“You don’t need to answer that,” Verity reassured him. “How do you like the chocolate torte? It’s a new recipe and I’m undecided.”
His eyes drifted from the chattering young lady to his intended. “It’s a fine torte. Cinnamon?”
“Yes. It’s not a favorite of mine, truth be told, but it’s been popular this season, and Cassian was considering hosting an event before the season ends. A garden party would be most appropriate, I suppose.”
“Indeed. It is edible. Enjoyable, even,” he assured her before feeling the need to ask, “Do you enjoy chocolate?”
She shook her head. “I prefer citrus and vanilla.”
“Our Verity is very proper,” Octavia said in a staged whisper. “Do you see the way she keeps attempting to redirect the conversation away from gossip? It’s because she doesn’t like it. Gossip isn’t proper and chocolate is too scandalous. That’s our Verity.”
Remembering the way she had studied the crowd at the ball with their gossip rags, Dominic wondered why her sisters thought she didn’t care for it. She clearly had some kind of interest.
A conversation for a later date. We’ll have the rest of our lives together.
The rest of teatime carried on much of the same way. Elowen was quiet, Octavia was not, and Verity guided them along until the appointed time was up.
Dominic rose to his feet. “I should take my leave. Thank you for the pleasant tea time this afternoon, ladies.”
Verity came with him. “Allow me to walk you to the door.”
“I’ll come!” Octavia started and then caught herself. “I mean, I’ll tidy up. With Elowen. Back here, without the two of you.”
Dominic and Verity ignored them on their way out the door. She had led him there before allowing him to take the lead down the stairs and to the front door. While he walked confidently with his head up, ready to be gone, he was surprised she didn’t attempt any conversation.
“I have it,” she said when a footman came their way to the door. She took the cloak and hat, offering them to him. “Thank you again, Your Grace. I appreciate your patience with my sisters. They can be a handful.”
“They are very lively.” He paused. “It is good we get to know one another better before the wedding. I trust you have signed the papers?”
She nodded. “The marriage contract should have been delivered to your solicitor today, in fact.”
“Very good.”
“Yes.” Her eyes followed his movements as it looked like she wanted to say something. He bided his time, waiting. She licked her lips and then said suddenly, “I should like to send my belongings the day before the wedding. Do you mind?”
“Ah, yes. Of course. I shall sent a carriage to collect anything you like. I believe there will be three servants noted in the contract, and they are welcome to come in advance as well to settle into their new home,” he added. “Will one carriage be satisfactory?”
“Two, just to be certain in case my servants agree,” she answered with a nod. “There are a few small furniture pieces I’ll be bringing.”
“Very good.” Dominic turned to leave before pausing, recalling his short conversation with Lucian at the club. “We neverdiscussed a honeymoon or where we would reside long-term, only that we would reside in London for some time. From the way your family talks, it seems the countryside may be more favorable?”
A slight smile graced her lips. “My family indeed enjoys the countryside. Personally, I do not. Travel doesn’t sit well with me, truth be told, so I prefer to stay in the city when I can.”
“Very well, I shall keep that in mind,” he reassured her.
Studying her, Dominic noted the golden glints in Verity’s hazel gaze. He didn’t think he had noted those previously. It appeared to soften her eyes though he could tell she was sharp. She saw more than most people assumed.
Those hazel eyes blinked. “Thank you. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?”
“No.” Dominic took a step, turning away toward the door. “Good day, Lady Verity.”
Leaving the Ashbourne house, Dominic mused over his afternoon with his intended wife. There was much about her he didn’t know. Too much, really. It was perplexing, and yet…
It is probably for the best. It is only marriage, after all.
CHAPTER 6
The dress was in good taste, as was the small bouquet of white flowers her sisters had picked for her in their gardens. Verity glimpsed her reflection as she entered the church house to confirm not a hair was out of place.
