Page 37 of An Unfamiliar Duke

“Good morning, Dawson,” Sebastian said. He turned to her. “Rosalind, this is Dawson, my head groom. He was attending the horses when you were introduced to the household staff. Dawson, this is my wife, Her Grace, the Duchess of Kelbrook.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Dawson.”

The head groom bowed. “Welcome to the stables, Your Grace.”

Rosalind smiled. “Tell me, can you recommend a mount that might be a good fit for me? A horse with enough spirit to enjoy a good gallop but one that does not constantly require a firm hand on the reins?”

Sebastian had already told her of a young mare named Belle that sounded ideal, but she was interested to see if her newly formed theory regarding her husband’s respect for his servants’ positions held merit. She caught his look of surprise at her question, but when it was instantly followed by a smile of approval, she knew she had guessed correctly.

“It seems to me that Belle might be just what you’re looking for, Your Grace. If you’ll come this way, you can meet her and see what you think.” He led the way between the stalls.

Sebastian came up behind her and touched her elbow. “Nicely done, Rosalind.” He spoke softly.

“I am simply learning by example, Your Grace.”

Chapter 15

Sebastian led Rosalind around the perimeter of the rose garden. In the summer, when the blooms were at their best, it was possible to wander the narrow paths between the wide variety of rose bushes for hours without tiring of their beauty and fragrance. Today, however, with many of the bushes displaying little more than a handful of leaves and their ever-present thorns, Sebastian deemed it best to shorten their visit.

The wind tugged at Rosalind’s skirts, and she moved a little farther from the threatening barbs.

“Is the gale becoming too much?” he asked.

When they’d left the stables about a quarter of an hour ago, she had insisted that she was not yet ready to return to the house, but it seemed appropriate to ask again since she had been clutching her hat for the last few minutes.

“Not at all. It’s invigorating.” Her face shone with delight. “This reminds me of home. All we are missing is the sea.”

“I cannot produce that, I fear, but we do have a sizable river nearby.”

Her eyes sparkled with interest. “The one that is traversed by the bridge that needs to be replaced?”

“Indeed.” He pointed at the woodland to their left. “It’s just beyond the trees. Would you like to see it?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “Very much.”

“Be advised that although it is a wide and fast-moving river, it is sadly lacking waves and tides. Seagulls do make an appearance occasionally, but a sighting cannot be guaranteed.”

She laughed. It was such a joyous sound that Sebastian found himself wanting to hear it more often.

“I will settle for moving water and a sparrow or two,” she said.

“That, I believe, I can manage.” He steered her toward the trees. “There are two ways to reach the river. The narrow trail through the woods and a more open path across the lawn and through the fields.”

“Perhaps we could go one way and return the other,” Rosalind suggested. “Then I will experience both.”

“Very well.” He pointed to a small opening between the trees ahead. “Cutting through the woods is the most direct path from here. The other way is actually a little shorter if you are coming from the house.”

“The trees, it is, then,” she said. She lowered her head slightly as they walked into the wind, raising it to look around when they entered the grove. “Is this where your tree house is located?”

The tree house again. His childhood play area must have made a great impression upon her.

“Yes, but it is closer to the house. It’s easier to spot from the lawn.” She nodded, lapsing into a silence he felt compelled to fill. “I can point it out to you when we walk that way if you would like.”

She offered him a polite smile. “Thank you.”

Unsure as to what had happened to the joyful demeanor she’d exhibited only minutes before, he reached for her hand. “Come,” he said. “Watch for tree roots and overgrown branches. I daresay it has been some time since this path was properly cleared.”

Grateful that she did not resist his overture, he wrapped his fingers around hers and guided her through the trees. The branches swayed above them, clacking against each other and knocking free a steady shower of browning leaves to add to the many already carpeting the ground. A bird flew past in a flurry of feathers.