“Smart approach. Combining the best of both worlds.” Papa settled back against the bench, warming to his subject. “And I understand you’ll inherit a dukedom eventually? That must weigh on a man’s mind, knowing such responsibility awaits.”
Mandie’s stomach clenched. This was exactly the sort of conversation she’d hoped to avoid today. Her mother leaned forward slightly, no doubt eager to hear Enoch’s response.
“It does.” Enoch’s answer came measured.
“But surely you’ll need to return to England soon? To prepare, to take your place in society?” Papa’s tone carried the assumption of someone who understood such obligations well.
The wagon jolted over a particularly rough section of road, and Mandie gripped the bench to steady herself. The movement gave her an excuse to catch Enoch’s eye when he glanced back to check on them.
She offered him a small smile, but the tense line of his shoulders didn’t soften.
He turned back to the road. “Eventually, yes.” His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “But we’ll wait until Mandie and the baby are both ready for travel. My father has given me leave to plan the timing.”
“Of course, of course.” Papa waved a dismissive hand. “But a man of your station has duties that can’t be put off long. The estate, the tenants, parliament—these things require attention.”
When Mama spoke, her voice sounded bright with curiosity. “Will Mandie need to be presented at court? I imagine there are certain expectations for a duchess.”
The questions pelted like hail, and Mandie’s insides knotted as tight as the line of Enoch’s shoulders.
She cleared her throat. “Perhaps we could save such discussions for another day? Today feels like a time for celebrating what’s ahead, not worrying about distant obligations.”
Her mother patted her hand. “Mandie’s right. Though I must say, the thought of my daughter as a duchess...” Mama’s voice carried a note of wonder mixed with pride. “It’s almost too much to fathom.”
“Mama.” Mandie laced her tone with a warning.
Enoch’s quick glance back flashed gratitude in those warm blue eyes.
They’d traveled perhaps an hour—the latter part filled with blessed quiet as her parents took in the beauty around them—when one of the horses nickered and Enoch’s head snapped up, his whole body going alert.
A horse and rider appeared around the bend, approaching at a steady trot. James.
Enoch reined in the team, and James halted his mount ahead of them since the trail wasn’t wide enough for him to come alongside.
“All quiet in town. We asked around, and no one’s seen him since you all came through the first time.” He nodded to Mandie’s parents, then focused back on Enoch. “Robert stayed to keep an eye on things, just to be sure.”
“Good.” Enoch nodded, though his grip on the reins didn’t relax. “Thomas there yet?”
James shook his head. “Not yet, but it’s still early. Should be along soon.”
Enoch nodded, then focused on the team. “Let’s get moving then.”
As the wagon started out once more, Mandie eased out a long breath, letting the tension flow from her chest with the spent air. All seemed to be well.
No sign of Clayton, and soon, she and Enoch would be preparing for their new life together.
CHAPTER 30
The sound of hammering from the sawmill echoed off the surrounding mountains as their wagon rolled into Walnut Springs, but Mandie barely heard it over the thundering of her own heart.
It was almost time.
Enoch reined in before the boarding house, and Robert emerged from the jailhouse down the street, his long stride carrying him to meet them.
“Good timing.” Robert tipped his hat to Mandie and her mother. “Sheriff Hawkins is ready whenever you are. He suggested we hold the ceremony down by the cottonwoods near the river—says it’s prettier than the jailhouse.”
“That sounds lovely.” Mandie glanced toward the river and the trees he must mean. A beautiful spot.
Enoch set the brake and swung down from the wagon, then moved to help Mandie and her mother from the rear bench.
