Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning, after another astonishing night, Davina woke up not the least dazed. In fact, she felt very much herself. While she had relished every moment in that stupor, she did not mind its passing. A woman could hardly live every day like that.
The changes in her life became apparent as soon as she went down to breakfast. Miss Ingram drank tea in the morning room. She set down her cup when Davina entered. “I would be honored if you joined me, Your Grace.”
Davina almost giggled. Miss Ingram gestured for the footman standing idly near the door. “Her Grace prefers coffee, but I would like more tea. What do you want to eat, Your Grace? I am sure the cook will make anything you prefer.”
Davina went to the sideboard. “I will help myself from what is here.”
“The eggs are a bit runny. Perhaps you will have the housekeeper speak to the cook about that. I can’t abide runny eggs.”
Davina caught the footman’s eyes after he served them beverages, and let him know he could leave.
“Now he is gone, so you do not have toYour Graceme every five words,” she said while she filled a plate.
“And why wouldn’t I? I don’t sit to breakfast with a duchess every day, do I, Your Grace?” Miss Ingram cackled with delight. “Oh, how pleased my brother will be. He thought he saw something between the two of you, but did not dare to hope it might lead to this. I expect that wife of his to thank me excessively for being such a perfect chaperone.” She gave Davina a big wink.
“About that, Miss Ingram. Rather suddenly, I no longer need a chaperone, even a conveniently negligent one. You are welcome to stay, of course, and return to Edinburgh with us. However, you no longer need to make yourself scarce in the hopes the duke will be naughty if you are not present.”
“I would prefer to leave now, if that can be arranged. This house is too big for my liking. It is easy to become lost in it. I enjoyed this journey, however. I had a wonderful time abetting this match.”
“I will see if you can be brought back to Edinburgh. It may be in a hired carriage. I think all that is here besides our coach is a phaeton.”
“I would love to go in a phaeton. What fun that would be.”
“It is hardly suitable for a long journey, or comfortable for a woman of mature years.”
“Oh, tosh. Well, if you won’t indulge me with the phaeton, any carriage will do.”
Brentworth entered then. He greeted Miss Ingram, then went to the sideboard. Miss Ingram made a display of taking her leave. “I will leave the two of you alone,” she whispered to Davina before slipping away.
Brentworth sat with his food and looked around for the footman.
“I sent him away,” Davina said. “I wanted to speak with Miss Ingram alone. If you are looking for coffee, it is right there. I will get it.” She hopped up, fetched the silver pot and poured. “She would like to go home.”
“I don’t know why. One chamber with good light is as good as another. However, if that is her choice, I will have Roberts arrange it.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “I am going to be with Roberts much of the day. I need to ride the estate and see the farms.”
The lord intended to survey his property. Only it really washerproperty. “I would like to see the farms too.”
“I will teach you to ride, and you can join me another time.”
“I can keep myself busy in other ways, I suppose. Perhaps I will start a new essay forParnassus. I am thinking that women should know more about pleasure, and how to achieve it in their marriages.”
He cocked half a smile. “You are joking, of course.”
“Not entirely. Such an essay or book is long overdue. Why should women have their sexual natures subject to whether a man is enlightened or ignorant?”
He still smiled, as if she were not serious. “The journal will never publish it.”
“I think they would. I will not be too explicit in my language, but I will make sure it is clear what I am explaining. I daresay it will improve many marriages throughout the realm.”
“The bookshops will not sell it. There will be religious reformers breaking their windows and burning them down if they do.”
“Then perhaps I should write it for men, not women. No one breaks windows over men learning about pleasure.” She leaned toward him. “Perhaps I will dedicate it to you.”
“Maybe first you can think about this house, and what needs to be done here to change it to your liking. Also, Roberts said the housekeeper expects you to sit down with her and explain how you want the household managed.”
“I will sit with her if that is expected, but I have nothing to say.”
