“Good morning,” she replied. “I hope I didn’t crowd you last night, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”
“You didn’t. Besides, I like waking up with you next to me.” He felt it was a victory when she did not attempt to move away, allowing him to keep his arm lightly around her. “I should probably return to my own room and allow you to get ready for breakfast. We’ll want a hearty meal, as it’s going to be a long day of travel. I’m sorry you will have to suffer through it in order to see your new home.”
“I will be alright. The fact that I don’t have to return to London or my relatives, makes the time on the road worth it,” she said with a smile.
Though it was painful to leave her when he wanted to stay next to her warmth, and see if she might allow another kiss, he pulled himself from the bed. A moment later, as he was tightening the sash of his robe, a sharp knock sounded on the door and a maid entered the room, not waiting for admission.
“I’m here to assist you with your morning toilette, Your Grace,” the maid said, smirking knowingly at the sight of Grace still lying in the bed.
Clutching the bed covers to her though she was covered by her night rail, Grace blushed furiously at the intimation of marital relations even though such relations had not actually occurred last night. She managed to compose herself before realizing how the maid addressed her. “Oh goodness, I do believe that’s the first time I’ve been called ‘Your Grace.’ I shall have to get used to that,” she said.
“You will have plenty of time to, as it will be your proper address from here forward,” Henry said. “I’ll leave you now to get ready and will see you again in the breakfast room.” He took her hand and kissed it before departing, and the blush that clung to her cheeks deepened.
* * *
The journey to reach Highland Manor took two long days of travel. It was exhausting even to Henry, and he was used to uncomfortable travel from his years following the army across the continent. Grace obviously felt the effects of the many hours on bumpy road, but she bore it without complaint. The night before when they had stopped at a comfortable Inn he was familiar with in Wiltshire, she had been so exhausted she went straight to her room without even taking supper. Concerned for her, he had a large breakfast delivered to her room in the morning so she would be fortified for the remaining leg of the journey. Joining her, he wanted see if she was well himself, rather than trusting the opinion of the maid who was accompanying them to the manor.
“Come in,” she called when he knocked on the door. Upon entering, he was relieved to see she was up and about with color in her cheeks. Grace looked well rested and was sitting at the table, about to tuck into breakfast.
“I’m glad to see you have an appetite this morning. I was worried when you bypassed your evening meal,” Henry said.
“Thank you for sending this up,” Grace said with a smile. “I am rather ravenous this morning after skipping dinner, but I’m afraid I was too tired to do anything other than fall into bed last night. Will you join me for breakfast?” Grateful she did seem well after a full night’s sleep, he pulled up a chair as she poured him a cup of coffee. “Do you take cream or sugar?” she asked. “Goodness, I suppose I need to learn such things.” Watching, she noted he picked up the cup unaltered before taking a drink. “Black then, I will remember that for next time.”
They ate together in an easy silence and Grace began to ask Henry more questions regarding his preferences. “Do you have a favorite food or meal?”
“I can’t say I’m all that picky when it comes to what I eat. After taking whatever is offered for so many years in the army, I’ve never given much thought to my meals as long as they were routinely provided.”
Dreamily, she said, “That is a shame. I find food one of the pleasures of life. Please let me know if there is something you particularly like or don’t care for once we reach the manor and I’ll have the cook start trying new meals out.” Henry liked that she took joy in a good meal and made a mental note to take more notice of what he ate himself and if he did in fact like it.
“What should I expect when I reach Highland Manor?” she asked. Henry was delighted to see her plopping another scone on her plate.
“What do you mean? About the landscape or the house?”
“Well yes, those,” she said, laughing lightly. “But also the staff. We were married rather quickly, are they even expecting a new mistress of the house to be arriving?”
“I wrote ahead to alert them to my arrival and told them I would be bringing my new wife with me. If Smyth’s reaction is anything to go by, I think they will be well pleased to have a new duchess at the helm.”
“I hope so, and I also hope your housekeeper will take to me well,” she expressed. “The last thing I want to do is shake up a staff that has served a house for a long time, but I also know that it is common for a new mistress to let a few members of staff go if they do not take on well together or meet her expectations.”
“I’m still very much learning the staff myself, but they all seem to know their jobs. It is a place that runs well under the direction Aunt Hester set. I’m sure they will keep things moving along well for you.” Henry very much hoped there would be peace in the household, there was nothing worse than tension in a house when there was discord between the staff. He was not worried, however; he knew Grace cared for their wellbeing, which they would respond well to and would surely ease any discomfort over changes she may wish to make.
Now, hours on the road later after their pleasant breakfast, they were about to cross into the lands of the manor within the heart of Somerset. The carriage wheels skipping along the uneven terrain jostled Grace awake, and Henry watched in amusement as she covered a yawn. Admiring the beautiful countryside with its verdant pastureland and rows of trees chasing the winding waterways that snaked through the land, smiling sheepishly, she asked Henry where they were.
“We are nearly home. We’ve just passed into manor lands and should arrive at the house in about half an hour’s time.” Henry answered.
Grace hummed in approval while taking in the view and clasping her neck, turned her head to the side in an attempt to loosen the stiff muscles.
“Is your neck sore?” he asked in sympathy. “I’m sorry it has been such a long journey.”
“It could be worse,” she responded. “I’m just glad I’ve not had another megrim take hold, as travel can induce them.”
“Would you like me to rub your neck for you? I’d be more than happy to. It might help ease some of the tension and keep the headaches at bay.” He was eager to offer the service as it meant he would be able to get his hands on her soft skin again.
Grace looked surprised at his offer, but agreed to the ministrations saying, “I don’t think anyone has offered to do that for me since I was a young lady at my father’s house. Are you sure you won’t mind?” she asked, wishing to confirm the offer.
“I won’t mind at all,” he said, scooting closer behind her. “Turn your back to me.” He gently brushed aside the soft hairs that had escaped her chignon before pressing his thumb into a knot he found there. Grace closed her eyes and sighed, dropping her forehead, allowing him more access to her neck. “You feel wonderful, and you smell lovely,” he murmured, lost in the sensation of her. Her skin was smooth and warm, and he wanted to spend forever caressing it and helping her feel better. After several minutes attention, some of the knots began to loosen, and Henry saw the tension in her shoulders ease, dropping away from her ears. He slowed his touch, feeling her relax back into his chest, and he pulled his arms around her. Neither spoke as they enjoyed the quiet moment, watching the landscape pass in front of them.
As they drew closer to the house, Henry pointed out the tenant farms, the mill, and a few greenhouses along with other landmarks. Finally, they turned down the drive, and the house became visible. It was a large home, but not ostentatious. He observed Grace as she took everything in and hoped she would feel at home here, noticing in particular when she perked up at seeing the well-kept gardens. Within a moment, they pulled to a stop in front of the house.
