What the Duke Wants(22)

“Carlotta?” Mrs. Pott called again.

Pulled from her musings, she turned to the housekeeper who had just let herself in.

“Forgive me, but when you didn’t respond, I thought perhaps you were finished and had already left to see the girls.

“I was woolgathering I’m afraid.”

“No need to apologize.” Mrs. Pott gave her a warm and maternal smile. “Are you almost finished?”

“Yes, I don’t have terribly much to pack. In fact…” Carlotta stood and smoothed her skirt. “I believe I’m finished.”

“Wonderful. I’ll have a footman come and take your trunk to the carriage. You’ll love Greenford Waters, near Bath, Miss Lottie. It’s truly a dream. The gardens are my favorite part. I’ve only been once, attending the late Dowager, but I’ll not forget it.”

“I’m sure it will be beautiful.”

Carlotta felt a slight pain of loss as well as anticipation. After all, Bath was quite close to Garden Gate. Perhaps she could find out just how the estate was managing without her. Mr. Burrows had taken care of all the particulars so she had all faith that all was as well as could be expected, however, it would be wonderful to see it for herself.

“I’ll go and check on the girls.” Carlotta nodded to Mrs. Pott and entered the hall. The gilded artwork and opulent furnishings of the duke’s London residence were beautiful, but she hoped that the estate in Bath was a little less, intimidating. All one had to do was simply meet the duke to realize the power and wealth he possessed, the house was simply an overstatement. Not overdone, but a reminder that was unnecessary. Though she supposed it was probably common among the ton.

“Beatrix! I promise it will all work out simply beautifully. You’ll see. I have all faith—”

“All faith in what?” Carlotta asked as she pushed open the already ajar door into the girls’ room.

“Uh…” Bethanny stammered, her eyes widening and glancing to Beatrix, who simply shook her head and took a step back.

“Oh, Miss Lottie! I’m so very excited! I hope the duke’s house has gardens so we can run and play tag. Maybe there’s even a pond! Do you think?” Berty had rushed up to Carlotta and grabbed her hands, jumping in place while she squeezed her fingers tightly.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of garden for you to roam about and frolic, little one.” Carlotta bent down and tugged teasingly on Berty’s plait.

“I knew it.” She sighed happily.

“Are you three about ready? The sooner we leave the sooner we’ll get there.” Carlotta glanced at the older two.

“Of course. Do… that is… is his grace expected to send us off?” Bethanny asked bashfully.

“I’m not sure.” Carlotta bit her lip nervously. One would expect that he would indeed, see them off. But she wondered.

“Mrs. Pott already said goodbye,” Beatrix commented as she put on her bonnet.

“Did she?”

“Yes! And I think Mr. Murray will miss us. He seemed terribly sad,” Berty commented.

“Murray?” Carlotta couldn’t help the wry and disbelieving tone her words carried. Not once had she even seen the butler carry an expression that varied from polite distance.

“Oh yes! He’s quite kind, you know. Always sneaking us sweets.”

Carlotta raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “And when did he do this?”

“Oh, well here and there. You usually weren’t around. I don’t think he wanted to be caught.”

Carlotta looked to Bethanny and Beatrix, who had small grins teasing their lips. “I had no idea.”

“He really is a dear man. He has a few granddaughters our age.”

“I believe you know more about him than even the duke does.”

“I suspect so. We will miss him, and Mrs. Pott. They have been so lovely.” Bethanny said.

“Indeed.” Carlotta nodded absentmindedly. She was still trying to wrap her head around the idea of Murray sneaking about the house to slip the girl’s sweets. Truly, wonders never ceased.

“I’ll let Mrs. Pott know we’re all set. Don’t forget your bonnet, Berty.”

Berty shot her a mutinous glare and picked up her bonnet as if an unsavory insect.

Carlotta waited patiently.

Berty narrowed her eyes, huffed indignantly, and then proceeded to tie it under her chin.

Very slowly.

Carlotta nodded and left. Murray was waiting in the foyer. Carlotta held back, studying the butler with new eyes. Tilting her head, she tried to imagine him hiding peppermints or something else in his pockets.

“Care to tell me what we are spying on? Or whom?” a rich baritone asked from just behind her.

Carlotta jumped, her hand instinctively flying to her heart. “Your grace! You gave me a fright!”

“Forgive me, you were quite intent on your study of Murray. I’m greatly curious as to the reason.” His eyes danced with merriment and a far too alluring light of mischief.

“It would seem your butler leads a secret life.” Carlotta raised her eyebrow dramatically.

“You have my complete attention, Miss Lottie.” He inclined his head towards her, a wicked gleam in his eye.

“Though as I consider it, perhaps I shouldn’t tell you. I wouldn’t want to break a confidence.”