“Oh,” Sally replied softly with a hint of resignation. She forced a polite smile, though her stomach churned with a mix of hurt and frustration. She had looked forward to spending the day with Leonard, to presenting a united front to their tenants and showing them that their new Duchess was happily embraced by her husband’s side.
“Where is he now?”
“In his study. It is his custom to spend most of his day there when he is in residence,” Mrs. Farnsworth said quietly. “He asked to have a light meal brought in at lunchtime so I think he plans to spend the day working. His assistant is expected shortly.”
His assistant? Sally felt a surge of indignation rising within her. How could he retreat to his study without so much as a word to her? Didn’t he understand the importance of their public image, especially on a day like today? They had to be seen together, otherwise everyone would start to gossip about them again. If she was to claim the title and the respect related to it, everyone had to believe theirs was a real marriage. Hadn’t that been the point?
“I see,” Sally replied curtly and composed despite the turmoil raging within her. “Thank you, Mrs. Farnsworth. I’ll... I’ll go find him in a little while.”
“I am to bring tea once his assistant arrives, I will let him know that you are awake and looking for him, if you like,” the woman suggested.
Sally nodded, grateful for this assistance. Still, as she sat and sliced her roll, she had to wonder – how could she break through to her husband, or was that even a possibility?
CHAPTER11
Leonard
Asparrow hopped along the windowsill outside, occasionally banging its beak against Leonard’s study window. He looked at the small bird, resolving to send the maids to the market on Thursday to collect bird food as he enjoyed feeding the little animals. Seeing their many colors gave him a thrill and he found it relaxing to observe them – a habit he’d picked up from his mother who’d spent hours sitting in the garden observing the bird feeders.
“The flavor profile of the Cabernet Sauvignon is truly exceptional this year, and the grapes from our Shropshire vineyard are especially wonderful,” Aaron remarked, with admiration. “I believe it will be quite well-received by our aristocratic clientele especially.”
Leonard nodded in agreement, focusing his expression back on Aaron’s words. The prospect of success for their latest endeavor filled him with a sense of satisfaction, as it would allow him to increase the wages of all their workers to help make up for the shortfalls of his father’s mismanagement.
“Good, I am glad to hear it. Perhaps we can raise our pricing as well. It could help with the deficit for the mishap at the Devon vineyard. We must discuss this in more detail,” he said sternly.
“Surely, we can,” Aaron agreed but then pressed his lips together. “I do have to wonder though, should we really be discussing business on the day after your wedding, Lenny?” Aaron asked. “Shouldn’t you be spending time with your bride?”
Leonard’s gaze flickered with irritation at the interruption, his jaw clenching briefly before he forced himself to relax. He waved a dismissive hand, brushing off Aaron’s concern with a casual shrug.
“Sally and I have an understanding,” Leonard replied tersely. “Besides, she knows how important these matters are to me. There’s no harm in discussing business on such an occasion.”
As Aaron hesitated, it was quite clear he did not really believe Leonard’s proclamation. This only encouraged Leonard to double down. “In fact, I’ve been considering a trip to Portugal next month to check on our operations there,” Leonard added, his thoughts already drifting to the plans he had in mind. “I want to ensure that everything is running smoothly in my absence. We can discuss the details further later.”
“That is a three-week trip if you return directly. Are you certain that is something you’d want to do so soon after getting married? As I said, I’d be happy to go if you really think it is so important,” Aaron said.
“It’s important that I go, Aaron. Now, please. Let us get through our meeting. Now, the Devon vineyard, how bad is the damage? Can any barrels be saved?”
With that, Leonard returned his attention to the papers before him, effectively signaling the end of the conversation. However, deep down, a part of him couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that perhaps Aaron was right to question the propriety of his actions. The truth was, he wanted to stay here and be around Sally because he had made her a promise.
She was a lovely young woman who didn’t deserve to be abandoned the day after her marriage. But the truth was, the afternoon before when he’d shown her around the property, he’d felt too comfortable around her. He’d enjoyed the feeling of having her in his arms too much when she’d fallen off the stool. He’d wanted to ask her to spend more time together – and these were dangerous signs. Signs he had to put distance between them, no matter what he’d promised before their wedding.
A knock on the door drew him from his contemplations and he looked up just as Mrs. Farnsworth entered with her tea.
“Good morning, Your Grace, Lord Finch,” she said as she placed the tray down.
“Good morning, Mrs. Farnsworth,” Leonard replied, forcing a polite smile despite the unease gnawing at him. “Thank you for bringing the tea.”
“I always feel so well looked after here,” Aaron chimed in and winked at the older woman who blushed a little at the compliment.
“Oh, Lord Finch, you need not flatter me, I only do what I am hired to do.”
“Ah but you do it with such joy and grace, indeed every household in England ought to take your example,” Aaron continued. Leonard chuckled and rolled his eyes. His friend could be charming when he wanted to be. Too charming for his taste because it reeked of falsehood, although it appeared that Mrs. Farnsworth ate up every bit of it.
“Is Her Grace up yet?” Leonard asked then, Sally still at the forefront of his mind after his conversation with Aaron. Mrs. Farnsworth cast a pointed glance at him and then nodded. “Her Grace is awake and asked after you. She’s up and about already, having breakfast. She thought you might join her.”
Leonard felt a twinge of guilt at her words, realizing that he should at the very least have stopped in to say good morning, even if he wasn’t going to share a meal with her. “Ah, yes. Please inform Her Grace that I will join her for dinner this evening,” he said, his tone contrite. He’d preferred to have done away with their honeymoon altogether but saw now that this would not be possible.
Mrs. Farnsworth’s expression softened slightly at his response, though a hint of skepticism lingered in her gaze. “Very well, Your Grace. I’ll relay the message,” she replied before turning to leave the room.
