She floated down the stairs, at peace at last. She had no idea that sayingyescould be this easy. As she made it to the first floor and a reading nook tucked by the stairs, Blackwell jumped up from a chair with a book in hand. “So, did I pass initial inspection or do I have to workharder?”
She walked to his side and checked out the sailing autobiography he’d been reading. “She likes you so far. She knows I loveyou.”
His shoulders showed his relief. “Good. I hope going to Remington’s this afternoon is okay. I wasn’t expecting thatcall.”
A sickbed wasn’t something anyone could plan ahead. She shrugged. “Of course. If we can straighten everything out in person with Chelsea, that would be good too. But the most important thing is to be there for your friend and hisgrandmother.”
He kissed her cheek and offered his arm. “Like you, he was raised by his grandmother, only his parents died when he was ababy.”
“That’s horrible.” She took it and they went through the grand room to the terrace. This room had clearly held formal balls less than a century ago and the essence of ghosts who wanted to dance, drink or laugh remained. Perhaps they could have their wedding here? “I’m glad I have memories of my parents. At Christmas, the living room was full of presents that they must have bought throughout the year. My grandmother loved me, and I loved her. She tried but the holidays were when I missed them themost.”
He guided her to the terrace where they could gaze at the green grass that glistened with dew in the morning sunlight. She let go of Blackwell and went to the tea service as Beth joined them. “Donna, Blackwell, nice to see youagain.”
“You have the best sense of direction, Beth.” Donna poured hot water over a bag of EarlGrey.
Blackwell waited behind seats he’d pulled back from the table for them. “You must be hungry. Let’s get you breakfast.” Beth took the offered chair and Donna brought her a cup oftea.
“Thank you,” Bethsaid.
Donna sat opposite Beth, and Blackwell waited for them both to fully be comfortable before he took his seat next to her. “This evening we’ll go to the last night of celebration for the royal wedding. There will be dancing and a feast to cap off the week of festivities. My mother will ensure we’re properly outfitted as I think there is atheme.”
Beth shielded her eyes as she gestured with her tea cup. “Is that your mother coming across thelawn?”
“Yes.” Blackwell jumped out of his seat, poured his mother tea, and held it for her as she walked up the short terrace steps. He waited for her and said, “Mother, glad you could join us. This is BethConners.”
“Nice to meet you.” His mother then pushed a white handkerchief with a twinkling emerald set in gold toward her son. “Lady Sky lent me this broach. Please bring it back today when you head over, Blackwell. This will belong to the new Lady Sky when Remingtonmarries.”
Soon, she’d meet Blackwell’s friends. She knew almost nothing about his life. Donna buttered her toast and asked, “How old isRemington?”
Blackwell deposited his napkin on his lap and added milk to his coffee. “Older than me by a month. He has thirty days left to find a bride so he’ll probably be happy Chelsea isavailable.”
Trading a potential bride sounded old-fashioned. Donna’s heart sped faster as she lifted her chin. “Well, I hope that’s up to her. I wouldn’t want to marry anyone I didn’tchoose.”
Blackwell leaned forward and brushed his hand against hers. “Of course. We’re not barbarians here. Let’s enjoy themorning.”
Beth stirred her tea and stared out at the trees and the garden. She turned around and nodded, “Your house is gorgeous, YourGrace.”
Blackwell added a blueberry muffin to his plate. “Call me Blackwell. Donna considers you family and I’d like to do thesame.”
Good. Nothing could go wrong. They could have a simple ceremony once Blackwell took care of the paperwork, and Donna wished she could happily disappear on his estate, never to worry about anything the rest of her life. However, she knew she’d study hard and absorb his mother’s teaching on how to be a duchess. Her life would be better if she gained confidence that she might be a real lady, and this was the better plan. Either way, she’d get to be with Blackwell and that should be all thatmattered.
