It was colder than it had been, and he could tell she wasn’t completely warm.
“Ah, yes. Gretna Green would be the first place Black goes to find me,”
“I hadn’t thought of that, but you are right. When he figures out we’ve absconded, that’ll be the first place he’ll go,” Arthur replied.
“What about your sister and brother-in-law? My parents will figure it out and I’m sure be thankful to you for being my protector.”
Arthur closed his eyes for a second before answering.
“My sister and her husband are fine. Roxanne, I’m sure, has deduced what we’re up to.
They’ll be among our greatest allies. I’m sure your parents will be grateful Black will be out of their lives.
I’m sure if he’d gotten his way, he’d go through your dowry in a matter of months and would then go to your father looking for another handout. ”
The entire situation was one out of a novel.
First, he despised her, and the feeling was mutual.
Then they began to know each other, and feelings began to turn.
Now he was eloping with her in a matter of days.
He was determined he would be her protector for the rest of their lives.
His duchess, it seemed, would not be quiet.
Marriage wouldn’t change that, and he didn’t want her to change. Her opinions were refreshing to him.
“Arthur?” he heard her say. “Are you falling asleep?”
He sat up a little more. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid I was. The rhythm of the carriage does that sometimes.”
“We should probably get some sleep. Tomorrow, or today is going to be a busy day,” she replied.
“Yes.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to lay down on the other seat.
Then you can stretch out as well.” She picked up her blanket and moved to the other side of the carriage.
Lying down, she pulled the blanket up to her neck and closed her eyes.
Before she did, Daphne noticed Arthur had already succumbed to sleep.
*
Daphne was awakened by the carriage coming to a halt. Opening her eyes, she saw that Arthur was looking out the window. They’d reached London and she assumed they were in front of Arthur’s London home.
“Are we in London?” she asked as she gently sat up.
“We are. We’ll stay here for a couple of hours. The train north to York doesn’t leave until nine. We can freshen up. If I remember, Roxanne left some dresses here. You are welcome to them if they fit. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
She gifted him with a smile. “Thank you. Given your sister’s height, I don’t believe they will do, but I’ll see what I can find that might be usable.”
The door to the carriage opened and Arthur stepped down.
She heard him talking to the driver as she waited.
Moments later, Arthur returned and extended his hand.
She took it and stepped out of the carriage.
She gazed at the stone house in front of her and walked alongside Arthur.
As they reached the front door, she noted no one had come to greet him.
Probably because no one was expecting him.
The door was locked, and she watched as he began to pound on the thick oak door. He kept it up until they heard the sound of someone on the other side unlocking the locks. The door opened and a befuddled butler appeared.
“Your Grace. Forgive me, I had no idea you were on your way to London.”
“I didn’t decide until the last minute.”
They walked into the house and Daphne removed her cape, as did Arthur. She looked upwards and saw alfresco paintings on the ceiling. She would have to remember to ask Arthur if he knew who painted them and when. They were magnificent.
She heard Arthur ask the butler to see that a small hamper was fixed for their journey as well as some tea for now. “Daphne, would you like me to show you to my sister’s room?”
“Yes,” she replied.
Daphne felt him take her hand and lead her to the grand staircase.
Once on the private family floor, Arthur led her to a closed door.
Opening it, she noticed the room was furnished by a woman.
Roxanne had left her mark in this room, from the figurines that dotted the room, to the delicate portraits on the wall.
“The dressing room is over there. Help yourself to whatever you need. In fact, pack a small bag to get you through until we can get your own clothes.”
“Thank you.”
He leaned over and kissed her softly. “I’ll be back shortly. We will need to be leaving for the station soon.”
She watched his back as he went out the door, closing it behind him. Daphne couldn’t help but wonder what was underneath all those clothes. It was obvious he was muscular. He loved the outdoors.
Rather than focus on his physical attributes, she walked into the dressing room.
Finding about ten dresses hanging, she looked at each one individually.
Finally, she found two that hopefully would do.
She gathered them and took them into the main salon.
She laid each one down on the bed and studied them.
The lavender dress caught her eye. It was made of cotton and had darker purple embellishments, making it quite stunning.
The second choice was a sage green muslin day dress with black piping.
It would do for traveling, and the lavender one would be stunning as a dress for her wedding.
Trying on both dresses, she found them each a little bit too long, though she imagined she could use them in spite of that.
She returned to the dressing area and began looking through the drawers for undergarments.
There was everything she needed and new as well.
She contemplated why Lady Roxanne would have left new chemises, night rails, and other intimate items. Perhaps in all of her excitement to marry the earl, she simply forgot they were here.
She heard a door close behind her. Turning, she saw an older woman enter, holding a piece of luggage. This must be his housekeeper. Arthur’s description was spot-on.
“I am Mrs. Martin, the duke’s housekeeper. He mentioned you might need to pack some clothing for your journey to York.”
“It is nice to meet you, Mrs. Martin. I would like to wear the sage green dress. The other, along with undergarments, should fit just fine in that bag.”
“Very well. His Grace did mention the two of you had to be at the train station before nine. While you’re changing, I’ll pack everything.” Mrs. Martin glanced at the gown she had worn. “I’ll see it cleaned while you’re away.”
“Thank you for your help.”
She smiled. “No problem, my lady.”
Minutes later, Daphne found herself in the sage green dress and new undergarments. Mrs. Martin had proved herself a gem. By the time Arthur arrived to collect her, she was ready.
“You look stunning,” Arthur said with a grin.
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. Both are too long, but I can overcome that.”
Daphne noted he was freshly shaved as she inhaled his wintergreen scent.
His clothes were also new, and he wasn’t dressed in formal evening attire.
His appearance sent her body into a melange of unfamiliar feelings.
The only other time she’d ever had these feelings was when he kissed her.
It had been magical. She was glad that they hadn’t gone any further when her body disobeyed.
Their wedding night would be special and something she wouldn’t soon forget.
She was sure Arthur would take care of her as they consummated their marriage.
“You look beautiful. Now, come. We need to get to the train station.”
The ride was easy this morning. Not a lot of people out and about other than shopkeepers and delivery men.
When they reached the station, Arthur’s men began scurrying.
Bags were removed, along with a food hamper for later.
She was surprised when a footman returned with two tickets in his hand.
He handed them off to the duke, as he told them which platform the train would leave from.
By the time they reached the train, a compartment had been readied for them. Bags were placed under seats, and they barely had time to sit down when the train began to lunge forward. They were on their way. Arthur was peering out the window. She wondered what he was thinking.
“Do you visit your estate often?” she asked.
“I try to make the trip at least twice a year, and I stay until everything is in order.”
“Do you like the estate?”
He turned his head from the window to face her. “Yes, I do. The house was built during the Tudor era. One of my predecessors was gifted the estate by Henry VIII.”
“That’s amazing. So the house is timber?”
“Yes. Very well built.”
She pulled her cloak tighter. “Do you have business interests in the area?”
“The estate maintains a coal mine. It provides for a lot of jobs in the area.”
“The mine is on the estate?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes, it’s in one of the far corners of the estate. You won’t even know it’s there when we arrive.”
“You will show it to me, won’t you?”
“Of course,” he replied.
Daphne had found herself fascinated in Arthur’s endeavors. He never really spoke of them when she was with him, making her believe he didn’t wish to bore her. “How long has the mine been operating?”
“Quite a while. I believe it was opened during my father’s lifetime. This particular vein is slowing down, so we’re embarking on a new one almost next to the original.”
“That’s amazing. I understand the coal would be shipped off?”
“Yes, I have buyers that are regular. I also make sure all my tenants are provided coal during the winter months. They work hard and don’t complain; some even work at the mine. I believe, as duke, it’s important to take care of them.”
“I knew you were thoughtful. I just didn’t know how much.”
He snorted. “Don’t go putting me on a pedestal.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.”