Once Henry returned to Highland Manor, Grace tired talking to him about his aunt’s interference when at the dowager’s bequest, Standish once again countered changes she had initiated. It really shouldn’t have mattered, each instance was just one small slight, but they were piling up and grating on her. Tossing and turning in bed that night, Henry had asked her what was wrong.
“I really am trying to love your aunt, but she makes it difficult,” Grace said with a sigh.
“I know,” Henry said. “We all just need to be patient with one another. She’s helping us learn what it means to be a duke and duchess, and then she will be off to the Dower House before you know it. What’s made you so upset in particular tonight?”
“A few weeks ago, when we first arrived, Mrs. Green mentioned that the last several deliveries of our linens were late being returned from the laundress. After inquiring, we discovered she was overrun with business and having trouble keeping up. So, with the blessing of our laundress, we decided to send out to another young woman in need of work.”
“That sounds like a reasonable change to make, what was the problem?” Henry asked.
“It seems yesterday your aunt was not satisfied with the amount of starch in her handkerchief and set out to see why it was not up to her standards. When Mrs. Green told her of the change, she had the day’s wash diverted back to the previous laundress.” Grace let out a frustrated huff while Henry chuckled.
“I know you are irritated,” he said, “but making a big deal of it only gives her more power. In the end, the laundry will be done, and isn’t that what really matters?”
Retaining her composure, though he had entirely missed her point, Grace replied, “I know it’s a small thing, but small things add up over time, and I don’t like being questioned on everything I do in my own house.”
“You are doing a wonderful job as duchess,” Henry reassured her. “All of the staff and tenants love you, and Aunt Hester’s opinions have not stopped you from doing anything, have they?” Henry made a valid point, but for the first time, it felt as if he was implying that Grace was being unreasonable, when previously he had always supported her.
Grace took a deep breath. Ever since realizing she had fallen in love with Henry, she could not help but look for signs he may feel the same way about her. He still showed her affection in a million little ways, but it hurt that he wouldn’t stand up for her against his aunt, either ignoring her comments or rolling his eyes when the dowager could not see. She knew he was only trying to keep the peace, just as he had suggested she do, but by not taking a stand, she questioned if his feelings were as deep as what she felt for him.
CHAPTER32
In mid-August, only a few days after Henry returned home, the political tensions that had been brewing finally erupted in Manchester. Henry was heartbroken as he read about the peaceful demonstrations on St. Peter’s field turning violent—the magistrates, threatened by the crowd size, assaulting people for peacefully gathering to ask for representation in Parliament, discontent at the high prices of food that were driving some to starvation. Feeling their very way of life in danger, the Tories had allowed violence to rule the day, and now eleven people were dead and the ruling class in an even more perilous position.
Henry was not surprised at Reid’s unannounced arrival the following day. Seeing him come up the drive, he went out to greet him. Reid frowned and rubbed his left thigh after swinging off the horse, then he walked toward Henry with a slight limp before clasping him in an embrace and slapping him on the back.
“It’s good to see you, friend,” Henry said as the two pulled away from each other. Henry noticed Reid grimace slightly as he shifted his weight back onto his legs. “The old war wound?” he asked.
“Yes,” Reid bit out. “Unfortunately, the memory of Waterloo is never far behind.”
“Come on in,” he said, smartly choosing not to comment further. “Let’s get you freshened up before you start the lectures on what happened in Manchester. And besides, Grace will be glad to see you.” Henry led him through the house and back to the main drawing room where Grace and his aunt resided. He smiled at seeing Grace with her head buried in a book when they entered the room. His aunt, meanwhile, was participating in needlework, what he was sure she felt was the more appropriate pastime.
“We have a visitor,” he announced as the men entered the room.
“Reid,” Grace exclaimed, leaping to her feet, and embracing him. “It is so good to see you,” she said as she beamed, choosing to ignore the sniff his aunt administered, no doubt at both the informality and familiarity of her greeting.
“I’m sorry to come unannounced,” Reid apologized, “but I have urgent political business to discuss with Henry.”
“Nonsense,” Grace replied. “You know you are welcome here anytime. You’re one of Henry’s people, and that means you may as well be family. You never need to worry about announcing yourself.”
The things this woman did to Henry’s heart. It was the small things like Grace’s easy acceptance of Reid that endeared her to him, and he struggled to see how his aunt still did not completely approve of her. While the dowager had grudgingly come around and recognized many of Grace’s merits over the past few weeks, how could she still not understand that Grace was perfect for him?
“You must be exhausted from the road, did you come here straight from London?” Grace asked Reid.
“Yes, I set out just as dawn broke and practically wore out my horse.”
“We’ll get you both taken care of,” Grace reassured him. Turning to address Standish who was waiting in the doorway, she said, “Standish, can you please have a bath drawn for the captain and make sure his bag is delivered to the green room? Will you also have the cook send up some snacks and ale?”
“Bless you, Grace,” Reid said.
“But would you not prefer the gold room, Your Grace? That is usually where guests have been placed in the past,” Standish interjected.
Henry saw Grace’s face redden, but she remained polite yet firm when she responded. “No, I think the green room, as it has just been aired and will be more comfortable for the captain. Thank you, Standish.” Dismissing the butler with authority, she left no doubt as to who was in charge. His aunt once again gave a sniff, and he wondered when Standish had begun questioning Grace.
Maybe Henry did need to pay more attention to how things had shifted for Grace since his aunt had retuned. He was wary of upsetting the tentative balance that had been established as he still valued Aunt Hester’s insights and guidance when it came to how he should conduct himself now that he held the title. Henry wanted to honor his family’s legacy, and that meant acting in a manner appropriate to his elevated position. However, hindering the closeness he had developed with Grace simply for the sake of what thetonthought was not an option.
He watched as Standish gave a stiff bow in acknowledgment and then gestured for Reid to follow him. Before making his way, Reid looked around the tense room, then shook his head while letting out a small grunt. Grace exited shortly after, posture stiff, announcing she was going to inform the cook that there would be an extra for dinner, and Henry wondered how his home had become such a minefield to navigate in his absence.
* * *
