Lily and Rose never made it to the hot pool that afternoon. Miss Lucinda Landon approached them after Thomas had gone back to the bachelor house.
“My lady,” she said to Lily, “the duchess is feeling poorly this afternoon, and today is our scheduled time to see to the tenants’ needs. I was hoping you might accompany me.”
“Of course, I would be happy to help,” Lily said. “But aren’t there some maids who would be better suited?”
“No, my dear. You’re the future duchess, and this will be your responsibility before long. It’s a good chance for you to see what will be required of you.”
The future duchess. Responsibilities. Duties. Lord, help her. “Of course, Miss Landon.” She turned to her sister, “I’m sorry, Rose. I won’t be able to spend the afternoon with you.”
“Nonsense,” Rose said. “I’ll come along with you. I’m sure an extra hand would be helpful.”
Lily and Rose rode with Miss Landon in the duchess’s private carriage, followed by several wagons full of food, clothing, and other necessities for the Lybrook tenants.
“Twice a month, the servants pack up leftover food, old clothing, medication, whatever else we have in abundance that the tenants might need,” Miss Landon explained. “Maggie and I bring it out to them, visit with them, and then return and let the duke know how they are getting on and if they have need of anything from us. Most of them are quite nice folk, as you shall see.”
“This will all be my responsibility after I’m married?” Lily asked nervously.
“Yes, my dear, but Maggie and I will still be here to help you.” Miss Landon took Lily’s hand. “I’m sure you and your sister have helped your own dear mother see to the Ashford tenants.”
“Yes, of course.”
“This won’t be completely new to you. I’ve no doubt that Flora has prepared you well for the responsibilities you will face as the duke’s wife. You will be a splendid duchess, my lady. My nephew adores you. It’s plain to see. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him as happy as he has been since you arrived at Laurel Ridge.”
Lily’s neck warmed. The thought that Daniel adored her filled her with elation soaked in despair. After all, at this moment he was no doubt warming another’s bed.
The tenants welcomed them and accepted the offerings with gratitude. Miss Landon had an affectionate and humble way of giving, making it seem like the tenants were doing the Lybrooks a favor by taking the extra food and supplies. She knew them all by name and asked after those she didn’t see. The women and children were thrilled to meet Lily and Rose when Miss Landon introduced them and explained that Lily would be marrying the duke.
“You’re both so pretty!” one adorable little girl with dark brown hair exclaimed. She carried a basket and was accompanied by an older girl of about fourteen or fifteen.
Lily picked the small child up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “What is your name, little one?”
“Katrina, my lady.”
“And how old are you, Katrina?” Rose asked.
“Six, my lady. How old are you?”
“You shouldn’t ask that question, Katrina,” Lily said. “You’ll understand when you’re older. My, but you are precious.”
“Will you come back to see us again?”
“Of course, we both will,” Lily said.
“This is my sister, Patricia,” the little girl said, introducing her companion. “Would you like to come home with me to meet my mum and brother?”
“No, Kat,” the older girl said. “I’m sure the ladies don’t have the time.”
“We’d be delighted,” Lily said. “Is it all right with you, Miss Landon?”
“Of course, dear. I’ll come along. I haven’t had the chance to chat with the widow Price the last couple of visits. It will be nice to see her.”
Katrina and Patricia hopped into the coach and led them to a small brick house surrounded by several gardens and plowed fields. A young man sat on the large front porch, playing a guitar. Even from a distance he was striking, with hair the color of coal in unfashionably long wavy layers, clear silver-grey eyes, and a strong jaw covered in the beginning of night beard.
“Cam!” Katrina shouted. “I brought some ladies to meet you. This is Lady Lily.” Katrina gestured. “She’s marrying the duke. And this is her sister, Lady Rose. My brother, Cameron.”
“It’s a pleasure.” Cameron bowed slightly, his gaze focused on Rose.
“Mr. Price,” Miss Landon said. “It’s very nice to see you. Is your mother at home?”