The aroma of freshly brewed coffee reached his nostrils.
He noticed that the men he had hired as porters to assist in loading their trunks and other belongings onto his carriage and the luggage cart had arrived a few minutes early and were now seated at the tavern, having their cups of coffee.
All that remained missing for their journey was the luggage cart.
He expected it would arrive shortly, for the man he’d hired to drive it was Trent’s brother who was as reliable as Trent.
Since Mrs.Gayle’s priority was to assist Tulip in getting herself ready, there would be no coffee made or breakfast ready for him this morning.
This was no problem.
If Tulip was hungry after last night’s exertions, he would escort her to the tavern for a quick bite once she came downstairs.
They would have time while those porters loaded their trunks and other belongings.
His watch was attached to the small pocket of his waistcoat by a fancy fob he had purchased shortly after inheriting the dukedom.It wasn’t anything too ornate, but seemed appropriately pretentious to wear now that he was a duke.
He checked his watch.
That cart was due at any moment.
His carriage was already out front since Trent was ever efficient and had delivered Mrs.Gayle here exactly on time.
Trent was now feeding and watering the horses in preparation for their journey.
A few minutes later, the luggage cart came around from the mews and made its way to the front of Alex’s home.
The porters rose and walked across the street to begin their assignment.“Mornin’, Your Grace,” their foreman said in greeting as they approached.
“Good morning, Mr.Cullin.The trunks and furnishings are in the parlor.I’ll see if my wife has anything more she wishes to pack away.”
Tulip emerged from the townhouse just then.
Her hair was done up in a simple bun at the base of her neck, and a few stray curls fell over her brow.She had on a pert hat and wore a muslin gown in a shade of dark green that was sturdy and sensible for travel.She carried a matching pelisse over one arm and held her gloves and reticule in the other.“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said, coming to stand beside Alex and the porters.
Her smile was pure sunshine.
The men were at first surprised by her friendliness, not certain what to make of her.Then they eased and smiled back, obviously pleased to have been noticed by the duchess…or the fact that she was beautiful no matter her rank.
Alex led them inside, showed them what was to be loaded, and then returned to Tulip’s side as she waited for him by their carriage.“We can have coffee and a light breakfast while they work,” he said, motioning to the tavern across the street.
“I’d love that, if it won’t hold us up.”
“It won’t.We can sit at an outdoor table and watch them work.I know it won’t take them long, but what does it matter?We are the ones to decide when we leave London.”
Tulip had tea and a scone while he had his usual coffee and eggs.
It would have been a pleasant start to the day had Lord Caruthers not suddenly appeared before them, his shadow darkening their table.
Alex immediately rose and placed himself between Tulip and the oaf who looked as though he had been carousing all night and not yet found his bed.“What are you doing here, Caruthers?”
“Seeing you off properly, of course,” he said with false cheer, his voice obviously slurred and so bellicose, everyone seated around them took notice.“You did not think I would forget, did you?Should I not be a good sport and wish you well on your journey, even though youstolemy wife?”
Every patron was now looking at them, and several gasped.
The oaf’s insincere smile turned venomous.“I wish you and your Jezebelsafetravels…or perhaps you’ll get what you deserve along the way.”
Was that a threat?
