She lay there, watching Colly grab his robe and tie it, then open the door and take the tea tray from the maid with muttered thanks.
A strange moment, but one she’d never forget. Her first morning as a wife, and a duchess, and her first morning as a married woman with every right to explore her husband.
“Tea. Come on, it’s early but we have a lot to do this morning.” He fussed over the tray.
Ivy sighed. He was right. She pushed away all the other things she’d rather be doing at this moment and slid from the bed.
He glanced out the window where dawn had already filled the sky with rays of faint early light. “Looks like we’ll have clear skies for travelling.”
“That’s good.” She helped herself to tea. “I’ll dress quickly and say goodbye to Grandmama. I know she and Elvina will be up and about. They’re always early birds. But I expect everyone else is still sound asleep.”
He nodded. “Excellent.”
“I’ll dress in my own room,” she put down the tea, “and meet you in the hall in…say…half an hour?”
“Yes, that will be excellent,” he approved. “Ivy?”
“Yes?” She turned back to him.
He walked to her, put his arms around her and kissed her soundly. “Good morning.”
She sighed with pleasure. “Mmm. And good morning to you too.”
He grinned. “Go. Half an hour.”
Both of them were of the same mind, it seemed, since it was almost exactly thirty minutes later that they met in the front hall. Ivy had a couple of small bags next to her and was fastening her bonnet as Colly came in through the door.
“The coach is ready. Have you said your farewells?”
She nodded. “I have. And Grandmama sends her warmest affections. I’m hoping to talk her into a visit to Hartsmere House perhaps in the autumn…” she hesitated. “If that’s acceptable?”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course it is. We’ll talk about all that soon. Is this everything?” He picked up the heaviest bag.
“Yes. For the time being.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
The dew glazed the landscape with a glitter that made Ivy blink as she stepped out into the early sunshine. “It does look as if it will be a lovely day,” she commented, letting a sleepy footman hand her into the coach.
“We’ll make good time.” The Duke followed her with a smile and murmured thanks to the lad.
She noted his politeness. It was innate, she realised, not something he had to remind himself to do. Perhaps that was the mark of excellent breeding? The ability to be pleasant to everyone who did something deserving of thanks, regardless of rank.
She had the feeling Colly would be every bit as polite to the maid polishing his bureau as he was to the Patronesses of Almack’s. It was just part and parcel of who he was.
Reserved? Yes, very much so. And, as people always said, rather a cold fish. Well…she could personally attest to the fact that that wasn’t so. Beside her own intimate observations, she’d watched him with the other gentlemen at their wedding. He’d laughed and chatted with Miles and Matthew, even listening to Mowbray and engaging him in some discussion that they obviously both enjoyed.
As they pulled away from Siddington Castle, she accepted that she now had a husband who might be described as contradictory in more than a few ways. But overall she was rather delighted to discover such facets of his personality. And she couldn’t help but wonder what more would be revealed as time went on.
He leaned back as the carriage set off at a good pace for London.
“Well, I have to say I’m rather sad to be leaving the Castle.”
“Really?” Ivy raised her eyebrows. “Why is that, Colly?”
“You never showed me the dungeons.” He sighed dramatically. “I was truly hoping to see the dungeons. It would have made my visit complete.”
She rolled her eyes. “You got a wife out of it. Be happy with that. Perhaps next time we come here, I’ll take you down to the depths of Siddington.”
“Promise?” He turned with the eager enthusiasm of a four-year-old promised a treat.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Time to face London, your Grace. And for me to learn to call you Maidenbrooke in public, I suppose.”
He took her hand and curled his fingers around it. “It won’t be easy, I’m afraid. Both of us will need to adjust, as is the way of things after marrying. But we’ll be doing it all beneath the curious and prying gazes of Society. And that…well, that’s something that curdles my insides.”
She nodded. “Agreed. But I’m sure we shall come about.”
“I admire your optimism,” he smiled. “Keep it going if you would? I have a suspicion we’ll both need it over the next few weeks.”
She squeezed his hand, but stayed silent, turning to look out the window at the passing countryside.
And offering a tiny prayer that they were both strong enough to survive what lay ahead.
Chapter Thirteen
Mr Oliver Franklin was not terribly surprised to hear that his Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke had arrived and was asking for a few moments of his time.
“Show him in, Streeting. Show him in.” The young clerk nodded and retreated with alacrity.
He’d expected a summons to Hartsmere House, but his Grace liked to take matters into his own hands and waited for no one. Thus here he was. Franklin swallowed, straightened his simple cravat and rose from his chair as his door opened to admit the Duke.
“Good day, your Grace.” He bowed formally. “I cannot say this is a surprise. I was hoping to see you at your earliest convenience.”
“I just arrived back in town,” said the Duke.
