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“Any luck with your fishing endeavours?” Miss Casey asked, causing Fitz to look into her eyes more than just observing her womanly figure.
“At the moment, it seems that neither one of us have had much success,” Fitz said just as Lord Casey sprung to his feet and began to tug on his line. He started to laugh excitedly as he began pulling in the fishing line.
“Speak for yourself, Your Grace,” he said as he pulled in his line to showcase the healthy trout he’d just managed to capture. Lady and Miss Casey clapped excitedly as Lord Casey stood showing off his catch.
“That is a mighty fine specimen,” Fitz declared. “I’m sure Cook will be eager to use it for dinner this evening.”
Lord Casey took his time pulling the fish from the hook and setting it into the net that was placed in the water to hold the fish till they were ready to take them inside. The marquess then prepared his hook once more before tossing it out into the water.
“Neither of my older brothers has been able to fish like my father. I am convinced that he is the only one that truly has the gift to coax fish onto his hook the way he does,” Miss Casey spoke up as Fitz turned his attention back to her.
“What are your older brothers like then if not good at fishing?” Fitz asked, wanting to learn more about Miss Casey and her family. Fitz watched as Miss Casey looked away from him for a moment, her eyes focusing on the water before them as though gathering her thoughts.
“My two older brothers, first and second born, were very boisterous as we grew up. I remember them always running around or playing tricks on me and my sisters. I think this energy is why they could never sit still long enough to fish,” Miss Casey explained as she looked back at him. “They both married daughters of earls with the intention of gaining their father-in-law’s title when the opportunity arose.”
“Then perhaps you could describe them opportunistic,” Fitz offered.
“I suppose you could.” Miss Casey offered with a sigh. Fitz reasoned that it wasn’t a line of decision that Miss Casey was enthusiastic about. Perhaps her relationship with her older siblings was strained. After all, she was here in the country while they were supposedly all living in Town. Fitz could at least gather that there was some sort of tension between Lord and Lady Casey and their older children because neither parent had spoken up during the discussion.
“Are you partial to the idea of marrying in Town?” Fitz asked Miss Casey, figuring the details of their marriage would make for suitable conversation. And though he was a duke, he didn’t mind sharing the marriage decision with his intended.
“I’m content with either, Your Grace,” Miss Casey replied. She had straightened her posture and resumed gazing out over the pond. “I think it would be suitable to marry here at the parsonage so that there is no hassle of traveling to Town.”
“And I’m sure your siblings have all been invited?” Fitz continued. Fitz noticed the smile that made its way onto her face at the mention of that.
“Indeed, Your Grace. My father wrote to them the day after our last visit. I look forward to their reply and hope they can make it for the wedding,” Miss Casey explained. Fitz wondered why that brought such excitement to her eyes, and he wondered if she longed to see them or perhaps there could be another reason.
“I believe the seamstress in the village would be adequate enough to prepare the wedding clothes in time. Unless there is someone else you’d request from Town?”
“I agree that Mrs Jenkins is a fine seamstress. She made my sister’s gown, the one just a year older than I. She was married here at the parsonage as well.”
“Then I will leave you to the details of your gown. But please feel comfortable with sending the bill to the estate here,” Fitz said, wanting her to become comfortable with his wealth. He was sure it would initially be a shock to her since her father was only a marquess and wouldn’t be able to afford as much as he easily could.
“That is very kind of you, Your Grace. I shall be sure to do so,” Miss Casey said as she focused her eyes back on him, a true smile on her lips for once. “Do you have family that will be attending the wedding?”
“Unfortunately, I do not,” Fitz explained. “But I do have a very close friend that I’ve already written to. I’m sure he and his family will be attending the festivities.”
“Then I shall look forward to meeting them since it shall be your closest friend I am to meet. I’m sure this friend will be eager to share details of your character,” she said with a glint of humour in her eyes. He liked how playful Diana could be and wondered if this side of her was part of her true nature.
Fitz chuckled as he nodded. “I’m quite certain that Lord Douglas and his darling wife will be willing to share any manner of details you wish to know. I’m sure my dear friend is eager to see me marry and therefore would be forthcoming with any information you desire.”
“Spoken by a man who obviously has nothing to hide,” Lord Casey spoke up with a chuckle.
“Indeed, I believe there should be no secrets between family,” Fitz said pointedly. He wanted to show the Caseys that he was a reasonable man and considered them all to soon be his family once he was officially married to Miss Casey.
About that time, Lord Casey stood once more as he coaxed another trout to the shore. There was much talk then about the manner in which Lord Casey could catch fish so easily, and the two gentlemen began to discuss with one another the best techniques for fishing.
After a while, the servants came out to the pond with a picnic blanket and basket as they began to serve the afternoon tea and light lunch. Lady and Miss Casey moved to the blanket and plush pillows to sit upon as they had tea and dined on small sandwiches.
And though Fitz was mostly in conversation with Lord Casey, he would take the time to gaze upon Miss Casey and imagine his life with her as his wife. He was at least certain that she would be a beauty to look upon, yet understood that a tolerable marriage was based more on just good looks.
By the time their afternoon was over, and Fitz had only been successful at catching one fish, he had one of the footmen take the net of trout to Cook to be cleaned and salted. Then, he helped Lady Casey to her feet as the family prepared to leave for the day.
“I hope you’ll all join me tomorrow so that we might dine on the wonderful trout that was caught today,” Fitz offered.
“Oh, that would be such a lovely idea,” Lady Casey said happily as she walked to her husband and took his arm for support.
“I appreciate the invitation, Your Grace. We shall be sure to attend,” Lord Casey replied as he rolled down his shirt sleeves. Fitz made sure the fishing poles were resting on the grass before he approached Miss Casey and offered her his arm. She took it with a small smile and allowed him to escort her to the carriage.
