“If you’re wanting to surprise your family, I’ll have a footman send someone to retrieve your horse and you can pick it up here.” He indicated the food on the sideboard. “I was just breaking my fast. Will you join me?”
“It seems we will soon become brothers, Garrett,” Michael said.
“No need, but thank you. My horse is being shipped here. The coaching inns can untangle the horseflesh changes I made getting here,” the viscount said. “However, I am famished, and true, you getting married is something I would have never guessed. You were always averse to the idea of marriage.”
“True. And that would still hold—I had not wanted to marry. However, an over-diligent law clerk added a creative caveat to a betrothal contract between our fathers that reached beyond my brother Daniel’s death. In an unusual move, they made me step into Daniel’s place after he died. That, and I met your sister.”
“But, you knew Isabelle . . .”
“Not really. But this gave me a reason—a proper reason—to get to know her, and I found myself completely taken.”
Garrett looked at Michael for a long moment before speaking. “I’ve rarely heard of that type of betrothal contract. I wonder if our fathers realized it had been added.”
“It could have been added without their knowledge. According to my solicitor, this individual presumed it necessary and added it without being prompted.”
“Yet, I don’t detect any objection,” Garrett said, spearing some eggs on his fork.
“Your sister is a special woman, Garrett. I would be a fool to pass up the opportunity to make her my duchess, even though the thought of marriage had initially upset me.”
“I’ve always thought so—that she was a special woman, not that you are a fool,” Garrett said, grinning and wiping his mouth with a napkin. “This is good milk bread!” he exclaimed, getting up to add more to his plate.
“I asked Mrs. Beacon to make that yesterday for a special luncheon I took your sister to,” Michael said. “I’ll take another one, if you don’t mind, since you are up.”
“Certainly,” laughed Garrett. “I had forgotten how good these were, and they are Belle’s favorite. How did you know?”
“She said the two of you were very close,” Michael said, watching Garrett. When he turned just right, he noticed Garrett's profile. He had seen that profile before. “Wait. We need to go, now,” Michael said, pulling the rope and pushing back from the table.
“What? I promised to share what was left.”
“No. Not that. I need you to come with me now. I think there is someone you need to see,” Michael said.
Saunders appeared in the doorway.
“Saunders, send a footman to the stable and have my horse and a spare one saddled right now. We need to leave.”
“Garrett, don’t think me crazy. But if what I suspect is true . . .just trust me. I need you to come with me now.”
“You’ve never acted irrationally, Michael,” he said, exiting behind the duke.
* * *
As soon as the sun had chased away the night sky, Belle rushed downstairs to break her fast. She had promised Mama she would go to Madame Tapiere’s for her fitting for her Christmastide dresses. Since she mentioned nothing about attending together, Belle planned to make quick work of the trip. Michael said he would pick her up at two o’clock to take her fishing, which thrilled her.Fishing!Bea had laid out her warmest dresses and undergarments. Belle had gone fishing with Garrett years ago, but her brother had done everything for her. This time, once Michael had shown her how to do things, she was determined to learn for herself—which included taking the fish off the hook. The thought of touching the fish brought shivers, but it was for Michael, and the thought stirred a warmth deep inside her.
If she was marrying him—and, while they had not set a date, it seemed it would happen—she wanted activities they could enjoy doing together. He had invited her in on something he enjoyed doing, and she would not waste the chance.
“Did you have a nice shopping trip?” Her mother’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “I had an afternoon tea to attend, and you weren’t home when I left, and then your father and I had a small dinner party.” Her attention riveted to Belle’s hand.“Is that a ring?”
“I wanted to show it to you when I returned home, but I fell asleep shortly after dinner. I think I was exhausted,” Belle said, holding her hand out to her mother. “His Grace had it designed for me.”
“It is stunning. And the color is perfect for you, darling. Would you like to accompany me to Lady Everly’s tea? It would be a magnificent opportunity to show off your ring,” her mother said, appearing hopeful.
“Mother, I truly appreciate your invitation, but Michael has invited me to go fishing with him. I apologize for springing this on you.”
“I thought we could go to the tea after the fitting—you haven’t forgotten the fitting, have you?” her mother asked.
“Forgive me, Mama. I planned to attend the fitting and return home to meet Michael and go fishing.”
“Honestly, Belle, fishing is not an activity for young women. I can see I cannot dissuade you, but at least promise me you will dress warmly. It’s nearly freezing outside. It’ll be more ice-fishing than anything else,” her mother said, pursing her lips, clearly miffed. “I am thrilled this courtship is going well for you, but I had hoped to show off my daughter a little, and you have denied me every opportunity.”
