Page 41 of The Scarred Lyon

They arrived at the sprawling Tobey farm at twilight, and Augusta was greatly relieved to be off the snow-covered road. The farmer and his family could not have been more accommodating. After a hearty meal of carrot-and-onion soup, mutton, potatoes, beets, cheese, and blackberry suet pudding, she and Duncan retired to the large guestroom. A fire already blazed in the hearth. Duncan looked weary as he sat before it.

Augusta laid a hand on his shoulder. “Are you well? Is your shoulder aching? Any headaches?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

“A slight headache. I am rather exhausted. It has been quite the adventure.”

Augusta leaned in and kissed his cheek, then sat across from him. “I daresay it will be one we remember for years to come, Duncan.”

“Hmm?”

“Before the roof collapsed, you said you quite adored me.”

He gave her a half grin. “Did I?”

“You don’t remember?”

His expression softened. “I remember everything. Allow me to be more succinct. I am falling in love with you, Augusta. There. I will endeavor to always tell you how I feel. My life, what is left of it, is yours. Do with it as you will. You fill my senses, my heart, and my very soul.”

Augusta’s lower lip trembled at his emotional words. “I never expected this. I never dared hope. I thought achieving friendship would be a desired outcome. But I am falling in love with you, Duncan. A deep, abiding love that will grow with each day we are together. I know it. I feel it, here.” She placed her hand over her heart.

“Ah, my love,” Duncan replied. “To see past this scarred visage and love me for who I am, damaged as I may be, is more than I could hope for.”

Augusta smiled. “You are not that flawed. I am nearly done with my courses, by the way. The night after tomorrow should be fine, if you are well enough.”

“To make love to you? I am well enough now,” Duncan said, his voice husky.

Augusta chuckled. “We are going to have such fun. I know it, in bed and out of it.”

“Bold. I do like that,” Duncan murmured.

“Good. Tonight, however, we should rest. For the journey, and for what lies ahead.”

“I concur.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Your Grace? I have Lady.”

Duncan stood and opened the door. Ellery passed the rope to him. “Lady has been bathed, fed, and taken for a walk.”

“I appreciate it. Thank you for everything.”

Ellery touched his forelock and retreated toward the staircase. Duncan closed the door and removed the rope, and Lady bounded toward Augusta, her tongue lolling. Augusta ruffled the animal’s soft fur and kissed her head, then watched as Lady settled by the fire.

“We are truly indebted to Mr. Tobey and his employees,” Augusta stated.

Duncan sat. “I will leave Ellery and Grimsley a gratuity before we leave. Mr. Tobey informed me that he will take the chickens; it is the only thank-you he wishes for. He said to assure you they will be laying hens only.” Augusta laughed. “I told him that if he is ever near Essex and Bamford Park, he is more than welcome to visit.”

“I rather liked Mr. and Mrs. Tobey and their three children. We should invite them, perhaps this summer, to stay a few days. It wouldn’t hurt to get his opinion on agricultural matters. He has quite a large and successful operation here.”

“Very wise. They also did not scream or recoil when they saw my face. Patrick told me earlier he had prepared them by describing my war injuries in detail. Although the youngest, Anna, could not stop staring, she was not impolite. They are good people, I agree. I will give them an invitation before we depart.”

“See? We have made new friends. This adventure has had its advantages.”

“You are right again, my love.” Duncan stood and held out his hand. “Come to bed.”

After heartfelt goodbyes and promises of a summer visit, they departed for Stoneheath at dawn, with Grimsley and Ellery driving the sleighs. After securing the coffin, they climbed into the hired carriage with Lady, and Patrick rode alongside on Midnight. Mrs. Tobey had made them sandwiches, and they settled in for the journey.

Augusta sat next to Duncan, curled against his uninjured shoulder. Now that Bamford Park was barely fifteen miles away, she felt a jolt of apprehension. Duchess of a manor? Servants, everywhere she turned? Dozens upon dozens of rooms? How would she manage? It would be quite a change for Reese and Prisilla as well, going from an eleven-room residence to an estate house.

“Duncan, perhaps I should make the journey to collect Reese and Priscilla. To prepare them for the change our lives are about to take.”