Page 10 of Miss Ridley and the Duke

“Miss Ridley and I would care for a light meal,” Halmesbury said. “Perhaps tea and sandwiches. Please see it is prepared quickly.”

Clinton bowed.

“And,” the duke added, “Miss Ridley’s presence here is not public knowledge. Ensure the servants understand this visit is not to be discussed.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Clinton rasped in a hoarse voice. He bowed again and turned to leave.

“Oh, and Clinton,” Halmesbury lifted a brow to Annabel in question. “Miss Ridley has a mount we should see to?”

Annabel nodded. “Starling is tied to the first copse of trees near the drive, just beyond the bushes.”

Clinton nodded. “I will send a groomsman to retrieve the mount, Miss Ridley.” With a final bow, he exited the study, closing the door softly behind him.

“So, Miss Ridley,” Halmesbury said, turning his attention back to her, “do you have any questions while we wait for your meal?”

Annabel hesitated briefly, then said, “What would make you a better choice than Lord Saunton?”

“For one, I am committed to being faithful to my wife. I believe that was an important criterion?”

Annabel nodded.

“And, like you, I wish to build a family and enjoy a harmonious household. I would not leave you isolated at my country estate, which I suspect is what Lord Saunton had planned. When I go to London, I would want you at my side, sharing in the duties and social commitments. That said, I prefer life here at Avonmead, so we would spend much of our time at home. Together.”

“That sounds promising,” Annabel admitted.

Halmesbury smiled. “I am also invested in the well-being of my tenants and the community. I am currently improving the tenant homes, expanding the local school, and establishing a vocational program for the older children at the Halmesbury Home. I would welcome a wife who could assist with these projects, as well as manage the household.”

“I would love to be involved,” Annabel replied earnestly. “I have always visited our tenants and tried to help where my father allowed. Sometimes a little more than he permitted, if I am being honest.” She smiled wryly. “What the baron does not know cannot be criticized.”

The duke chuckled softly. “Good. I will be honest in return—I do want children.”

“Of course,” Annabel said, inclining her head.

Halmesbury hesitated briefly, as though choosing his next words carefully. “And I do intend to engage in the activities that lead to children.”

Annabel swallowed hard, heat rising to her cheeks. She knew little of what those activities entailed, though she had a vague understanding. The candid way he spoke surprised her, though it also reassured her of his honesty. She could imagine that intimacy with a man like Halmesbury would be … agreeable.

She quickly banished the thought and managed a composed smile. “That sounds agreeable to me.”

For the briefest moment, a look of relief flickered across Halmesbury’s face before he returned to his usual calm demeanor. Annabel could not help but wonder what had passed through his mind, though she supposed she might find out in time.

* * *

They lingered over their impromptu meal, their conversation flowing easily as the duke spoke of his estate and tenants. He described the improvements he had implemented over the years with a balance of passion and practicality. Annabel listened intently, impressed by his dedication. His plans were carefully designed to benefit both the estate’s profitability and the well-being of his tenants.

It was clear to her Halmesbury viewed himself as a caretaker, striving to create equilibrium within his community. He introduced changes gradually, ensuring they would be sustainable and harmonious. His attention to both the broader vision and the finer details revealed a thoughtful leader. To Annabel, this only heightened his appeal as a potential husband.

“I make the decisions regarding the stables at Baydon Hall,” Annabel offered, encouraged by his openness. “With my brother gone these past four years and my father rarely involved, I have worked closely with our stable master to maintain them. It is one area where I have had some autonomy.”

She paused mid-sentence as their hands brushed while reaching for the same sandwich. The touch of his warm fingers sent an unexpected tingle up her arm, and she quickly withdrew her hand, willing herself to maintain composure.

“Please, go ahead,” he said, his voice courteous as he gestured for her to take the sandwich.

Annabel hesitated, wishing—though she dared not admit it aloud—that he had left his hand resting on hers. Richard had often touched her in passing over the years, but his touch had never elicited such a reaction. She began to see her relationship with Richard for what it truly was: a comfortable familiarity, not the grand love she had once naively believed.

“How many mounts do you have at Baydon Hall?” the duke asked, smoothly steering the conversation forward.

As Annabel answered, she acknowledged to herself how intoxicating it was to have his full attention. He listened with genuine interest, his engaging manner putting her at ease. She quelled any inclination to flirt, determined to match his calm and composed manner.