Footsteps echoed in the hallway and he turned to the doorway expectantly. However, it was not Lucy who entered, but rather Hannah.
“Your Grace,” she said with a light curtsy, “I have been sent to relay a message.”
“And what is it?” Andrew asked, expecting her to send her mistress’s regrets.
However, Hannah did not do so. “Her Grace has said that she is shocked that she must be made to wait by the gate for your arrival some fifteen minutes now. She further states that, if you cannot be on time, then perhaps you should consider buying a pocket watch.” A smile played on her lips but was gone before Andrew had time to consider it. The woman was not one to be disrespectful. “Do you have a reply?”
Andrew threw his head back and laughed, the tension and worry from minutes before dissipating. “Thank you,” he replied. “There is no need to return a reply, for I shall do so myself.” With that, he picked up the hamper and the folded blanket he had placed on the back of the chair, walked past Hannah, and made his way to the iron gate at the back of the gardens.
As he approached, he slowed his steps. Lucy stood beside the gate, her hands clasped in front of her. She wore a blue dress with yellow and white flowers and a white shawl around her shoulders. Her hat was covered in beige linen with a yellow sash, the ends hanging down to flow behind her, and a fluffy white feather fluttered lightly in the slight breeze. For a moment, Andrew wondered if anything in the world was more beautiful than she, but in his heart, he knew there was not.
“Andrew,” she said firmly, “as a Duke, you do a poor job keeping a schedule. Making a lady wait? A majority of the ton would consider it rude to say the least.” Although her words had bite to them, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and Andrew knew, amusedly, that she was nowhere near as upset as she pretended to be.
He gave her a deep bow. “I am sorry, Your Grace,” he said smoothly. “I only hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”
She sniffed with feigned disdain. “Very well. I suppose I will…this time.”
They both laughed, and Andrew’s heart soared at the melodious sound of her laughter. Once she was through the gate, he latched it once again and then offered her his arm. Though he knew she would reject it, he offered it all the same.
She studied his arm for several moments as he stood patiently waiting for her rejection. However, this time she said, “Typically I would refuse the arm of a man who has kept me waiting, but it is too nice of a day to spoil it even more.” And with that, she placed her hand on his arm. “Shall we?”
Andrew felt a twinge of hope course through him. Much like the roses in the garden, there was still hope for tomorrow.
They made their way up the hill and Andrew found himself smiling. This hill represented the struggles they were both facing, more so Lucy than he, but as long as they could continue this journey together, they would emerge at the top with great success.
When they reached the crest of the hill, he set the hamper on the ground and unfolded the blanket. “Your Grace,” he said as he reached out his hand to help her sit. Once she had spread her skirts around her, he placed the hamper between them and began unpacking the bread and cheese, as well as a bottle of Merlot with two wine glasses.
“Andrew,” Lucy said, “I must say, over the last week I have seen a side of you I find quite pleasant.”
“Oh?” he asked in an amused tone.
“You do not seem as sharp with your words, and I feel as if you listen to me when I speak.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, I did not deign to listen to you before?”
“No, you did not,” she said admonishingly. “I could have spoken to the walls and received more response.”
This made him chuckle. “Well, contrary to what Lord Lunton believes, I find conversations with women such as yourself highly engaging.”
It was Lucy’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Women?”
He raised a hand as if to defend himself. “Just one woman,” he replied. “Would you care to eat?”
“No, not just yet, thank you,” she said as she flicked at a piece of grass on her skirts. “So, you do not wish to see me doing embroidery for hours on end while you conduct business?”
He let out a laugh and almost spilled the wine he was pouring. “Not at all. I would wish you to continue doing what makes you happy.”
She seemed to relax at his statement, and it only made him smile even more. “Is that so?” she asked.
“Indeed. For if you are happy, then I am happy.” He swished his wine lightly in the glass. “Lucy, I understand that you are still adjusting to your new life, but are you happy?”
She gazed down at the ground for a moment. “Before I reply, I must make a request first. I do not wish you to be angry with me.”
He straightened and replied, “I give you my word as a Duke and a gentleman that I will not be angry.”
“Have you changed your demeanor simply to win me over?” she asked quietly. “I do not wish to be played for a fool.”
“No, Lucy,” Andrew replied just as softly. “You have warmed me so over the past few weeks, and I find it much easier to be comfortable and relaxed in your presence.”
She sighed, and Andrew’s heart clinched. Was she waiting to tell him she did not feel the same? Would this be the time she would tell him she cared nothing for him, that she still despised him? However, she did not do so. Instead she said, “I must admit I feel the same. I have begun to enjoy our time together, and although I do not remember what our life was like before, I do know that I find our time together quite satisfying.”
Hope rushed through Andrew in waves. How he wished to tell her how much he loved her, but it was much too soon to declare such words; her eyes said as much. However, when the time came, he wanted her to declare her love on her terms and of her own free will, and not under some obligation she believed she owed him.
“I believe we enjoy many of the same things,” he said conversationally. “I find myself wanting to learn more about you, your desires and your dreams.”
She tilted her head and the sun caught her beauty, her eyes sparkling with its rays. Then she leaned over and pressed her lips to his, their shared kiss soft yet full of passion.
“I wish to remember my dreams,” she whispered, “and I will help you realize yours.” Then she smiled and returned to her sitting position.
As they talked, both gazing over the vast valley before them, the grass less green and the wildflowers now gone, hope once again washed over Andrew. It was the hope that, one day, his wife would love him once again as she once had, as much as he loved her. Hope that their friendship and relationship would continue to grow and reach new heights of which he could only dream.
At one point, he glanced down and realized that his hand held hers, clasped together as a reminder that, as long as they were one, there was always hope, and that her dream of remembering would one day come true. And he would do what he could to help make that happen.
Chapter Eighteen
As autumn tightened its grasp on the land, Lucy found her affection for Andrew growing. She was not quite certain what had spurned her newfound feelings for him; perhaps it had been the picnic they had shared three weeks earlier or how he was no longer as rigid, preferring to smile and laugh more than scowl as he once had. Whatever the reason might have been, she cared not, for she enjoyed how it felt to have someone care about her, the warm sensation that washed over her whenever their hands touched, or, like last evening, when he wished her goodnight and his lips had gently brushed hers. It was not love, that much she was certain, but perhaps one day it would lead to it.
She let out a small laugh as she closed the book she had been reading. Andrew was busy working in his study and she looked forward to tonight when they would dine together, as they had been wont to do for some time now. She walked to the window and felt a pang of sadness. The hedges, which had been adorned with bright green leaves, now stood bare, and the multitude of flowers were now
gone, leaving behind a wash of dull brown earth in their wake. However, she knew she could count on next year, come spring, when life would return and once again exhibit its colorful beauty for the world to admire.
With a sigh, she returned the book to its shelf and Hannah sat up in her chair.
“I must say,” Hannah said indignantly, “this book on warfare is scary. It astounds me the lengths to which these barbaric men will go in the name of conquest.”
Lucy smiled. “Always remember that men are barbaric in everything they do, with no exceptions. It is because of us women that they show any signs of civility at all.”
Hannah laughed. “Would that include His Grace, do you think?” she asked, a mischievous grin on her face.
Lucy let out a laugh, as well. She was glad for the friendship that had developed between her and Hannah. They shared in many secrets during both bright and rainy days, and Lucy valued the time they spent together. She had no other friends with whom to confide, and Hannah had proven to be a great secret-keeper.
“Yes, it would include him,” she replied firmly. “Though it pains me to admit, he is not as horrible as most men.” She retook her seat just as Mason entered and gave a deep bow, a small silver tray in one hand.
“Yes, Mason?” Lucy asked of the butler.
“Forgive me for interrupting, Your Grace, but His Grace has requested the presence of Miss Hannah in his study, and you have received a letter.” He bowed before her, the tray extended to her.
“Thank you,” she said as she removed the letter and smiled. “It is from my sister,” she said in a shocked tone. “I am so happy to finally hear from her.”
Hannah stood. “I will go see His Grace,” she said, and Lucy waved her off without looking up at the woman.
She opened the letter, excited to finally hear word from her sister.
My dearest sister Lucy,
I was so pleased to hear you had woken after your accident. I am so sorry I have been unable to come to visit, and with the new baby, traveling has been out of the question. Mother said that she told you about Peter, my son, and I am quite pleased to tell you that I now have a daughter who we have named Laura. She is very beautiful, but I may be a bit biased in my assessment of her. Her hair is the same color as yours, but she has Mother’s eyes.
Peter has just passed first year and is has the run of the house! All he must do is shed a few tears and someone will come running to his aid. I do worry he will become spoiled before we know it, but for the time being, we’re enjoying him immensely.
I hope to visit someday soon, but I cannot make any promises with winter just around the corner. However, I do promise to write more often and share with you how your niece and nephew are doing. James has been a dear and a very proud father. I am so happy to be married to such a caring man. I hope and pray that you, too, are happy in your marriage and that you are recovering well from the complications of your accident.
With all my love,
Your loving sister Mary
Lucy set the letter on her writing desk and sighed. It was nice hearing from Mary after all this time; somehow, she had felt alienated from her family, but this had raised her spirits tremendously.
Footsteps resounded in the hallway outside the library door and Mr. Langley, the man with whom Andrew had his last meeting for the day, walked by. Yet, where was Hannah?
Curiosity got the better of her and Lucy headed out of the library and down the hallway to the study. As she approached the partially opened door, she heard Hannah’s laugh, and Lucy felt her heart pound in her chest. That laugh had been much too intimate in Lucy’s opinion.
She peeked through the small opening of the door and her eyes widened in shock, for standing before the fireplace were Hannah and Andrew standing much too closely together as far as Lucy was concerned. From Andrew’s fingers hung a gold necklace, the firelight reflecting from its bright surface.
“What do you think?” Andrew asked with a smile.
“Oh, it is lovely,” Hannah replied with glee. “It is a sight for any eye.”
Lucy clenched her fist and turned away from the hideous sight. So, her husband and her friend had betrayed her, she thought as she made her way to her bedroom. Hot tears streamed down her face. She might not remember much of what had happened in the recent past, but she did remember the rumors about Andrew and another woman. What she had seen just now confirmed her worst fears and she slammed the door behind her before throwing herself onto her bed and weeping. How dare he humiliate her in such a fashion? And as for Hannah, she would be dismissed before the end of the next day, she would be sure of that.
A knock came to the door, and Lucy sat up and dried her tears. She was no damsel in distress; she had to be smart about how to handle this situation. A woman of her position had few rights, but she would do what she could to gain control before she had none.
“Enter,” she called out and Hannah opened the door, a smile that Lucy wished she could slap off the woman’s face. However, as she looked at Hannah’s beautiful blue dress, Lucy knew there would be a much better way to hurt the woman.
“I looked for you in the library…” Hannah started to say until Lucy interrupted.
“I will no longer be in need of your services,” Lucy said firmly.
Hannah gazed at her in shock. “Lucy?” she gasped. “I don’t understand!”
“I am Your Grace to you,” Lucy spat, “and do not make me have to remind you again. You will go change into one of your old dresses and leave all that has been purchased for your position behind. I want you out of my house before dinner is served this evening.”
Hannah began to cry. “But Lu…Your Grace” she cried. “Please, let me apologize for whatever it is I have done wrong! Please tell me so I can fix it.”
“You gave me your word you would tell me everything,” Lucy said through clenched teeth. “You lied. Now, out of my room, and my house!” Then she sat on the stool in front of the mirror and turned her back on her now former companion.
Lucy watched Hannah’s reflection in the mirror nod before she turned and closed the door behind her. When the woman was gone, Lucy returned to her bed and, laying down, let the tears return.
***
The sound of a hard knock on the door awoke Lucy from a fitful sleep and sent her heart racing as her eyes flew open. Before she could invite the person to enter, Andrew opened the door and walked into the room, his steps quick and steady.
Lucy sat up in bed and straightened her back, ready for the barrage that was sure to come.
“Hannah has said that she is leaving us,” Andrew said sternly. “Why have you dismissed her?”
Lucy placed her feet in the slippers next to her bed, picked up a robe, and tied the belt around her waist. “What does it matter?” she said haughtily. “Does it bother you she is leaving?”
He shook his head. “I believe she has done better than satisfactory in her position here,” he replied. “There are few people who I can trust to live in my home, and she certainly has been one of them.”
Lucy gave a derisive sniff. Of course, he trusted the woman; any man would trust a woman he would let into his bed. This thought, however, made her stomach ache as she wondered how for how long this affair had been going, how many times Hannah had crawled into his bed while Lucy slept alone in hers.
“It no longer matters if you trust her,” Lucy said. “However, do not tell me you love me, for what you have done with her could not be done by any man who says he loves his wife.”
As she attempted to stomp past him, he grabbed her arm tightly. “What do you mean, ‘what I have done with her’? He demanded, his eyes narrow and his voice low. The look he gave her was one of hurt and confusion, which made her take pause. Thunder boomed in the distance and the first pelts of rain beat against the window as Lucy pulled her arm from his grasp.
“Very well, if you must know,” she said loftily. “I was outside the door to your study and saw you give her a gift. A gold necklace.
” She thought she had shed all the tears possible earlier, but new tears filled her eyes.
“Lucy, I can explain,” Andrew said, though his voice did not sound angry as it had when he entered.
“There is no need to explain,” she replied. “I will remain in this room and you in yours. I only ask that you do not flaunt your women with your fine gifts in the future. At least have a bit of decency to be discrete!”
His laughter only made her anger rage even more. How dare he think this was a humorous moment! However, when he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, she could only stare at him in amazement…and shame.
“The necklace you saw was this one,” he said as he opened the box to display the same gold jewelry she had seen him dangling from his fingers in the study. “I had asked Hannah’s opinion for a gift for you, and she mentioned a necklace you had admired at the goldsmith’s. Yesterday, I had purchased it and I wanted to be certain it was the one you wanted.”
Lucy found her head spinning, the anger now gone and replaced by shame and humiliation while her eyes filled once more with tears.
“So, my lovely wife, this is for you.” He extended his hand and she hesitated before taking the box and removing the necklace. It had been the necklace she had admired on one of the excursions she had taken with Hannah, and she could not stem the flow of tears for what she had said and done. She did not deserve such a gift; she was not worthy of such love and admiration.
“I-I am sorry,” she stammered. “My tone toward you…the accusations…” How could she have allowed her imagination to run away from her in such a despicable manner? She looked up into his deep blue eyes and felt her falling into their gaze. “Please forgive me.”
He smiled down at her. “There is nothing to forgive,” he said in a soft voice. “It was simply a misunderstanding, nothing more.”
She nodded and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him. She felt protected in that embrace as she wondered how he could possibly forgive her. “My mind returned to when we first courted, the rumors about you. I know you are no longer that man, but I am ashamed to admit I was jealous.”
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