Chapter 5 #2
“His Grace may enjoy what he pleases,” Verity reminded her while rising to her feet to provide him his cup and saucer. “Here you are. It’s still hot, but should be nearly perfect now.”
“Thank you. Do you believe in perfect tea?” The question slipped out without thinking.
She is confident indeed. Graceful, too. Everything she does is very intentional. I wonder why, if it’s a desire for control or something else.
“I do.” Verity moved away to provide her sisters with their own cups, one in each hand.
She moved like she did this often. Everything she did was carefully designed to be efficient, presentable, and proper.
He wondered if she did this in hopes of being noticed or ignored.
“Any black tea with two sugars and a spot of cream. It’s the same way our mother took it.
Now, my brothers take no sugar as well while my sisters enjoy as much as they can get their hands on,” she said with a scolding smile.
“It sweetens the conversation,” Octavia said defensively before sending Dominic a look of amusement. “Especially if we are to gossip. Is the wedding planned yet?”
He had no requests. When they parted from the ball the other evening, Verity had asked and he replied he didn’t need anything. So he looked to Verity.
“The wedding is planned. I didn’t want a luncheon so there aren’t any invitations going out besides a few friends of Cassian’s to be in attendance,” Verity said. “My trousseau is nearly finished. There is no honeymoon at this time, so you’re all fortunate enough to have us remaining in London.”
“No honeymoon?” Octavia gasped.
Even Elowen was surprised. “No trip?”
“Not with the Season still in motion and you two out,” Verity said. She took a polite sip of her tea, and Dominic remembered his own. While he drank, she added, “I like London and so does the duke. We decided to stay. It’s as simple as that.”
A heavy sigh escaped Octavia. “You’re remarkably dull about this, sister. You give us nothing good to speak about.”
“Why must my life be of such interest that you amuse yourself with it?” Verity turned to her with a raised eyebrow. “Surely there are objects of better conversation. Perhaps you might share with His Grace the latest piece you’ve learned on the harp?”
“It’s Gregorian chants,” Octavia told him.
“Cassian thinks I’ve hit my head to attempt something so absurd, but I find comfort in the unusual.
Lucien says I’m too spirited. Fortunately, no one can really stop me from doing as I desire.
Which means I’m changing the subject. If you won’t give us some sort of gossip, then I must proclaim the Baron of Farendon our next item of conversation. ”
Baron of Farendon. Lord Rutgers. That was the name of the lord he had caught in the hall at his club just hours prior.
Verity set her tea to the side before pulling up a tray of sandwiches. “Your support in managing our teatime conversation isn’t necessary. Now eat up, I know you missed the last meal. Elowen, these are your favorites. Your Grace, would you like something to eat? I can prepare you a plate.”
“Anything you like I’m sure to enjoy,” he murmured.
“How do you think it happened? What did the baron spend all his money on? I cannot imagine being born into wealth and suddenly not having any.” Octavia clearly was ignoring her sister’s first comment. “Especially since he inherited so much wealth.”
Verity corrected her, “It was his wife’s wealth.”
Dominic accepted the plate. He bit into a soft torte before pausing, realizing he hadn’t known where the wealth came from.
“All the same,” Octavia went on to complain, “Whatever was he doing? As much as I attempt to bankrupt us with gowns each season, it clearly hasn’t done the trick. And the baron didn’t even have any daughters. Only sons. Your Grace, what do you think he spent on his wealth on?”
“You don’t need to answer that,” Verity reassured him. “How do you like the chocolate torte? It’s a new recipe and I’m undecided.”
His eyes drifted from the chattering young lady to his intended. “It’s a fine torte. Cinnamon?”
“Yes. It’s not a favorite of mine, truth be told, but it’s been popular this season, and Cassian was considering hosting an event before the season ends. A garden party would be most appropriate, I suppose.”
“Indeed. It is edible. Enjoyable, even,” he assured her before feeling the need to ask, “Do you enjoy chocolate?”
She shook her head. “I prefer citrus and vanilla.”
“Our Verity is very proper,” Octavia said in a staged whisper. “Do you see the way she keeps attempting to redirect the conversation away from gossip? It’s because she doesn’t like it. Gossip isn’t proper and chocolate is too scandalous. That’s our Verity.”
Remembering the way she had studied the crowd at the ball with their gossip rags, Dominic wondered why her sisters thought she didn’t care for it. She clearly had some kind of interest.
A conversation for a later date. We’ll have the rest of our lives together.
The rest of teatime carried on much of the same way. Elowen was quiet, Octavia was not, and Verity guided them along until the appointed time was up.
Dominic rose to his feet. “I should take my leave. Thank you for the pleasant tea time this afternoon, ladies.”
Verity came with him. “Allow me to walk you to the door.”
“I’ll come!” Octavia started and then caught herself. “I mean, I’ll tidy up. With Elowen. Back here, without the two of you.”
Dominic and Verity ignored them on their way out the door. She had led him there before allowing him to take the lead down the stairs and to the front door. While he walked confidently with his head up, ready to be gone, he was surprised she didn’t attempt any conversation.
“I have it,” she said when a footman came their way to the door. She took the cloak and hat, offering them to him. “Thank you again, Your Grace. I appreciate your patience with my sisters. They can be a handful.”
“They are very lively.” He paused. “It is good we get to know one another better before the wedding. I trust you have signed the papers?”
She nodded. “The marriage contract should have been delivered to your solicitor today, in fact.”
“Very good.”
“Yes.” Her eyes followed his movements as it looked like she wanted to say something. He bided his time, waiting. She licked her lips and then said suddenly, “I should like to send my belongings the day before the wedding. Do you mind?”
“Ah, yes. Of course. I shall sent a carriage to collect anything you like. I believe there will be three servants noted in the contract, and they are welcome to come in advance as well to settle into their new home,” he added. “Will one carriage be satisfactory?”
“Two, just to be certain in case my servants agree,” she answered with a nod. “There are a few small furniture pieces I’ll be bringing.”
“Very good.” Dominic turned to leave before pausing, recalling his short conversation with Lucian at the club.
“We never discussed a honeymoon or where we would reside long-term, only that we would reside in London for some time. From the way your family talks, it seems the countryside may be more favorable?”
A slight smile graced her lips. “My family indeed enjoys the countryside. Personally, I do not. Travel doesn’t sit well with me, truth be told, so I prefer to stay in the city when I can.”
“Very well, I shall keep that in mind,” he reassured her.
Studying her, Dominic noted the golden glints in Verity’s hazel gaze. He didn’t think he had noted those previously. It appeared to soften her eyes though he could tell she was sharp. She saw more than most people assumed.
Those hazel eyes blinked. “Thank you. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?”
“No.” Dominic took a step, turning away toward the door. “Good day, Lady Verity.”
Leaving the Ashbourne house, Dominic mused over his afternoon with his intended wife. There was much about her he didn’t know. Too much, really. It was perplexing, and yet…
It is probably for the best. It is only marriage, after all.