AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I am so happy to hear it, my dear. You will make a wonderful duchess and bring my grandson much joy. Bless you both.”
“Now, Gran, I don’t want to make any announcement yet. I haven’t even spoken to Tabitha’s father.”
“Do you think he’s going to say no to a duke? You have no worries, my boy, but I will respect your wishes and say nothing of this until you give me leave.”
Andrew smiled as he kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Gran. Now, I believe it’s time I took Tabitha home. I’m sure she is expected.”
With the promise of tea with Tabitha and her mother in a few days, Andrew escorted Tabitha home.
CHAPTER26
The next two days passed in a whirl. Andrew sent flowers, which threw Lady Bedford into a frenzy since there was no card to say who they were from. Tabitha took pity on her mother and told her the flowers were from the duke. Then, the next day, they received an invitation to take tea with the dowager duchess. Her mother swooned with excitement, finally seeing the end in sight for her daughter’s unmarried state.
On the agreed upon day, Tabitha and her mother were ensconced in the drawing room having tea with Lady Holcombe when Andrew entered. From his expression, he’d been unaware that Tabitha and her mother would be calling. But within seconds, his face lit up with delight.
“Good afternoon, Lady Bedford, Miss Crestwood. I did not know you had company, Gran. My apologies.”
“Not at all, my dear. I must have failed to tell you that Miss Crestwood and her mother would join me today. Would you like a cup of tea?”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I must leave for Essex at once. I received a letter from the estate manager just now that the local magistrate has been snooping around. It seems he’s questioning the servants about the time leading up to William’s death. I don’t know what’s brought this about, but it requires my immediate attention.”
“Well, if you must go, have a safe journey.”
“Might I have a quick word with Miss Crestwood, in private?”
“You may speak to her out on the terrace where we may see you. It’s only proper,” his grandmother explained.
Andrew reached for Tabitha’s hand and led her onto the terrace. He said nothing at first. The lines of worry had returned to their usual spot on his brow, and the edges of his mouth turned down. Tabitha squeezed his hand, reminding him that she was there for him.
“I hate leaving you.”
“Don’t worry about me. You need to find out what’s happening. You cannot leave it to anyone else. Come back as soon as you can.”
She smiled, giving him the encouragement he needed to leave. He pulled her close, not caring that his grandmother and Lady Bedford might see. Andrew drew her up against him. Already her body hummed with desire. Without thinking, she put her hand around his neck, drawing him down for a kiss.
“I shall be back as soon as I can,” Andrew said before stealing one more kiss. “I’ll send word.”
He led Tabitha back through the doorway to her mother and the dowager, who had no doubt seen the entire display. Both women kept quiet, but the knowing look on Lady Bedford’s face did not escape Tabitha’s notice.
During the carriage ride home, her mother expounded on Lady Holcombe’s hospitality. Tabitha didn’t pay attention. Her thoughts were miles away with Andrew. Hopefully, everything would turn out right. It was time for the past to stay where it was so they could look toward the future. A future together.
* * *
Days passedwith no word from Andrew. Initially, Tabitha didn’t worry. He was probably busy dealing with the magistrate. Nevertheless, she felt bereft without him near. When a week passed with no letter, Tabitha became unsettled.
After another restless night, she visited Lady Holcombe and voiced her concerns.
“I have a feeling something has gone terribly wrong,” Tabitha said, pacing the drawing room while the dowager sat with a cup of tea.
“I am inclined to agree with you, my dear. It’s unusual for Andrew not to write, at least to one of us.”
“Do you think I should go to Essex? Perhaps he cannot write.” Scenarios tumbled through Tabitha’s mind. Was he sick? Imprisoned?
“Fear not, my dear. Andrew is a resourceful man. If there was something wrong, he’d find a way of letting us know.”
Tabitha nodded her head and settled onto the settee. The ladies sat in silence for a while. Lady Holcombe tried to distract Tabitha by telling her about the Essex estate and all the locals she would meet once she was duchess. While she appreciated the gesture, Tabitha couldn’t stop her rambling thoughts. Then, as if summoned from her mind, a footman entered the room.
“Begging your pardon, Miss Crestwood, but a letter has just arrived for you.”
