And to hopefully put off seeing that infernal Duke.
“And if you grow tired of wandering around the gardens, there are the stables. I do hope you both brought your riding habits.”
“I never leave home without it.” Emily gave Jane a smug look. She had insisted they bring their riding habits, despite their mother insisting that there would be no time for such frivolity. “Though I doubt I would ever grow tired of wandering around the gardens. There is so much to see—you must be delighted that this will soon be your home.”
“I am.” Cressida beamed. “In truth, I am mostly looking forward to being able to spend each and every day for the rest of my life with my darling Richard.”
“It is good to see you so in love.” Jane smiled at her friend. “The Marquess is a truly lucky man to have won your heart.”
“And now we must find an equally wonderful man to win your heart,” Cressida teased.
“Oh, not you too! Honestly, it is bad enough that I have my mother badgering me about such things, and now Emily has discovered that a wonderful way to wind me up is to suggest I might end up with the Duke of Caden!” Jane said the last part with a disgusted tone.
“Speak of the devil, look whose carriage has just pulled up.” Cressida gestured to the carriage that had just rolled to a stop in front of the entrance to the castle.
“Ooooh, let us stop. I want to see this man I have heard so much about,” Emily added excitedly.
“Has Jane talked about him much?” Cressida raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Only to complain about him.” Jane did not want her friend to get the wrong impression. “Just you wait, in a moment you shall see why I find him so truly frustrating.”
The door swung open, and the Duke alighted from the carriage. He was wearing a beautifully cut suit of a deep emerald green. It highlighted his athletic build and great height. His wavy brown hair was messy, though Jane assumed it was intentionally so.
To her relief, the man appeared not to have noticed them. She hung back, wanting to put off the encounter as long as possible. As they watched, the Duke’s valet tripped whilst unloading the luggage. He let out a startled yelp as he fell to the ground. The suitcase he was holding flew from his hand and landed in a small puddle.
The women all gasped, and Jane readied herself to intervene as the Duke turned to see what had happened. She was sure he would yell at the poor man for such ineptitude. But he didn’t.
“Goodness, Avon!” He reached a hand towards the valet and spoke kindly as he helped him to his feet. “Are you hurt?”
“Oh my, what have I done! I fear I have ruined your luggage. What of your clothes?” The valet sounded almost tearful.
“Avon, clothes can be replaced. It is far more important to me that you are unharmed.” The Duke surveyed his valet, who was favoring his left leg. “I should have thought how such a journey might affect you. I can only apologize for my thoughtlessness.”
“No, there is nothing to apologize for, Your Grace. It is my fault for being so clumsy,” Mr. Avon replied as he attempted to limp towards the fallen suitcase, grimacing in pain. “Honestly, I am well enough to do my duties.”
The Duke frowned and caught his arm, steadying him as he beckoned a servant over. “You are limping, and I will not have you injuring yourself further on my account. Go and see the housekeeper and ask her to tend to you.”
“But, Your Grace, the luggage… Who will—” the valet began, but the Duke cut him off.
“There are plenty of servants who can help, and picking up my own luggage will hardly kill me.” The Duke smiled at the man, and Jane thought it was the first genuine smile she had seen on his face.
He is quite handsome when he isn’t being infuriating.
“But…” Mr. Avon began, though Jane could see the pain on the man’s face.
“Avon, consider it an order. I would have you look after yourself. I will come and find you once I have made all the appropriate arrangements.” The Duke addressed a servant who had arrived to see what was going on. “Would you escort my valet to the housekeeper? I fear he has hurt his leg and may struggle to walk unaided.”
“Of course, Your Grace. I shall arrange for someone to fetch your luggage as well and show you to your rooms,” the servant answered.
“Thank you. And if Mr. Avon needs a physician, please send for one and then notify me.” The Duke fixed the servant with a firm look.
“Of course, Your Grace,” the servant replied as he looped an arm around Mr. Avon and began to walk with him towards the servants’ entrance.
“If the distance is shorter, use the main entrance. You can explain that the impropriety is at my behest,” the Duke called after them.
Who is this man?
“It is shorter this way, Your Grace,” the servant called back. “But your concern is noted. Do not worry, Mr. Avon will be in good hands.”
