15
Donna’s stomach churned as she waited on the front step before Woodbridge Hall. Hopefully Beth wouldn’t judge her too harshly for staying with Blackwell last night rather than go to the inn as they’d planned. Crying yesterday to her dearest friend hadn’t been good, though Beth had helped Donna sort out herfeelings.
Finally, a black Rolls Royce turned onto the driveway and Donna took a deep, steadying breath. Beth washere!
The town car stopped in front of the house and the driver, uniformed in black, hopped out and opened the reardoor.
Donna grinned and hugged Beth tight, grateful that she’d made the long trip. Her dyed blonde to cover the grays, skin wrinkled from the Miami sun, Beth return hug bathed Donna in warmth and love. “Beth, it’s good you’rehere.”
When the hug ended, Donna fixed her purple blouse, tucking it into the black skirt that she used to wear to work. At some point soon, she’d have to shop for clothes as she didn’t plan on going to Miami for her things, and shopping with Beth for new duchess clothes would befun.
Beth’s eyes widened as she stared at the house. “Glad you stuck it out here last night and not theinn.”
“Me too.” She and Blackwell had connected on so many levels that while she was still nervous about becoming a duchess, she had every faith that he would help her learn at his side. Donna walked forward onto the first low white marble step. “Come. I want you to meetBlackwell.”
Beth followed and took Donna’s arm as they climbed the flat, short steps. Once they reached the front door, Beth tugged her back and whispered, “Why is he not outside withyou?”
Donna smiled at Beth’s protectiveness. “He was, but he just received a phone call. Please give him a chance. I do lovehim.”
Beth’s features softened. “Wow. I’m so glad to hear it,honey.”
The door opened and Blackwell joined them both on the front step. “Donna, I was on my way backout.”
Donna helped her friend inside as Blackwell held the door. Donna couldn’t stop looking at Blackwell, her heart warming with love. “Who was on thephone?”
Blackwell’s head lowered and grief flashed across his face. “My friend, Remington Burke, the Earl of Sky. His grandmother is dying and she wants to see me before shegoes.”
She reached out and squeezed Blackwell’s upper arm. “That’s horrible. I’m so sorry. Is there anything I cando?”
He nodded and met her gaze. “Come with me after lunch? I’m sure Chelsea or her father will be there so we can straighten everything out with her and be in the clear to plan our wedding for whenever you want. I’ll handle the details, so you don’t need to worry about it. As I told you last night, the contract included an exit clause where I pay her a fee, and then we’redone.”
Sounded easy enough and no emotions were involved on either person’s part. She nodded, but then she turned to her friend. “Beth, do you mind being by yourself for a while this afternoon? There are gardens you will love and the perfect bench for reading beneath a shadytree.”
“I’ll be fine.” Beth stood back as the driver brought her bags into the house and handed them to thebutler.
Beth, always kind, didn’t even blink that things might be different than inMiami.
Blackwell focused on Beth with his usual charm. “It is my pleasure to meet you. My mother is hoping you’ll join her for shopping this afternoon while we aregone.”
A huge grin broke out on her slightly wrinkled but fair face. “I can’t wait to meet your mother. She was so lovely on the phone and I’d love to match a face with hervoice.”
Blackwell turned slightly and motioned through the house and toward the terrace. “Breakfast is al fresco, with a view of the garden. I’ll let Donna show you to your room so that you can freshen up. Once you are finished, please joinus.”
Beth nodded and again took Donna’s arm as she turned toward the long stairwell. However, Donna redirected them to the elevator which was behind the staircase as she knew Beth had trouble with her left knee. The moment the elevator closed, Beth sighed. “Now that is a handsome man, Donna, and he has impeccable manners. He doesn’t sound foreign atall.”
The elevator climbed as Donna explained, “He was born in Colorado and grew up on afarm.”
The doors opened to the second floor and Donna led her out of the small elevator and into the white hall with white vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. “Ah, well that explains it. If I was thirty years younger, I’d go after him myself. How is he inbed?”
Donna opened one of the guest bedrooms and showed her friend inside while her entire body heated and she hid her face. “Umm…”
Beth laughed and walked over to her bags that were neatly stacked near the closet and wooden bureau. “I can tell from your blush that he’s better than Harry in every way. Never marry a man who doesn’t satisfyyou.”
Donna gazed up and nodded. Beth had said that many times and she slowly felt her body heat decompress. “I understand your advice,now.”
Beth gave her another hug. “Good. Let me take a five minute shower and change my clothes. Breakfast sounds great and I’ll meet you downstairs—I can find myway.”
“If you aren’t there in fifteen minutes I will come get you.” Donna nodded as she retreated and headed toward thedoor.
