“I’ll just read ahead a little.” Ellie’s shoulders slumped forward, most likely because she didn’t truly understand war and there was quite a bit in the book.
As Lissa walked toward Her Grace, the woman smiled oddly. “I should perhaps be clearer on who was requested. This caller actually asked for Dague.”
Lissa halted, startled, and looked over her shoulder at Ellie. Only the Curious Ladies called her that.
Ellie clapped her hands and smiled warmly. “It must be Dory or Elsbeth, then.”
Of course. Lissa turned back to the duchess and followed. It had to be Dory, as she had been such a good friend before marrying Lord Harewood and leaving the school.
As they approached the parlor entry, the duchess halted. “I will announce you.”
Lissa frowned. “Why?” It was unheard of for a duchess to announce anyone.
“Let us just say it is appropriate in this instance.” With that, Her Grace entered the parlor.
Something was afoot, and it made Lissa nervous. She examined the entryway for clues and noticed a top hat, but as it was not yet very cold, there was no coat to give away the caller’s identity. Still, it was a man’s hat, and he’d asked for Dague.
A thrill went through her. Only one man that she knew had been told her nickname, and only because Dory told her husband that Dague was a weapons expert when he mentioned that Mr. Taylour needed one.
Her Grace stepped into the doorway. “As you requested, Mr. Taylour. Here is Dague.” The duchess swept her arm toward the hall.
Lissa stepped through the doors, the skirts of her white day dress swishing when she stopped. It only took a moment to be sure the man with the strong jawline, blue eyes, and blond streaks in his hair was Anthony. Even as she smiled, memories assailed her of their scouring the countryside for food and valuables, she dressed in her usual trousers and shirt, he eschewing his uniform for her deceased father’s farmer clothes. He refused to enter houses with locked doors, so she’d slip in through windows and open the doors to let him in, circumventing his gentlemanly ways.
His gaze roamed over her, no recognition in his eyes, though there was plenty of appreciation. How could he look at her so? Disappointment filled her. It was the stupid muslin dress with the sage ribbons that she wore. Never did she miss her masculine clothes more.
“Anthony!”
His eyes widened. He was clearly startled by her familiar address.
Striding forward, she took his face in her hands and kissed each cheek, silently urging him to remember her. She let go and stepped back, but not before inhaling his clove scent, which threatened to conjure up more memories.
“Lissa?”
Relief flowed through her, and she lifted her chin. “Oui. Do you not recognize me in a dress?” She held the dress out with her hands to emphasize the oddity for him.
“The truth be told, I don’t recognize anything but your face. Last I saw you, you were dressed as a boy, and were not as, hmm, as grown. You have…changed.”
She smiled warmly and took his hand in her gloved one, wishing the glove gone. “Come. Her Grace said you need my help.”
She pulled him to the settee, but as she tugged on his hand to sit, he balked. He stepped away, and she let go.
“Your help?” He looked to the duchess, who still stood in the doorway grinning.
Lady Northwick strode in. “Yes,herhelp. You requested my weapons expert, Dague. This is she. You two obviously have much to catch up on. I will be over here in the dining room.” The duchess waved toward the dining area that opened onto the parlor through a large archway.
There, Lady Northwick could keep her eyes on them without overhearing their conversation. Not that they needed a chaperone. They were old friends, bonded by the experience of war.
Anthony seemed to gather his tattered composure, and he gave a slight bow. “I thank Your Grace for your kindness.”
“It is no special kindness. After all, I’m sure Lissette will tell me everything after you leave.” The duchess winked before turning her back on them and strolling toward the connecting room.
Lissa shook her head, so he would know she had no intention of telling the duchess everything.
His shoulders relaxed, and he finally consented to sit next to her. He gazed at her in silence, making her uncomfortable.
She cocked her head. “What is it?”
“I’m trying to equate the urchin who rode double with me on my horse, crawled under a fallen barn wall to gather fresh eggs,and who reminded me daily that life was made to be enjoyed, with the beautiful woman before me.”
