Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,105

week, and once we arrive in London, we will have time to buy you a whole new wardrobe!” her mother replied.

She grinned, as though she was the one having her debut. “It’s going to be splendid!”

The thought of new gowns and shoes excited Annette, and her mother’s excitement rubbed off on her. “I am looking forward to it!”

Her mother had tea prepared in the parlor. Annette was glad to rest from the long journey and began relating stories from her time in Paris. Her parents informed her of news from home, though the subject soon turned to Benjamin.

“Have you heard from Ben recently?” her mother asked.

“Not for at least a fortnight,” Annette said. It wasn’t unusual for replies to her letters to be delayed for weeks at a time. She always made sure to tease Ben about it when she sent a letter back, but, really, she didn’t mind. She knew he was a busy man.

“I believe the dowager duchess left for Wales last week. You remember Ben’s sister, Olivia?”

Annette recalled Ben’s oldest sister. She had never interacted with Olivia and Eliza very much, preferring the company of their brother. “Yes, of course.”

“She has just had another baby and Clarissa was very excited to meet her new grandchild! Eliza is also doing well, I’ve heard. She is living in London with her husband.”

Annette nodded politely at the news of Ben’s two sisters, but she was interested in something else. “Has Ben gone with his mother?”

Lady Rutmont frowned, considering. “Do you remember, James?” she asked, turning to her husband.

He held up his hands in innocence. “I don’t remember these sorts of things nearly as well as you do, darling.”

She shook her head and looked back at Annette. “I don’t recall, Annette. He might have gone, but he also might have stayed home to look after the estate.”

Annette sincerely hoped it was the latter. “I will take my walk there tomorrow and determine the truth for myself.”

Lord Rutmont smiled. “It seems some things never change, even after all these years. Ben has missed you dearly, Annette. He’s told us every time we’ve seen him.”

“I’ve missed him, too. We rarely spent a day apart when we were children.”

“He’s turned out to be a fine man.” Lord Rutmont nodded. “Of course, his manners are still a little lacking, but I’m sure you will rectify that soon enough, my dear.”

Annette chuckled, thinking of all the times she had gotten Ben out of uncomfortable situations when they were younger. “I will make sure to help him as well as I am able, Father.”

“As well you should,” Lady Rutmont interjected. “Your manners are impeccable, and I have no doubt you will find an eligible suitor by the end of the season.”

Lord Rutmont’s eyes widened. “Dear me! I had no idea I would be parting with my daughter so soon.”

“We will see,” Annette settled on. She couldn’t deny she was excited at being introduced to society and meet new people, but she wasn’t sure about being rushed into a betrothal. It would depend on the man, she supposed.

The day was spent in comfort, as Annette spent time with her parents and walked through the grounds of the estate she had missed so much.

She tried not to let herself settle in too much, as she would be leaving home for London in only a week’s time. For a moment, however, she knew she could rest in the security of being at home after three long years.

The next morning, Annette woke up with the single design of going to Longford to see if Ben was there. She rushed through breakfast, wanting to be on her way as soon as possible.

“Longford will still be standing in an hour,” Lord Rutmont said with a laugh, as he watched her speed through her meal.

Lady Rutmont shook her head and touched her husband’s arm. “Let her be. She hasn’t seen Ben in nine years.”

Annette forced herself to slow her pace. Her father was right; no matter how soon she began her walk, Ben would still be either at Longford or away in Wales by the time she arrived. Once she finished breakfast, her parents didn’t even wait for her to announce her intentions.

“Enjoy your walk,” her mother said with a smile. “And give our greetings to Ben if he’s at home.”

“I will! I will be back soon.” Annette grabbed her bonnet, donned her boots, and went outside.

The sun had already made some headway in the sky, but a mist hung over the grass. It