He stopped at the foot of the sweeping staircase, turning back to look down at her, his height dominating her entirely. His eyes, those piercing, cold blue eyes, were unreadable. She licked her lips as she looked at him.
“We will make our own holiday traditions, Duchess,” he said, his mouth curling into a familiar smile. “I hope you have considered my gift?”
“Yer gift?”
“Oh yes, Duchess,” he rasped. “For this trip, I do expect to be properly rewarded when we arrive.”
“Aye,” she said with a gulp, her pace quickening as he pulled her into a tight embrace and planted a kiss on her head. “I will make sure of it, Yer Grace.”
And so, she swept off toward the servants’ quarters, her mind buzzing with lists. Along with it, the house instantly transformed from the quiet stillness of the country to a flurry of ordered activity. The Duchess’s new social campaign had begun.
Isla found Mrs. Callahan in the linen room, her face already a mask of mild panic after Mr. Flark’s hurried announcement.
“Mrs. Callahan, I am sorry for the trouble,” Isla said, her voice firm and calm. “The London house must be prepared and warmed before our arrival, and Master Oliver’s trunk must contain his comfort blanket and two books, packed on top.”
She wrung her hands as she nodded. “I worry about the distance to London in this weather, it takes time for the heavy baggage to follow… It is not much time to prepare.”
“Then we shall only take the essentials. It will be fine, Mrs. Callahan.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I understand. It will be done.”
Two days passed in a whirlwind of slamming trunks, hurried last-minute lessons for Oliver, and the constant smell of beeswax and packed wool. Early on the morning of their departure, the grand carriage, heavy and imposing, waited at the front door, its four magnificent horses steaming gently in the cold December air.
Isla emerged wearing a sable-trimmed travelling cloak, the dark fur contrasting beautifully with her dark blonde hair and emerald eyes. She was a woman on a mission, reinvigorated by her short time in the country and with her family.
Oliver, bundled in his blue coat, chattered excitedly to a footman about the number of houses they would see on the road.
Benedict was already inside, having overseen the loading of the essential luggage onto the roof. He settled back into the plush seat and a slew of ledgers strewn across his lap.
Oliver bounced in first, settling next to his father, who simply placed a steady hand on the boy’s knee. Isla took the opposite seat, the carriage immediately shrinking around them.
“Now, Oliver,” Isla said, pulling the thick velvet rug over his legs. “Ye promised yer faither and me ye would be quiet for the first hour. It is a long journey, and he must take the time to tend to work.”
“Yes, Isla. I promise. I brought my mythology book!”
“Grand work, Oliver,” she said. “I expect a full report of what ye have learned later today.”
With a lurch, the carriage wheels began to turn, grinding on the gravel, and they were off.
Oliver lasted exactly five minutes before he set down his book and turned to Benedict. “Papa, do you think the Arrowfells have a dog like the one in the play? A really big one?”
“Perhaps,” Benedict answered curtly, his eyes not on his son, but settled firmly on the papers strewn on his lap.
“Do you like dogs, Papa?” He asked as he inched closer to his father.
“Yes.” His tone was clipped as he turned a page and took out a monocle to look closer at numbers.
“Would you want one for Christmas?”
“I beg your pardon,” Benedict said as he set his papers down in a rush. “Isla, is this your doing?”
“I have nay idea what ye are talkin’ about, Yer Grace,” she said with a laugh, covering her mouth with her hands.
“I must get back to work,” Benedict barked. “Back to your reading, Oliver. We can discuss hounds later. For now, I need to untangle these shipping rates…”
The journey was officially underway as they passed through the forest. Isla felt her breath catch in her throat.
With every sway of the carriage, the silent, demanding gaze of her husband over his work reminded her of the reward for her return, transforming the excitement of the Arrowfells’ party into a delicious excitement.
