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“Don’t forget the flowers, Your Grace, for the love of all yer gods.” The stable master shook his head and led the way out of the space.
“He has a point, Alpha,” Bates said.
“Our new expert on male and female relations,” Alfred said to O’Mara and Gambon as the pack filed out, chattering amongst themselves.
“Who better than a human to be expert on human ways?” Bates retorted.
“Gambon, see to the proper decoration of the stone and the circle,” Alfred said and headed for the Hall. “And I’ve plans for that cottage up on the rise.”
“The women have been cogitating since they met your lady, Alpha,” Gambon replied. “It’s well in hand.”
“O’Mara? You outdo the Oracle of Delphi in dispassion.”
“All is well, Alpha,” she said, refusing to be drawn. “The euphoria that is about to surge requires strength and silence for me to hold it.”
“Bates? Any usefulbon motsto convey?”
“I thought to bring word to Lady Coleman.” Alfred winked at O’Mara as Bates fell into step beside his Alpha. “It’s the least we can do, seeing as how she is a good friend. To Miss Templeton—Her Grace. And as there is no family to stand for her, it would be too cruel not to invite her friend. I am happy to run into Town. Straightaway.”
“Do, Bates. Do run.” Alfred stopped at the edge of the park. “I, myself,” he sighed, “must once again consult with the gardener.”
* * *
After another strange dream, this one set at the rock she had come upon in the park, Felicity chose to go down to breakfast. She was well rested, and for no good reason at all, optimistic; it may have something to do with the joy and excitement that came with the strange images in her sleep, of all of Lowell Hall gathered, cheering and smiling. As obstreperous as the duke was, and as unyielding as he had been last night, in the cool light of day, she would begin again. She would not allow him to harm her uncle, no matter how foully her relation had behaved, nor begin to dwell upon his dreadful presentation of that enormous ring. It was as though he had no notion of how to go on with a lady, as if their common customs were strange to him. What man of breeding did not know how to propose in a proper fashion? It beggared belief.
She smiled at the two small, ginger footmen flanking the breakfast parlor’s doors, who bowed with the utmost grace and opened the doors in concert. As ever, the room boasted five more attendants than were absolutely necessary. The butler guarded the sideboard as she was sure he had done every morning, whether she had descended or not. “My apologies, Mr. Coburn,” she said as he pulled out her chair. “I neglected to tell you my plans regarding breaking my fast. I hope I have not inconvenienced you or your staff.”
“Madam.” Coburn’s mouth trembled, and the footmen dropped their chins to their shoulders. “You do us too great an honor, when it is our duty and pleasure to see to your comfort in all things.”
“Courtesy never goes amiss,” she said, accepting the cup of tea he poured her. “Let us begin as we intend to go on. Where is His Grace this morning?”
“He was out and about quite early, and I believe even now he is in the conservatory consulting about a bouquet.” The footmen grinned and elbowed each other until the power of the butler’s implacable gaze inspired them to resume their stoic stances.
As Mr. Coburn poured her tea and prepared her a plate, Shaddock rushed in with a note. “Express delivery, Mr. Coburn, for Her Grace!”
A silver salver was fetched, the letter taken from the footman and placed upon it, and only then was it delivered into Felicity’s possession. “My thanks.” She bit the inside of her cheek, amused by the ceremony and realizing she’d best become accustomed to it.
Another letter from Cecil? This was a surprise, as she had not replied to the last. The paper was very wrinkled and had been sloppily closed with a cursory blob of sealing wax.
As before, there was no salutation.
So, dear cousin, I wonder what news there is but
Alas! Surely it is too late for you.
Verily, you have been taken off by A Duke of The Realm.
Everyone in the world knows that you have no recourse.
Marriage is the only solution.
Alack! My father is not moved by your dilemma.
Rollo, neither.
Egad, it all looks as though you have no choice.
Sincerely, your devoted cousin, Cecil
