Mrs. Norris joined the company at that moment, eyeing the duke over his near-constant misnomer of Cordelia’s title. Cordelia knew the old woman thought there was perhaps a bit too much familiarity there, but instead of making a fuss over it, she appeared to encourage it.
“When is your secretary due to arrive, Your Grace?” Mrs. Norris asked. “I’ll have his rooms prepared.”
“The man would give the Germans a run for their money at organization but unfortunately is the worst traveler I’ve encountered. I’d expect him to arrive a week later than expected,” he replied.
Dolly snorted in laughter, a little too loudly. Cordelia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He seemed to have that effect on most women.
“We’d better go,” Cordelia said, taking a large bite out of her toast, trying to make sure jam did not drip onto her dress. Dolly had already placed a pack with apples and cake onto the table. Cordelia slung it over her shoulder.
“I’ve asked Dolly to pack you an extra sandwich,” Mrs. Norris added. “And if it pleases Your Grace, send our lady back to us at a reasonable hour. I’m worried about the riding you’re doing,” she said, training her gaze on Cordelia. “Countryside ladies need their rest as well.”
Cordelia caught the underlying meaning in her words.Unchaperoned time with a man breeds gossip.
“I’ll be back before noon, Mrs. Norris,” she replied, offering her a conciliatory smile.
Sam was in the yard with the horses already tacked. Cordelia and the duke did not need to speak to one another. Instead, they turned their beasts east and rode into the sunrise. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the scent of fresh air and roses. How could there be anything better than this?
“Your riding is much improved, Your Grace,” Cordelia said as they reined up near a mossy bank, where the Fosters’ farmland was located.
“Justin,” he corrected.
“Justin,” she replied, hoping her blush was not too visible.
“There,” he said, flashing her a crooked smile, “was that so difficult?”
Cordelia’s heart kicked up a faster rhythm. “Justin, meaning just and fair. Nice of your father to bestow that on you,” she said, hoping the teasing would steady her.
“Aye,” he replied, “and Cordelia is too pretty a name to not say aloud. What’s that mean?”
They began the short walk to where the workers were busy picking up their tools.
“I’m not sure it means anything,” she said. “My mother loved Shakespeare. Cordelia was the first of King Lear’s daughters.”
“Oh, that’s right!” Justin said, rubbing his jaw. “That’s what you’re all named after. I was wondering.”
Cordelia laughed, “Not a great reader, are you?”
“I always preferred math, but I’ve enjoyed a play or two. I saw theTempestonce,” Justin said. They stopped to survey the trench the workers had started on just a few days ago. It was already coming along nicely.
Justin had explained his plans in detail to her before they broke ground, but now Cordelia was able to visualize how the water was going to pump out of the lake and be used to irrigate the crops. Justin spoke to each individual worker as Cordelia handed them the apples and bit of cake from the manor house. They were being paid a salary, but the work was taking them from their farms and families for the time being, and it was important to Cordelia to show gratitude.
The workers beamed as Justin congratulated their nascent work. Cordelia watched him, her heart filling with admiration. It was clear that he was in his element, and it gave her a certain pleasure to see how good he was at his job.
“Fair and just,” she teased as they finished their rounds. “You play the role of duke well, Your Grace.”
“Justin,” he corrected again.
She laughed and shook her head. They paused at the top of a hill, surveying the work from another angle. Justin nodded his head, satisfied.
“Well, I’ve had a rather good teacher,” he said, his voice growing quiet as he looked down at her. After a moment, Cordelia broke the gaze, feeling warm all over.
“What was your mother like?” she blurted out.
He did not answer immediately. “I never met her,” he replied. “That’s wrong. I’m sure I met her. I never had the opportunity to form any real memories of her.”
That made Cordelia think of Bea. “Oh,” she replied. Desperate to change the subject, she asked, “And your father? Was it he who decided your name?”
“I never asked him,” Justin said, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
