“Something’s off,” she said. “It may be too much blue with the wall covering, which I like. It looks almost like it came from the Orient. It’s quite elegant.”
“What did I just tell you? You know more than you think. I feel the same way when I look around.”
“Is there a smaller parlor or room we could use when it’s just you and me?” she asked.
“There is.”
“I’d like to see it, but later. I think we should look at the dining room and the library.”
“There’s also a breakfast room and a separate music room,” he replied.
“Good, let’s look at them and I’d like to see the kitchen as well,” Harriet said as they walked into the dining room, which was enormous. A long, dark-stained cherry table ran down the center of the room. There obviously was more that could be added if they had a large party or dinner.
“I don’t think I could get used to eating in such a huge room,” Harriet said.
“It is large, isn’t it?”
“It is. Come, let’s go to the kitchens,” she said.
Harriet found the kitchens to be quite efficient. The stove was new and the entire room was laid out for maximum use. From just the two of them, to a large soiree or ball. She liked that. After all, the kitchen was said to be the heart of any home.
Entering the music room a while later, Harriet was amazed. There was a large grand piano placed in the center of the room. A harp sat in a nearby corner. Two groupings of chairs and such were strategically placed for optimal listening. On the wall was a paper that depicted various musical notes and symbols. It had also been used for the upholstery on most of the chairs and sofas. It was unique and original.
“I felt the same way first time I walked in this room,” Lucien said.
“I like it,” she replied. “Someone was musical and spent a lot of time in this room.”
“Agreed. Why don’t I show you my study?”
“By all means, since that is where most men spend a lot of their time.” She flashed him a grin.
“It’s close by, and I’ll have you know I don’t spend most of my time there. Usually first thing in the morning, unless there are matters that need my attention,” he said.
The room wasn’t the dark, foreboding space many men kept. Yes, it was dark, made so by the paneling and furniture, but it also had a large window at one end that obviously brought in lots of sunshine on a good day.
When Lucien invited her to sit in front of the small fire, she refused. The couch was brown leather and had obviously been there for decades. It was one of those that were immensely uncomfortable.
“Do you want to go see how Onyx has settled in when the rain lets up?” she asked.
“Yes, you know I do, and that’s an excellent idea. Let’s check and see if the rain has cooperated,” he said taking her hand to lead her out.
Seeing there was a break in the weather, Lucien suggested they return to their room and put appropriate boots on because it would be muddy.
When they arrived at the stables, Harriet noticed a couple young boys working. They were working on polishing tack. One recognized Lucien immediately and came to greet them.
“My lord. Onyx is this way.”
“How is he doing?”
“There is a slight improvement. The problem is Onyx is getting restless from being confined to his stall.”
“That’s to be expected. Has his grain been cut back?” Lucien inquired.
“Yes, it has. His new stall does have a paddock attached, but he’s not healed enough to let him out there. The top door is also kept closed because that makes him want out all the more.”
They arrived at the stallion’s stall, where Onyx stood snorting and pawing. Upon seeing Lucien and Harriet approach, he lifted his head and walked to the stall door. Lucien opened the stall door to get a better look on the healing knees, all the time stroking the stallion’s neck.
While Lucien was doing that, Harriet fed Onyx pieces of apple the stable boy had given her. The stallion greedily took each treat like he’d never had one before.
