Donna’s stomach churned as she waited on the front step before Woodbridge Hall. Hopefully Beth wouldn’t judge her too harshly for staying with Blackwell last night rather than go to the inn as they’d planned. Crying yesterday to her dearest friend hadn’t been good, though Beth had helped Donna sort out her feelings.

Finally, a black Rolls Royce turned onto the driveway and Donna took a deep, steadying breath. Beth was here!

The town car stopped in front of the house and the driver, uniformed in black, hopped out and opened the rear door.

Donna grinned and hugged Beth tight, grateful that she’d made the long trip. Her dyed blonde to cover the grays, skin wrinkled from the Miami sun, Beth return hug bathed Donna in warmth and love. “Beth, it’s good you’re here.”

When the hug ended, Donna fixed her purple blouse, tucking it into the black skirt that she used to wear to work. At some point soon, she’d have to shop for clothes as she didn’t plan on going to Miami for her things, and shopping with Beth for new duchess clothes would be fun.

Beth’s eyes widened as she stared at the house. “Glad you stuck it out here last night and not the inn.”

“Me too.” She and Blackwell had connected on so many levels that while she was still nervous about becoming a duchess, she had every faith that he would help her learn at his side. Donna walked forward onto the first low white marble step. “Come. I want you to meet Blackwell.”

Beth followed and took Donna’s arm as they climbed the flat, short steps. Once they reached the front door, Beth tugged her back and whispered, “Why is he not outside with you?”

Donna smiled at Beth’s protectiveness. “He was, but he just received a phone call. Please give him a chance. I do love him.”

Beth’s features softened. “Wow. I’m so glad to hear it, honey.”

The door opened and Blackwell joined them both on the front step. “Donna, I was on my way back out.”

Donna helped her friend inside as Blackwell held the door. Donna couldn’t stop looking at Blackwell, her heart warming with love. “Who was on the phone?”

Blackwell’s head lowered and grief flashed across his face. “My friend, Remington Burke, the Earl of Sky. His grandmother is dying and she wants to see me before she goes.”

She reached out and squeezed Blackwell’s upper arm. “That’s horrible. I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

He nodded and met her gaze. “Come with me after lunch? I’m sure Chelsea or her father will be there so we can straighten everything out with her and be in the clear to plan our wedding for whenever you want. I’ll handle the details, so you don’t need to worry about it. As I told you last night, the contract included an exit clause where I pay her a fee, and then we’re done.”

Sounded easy enough and no emotions were involved on either person’s part. She nodded, but then she turned to her friend. “Beth, do you mind being by yourself for a while this afternoon? There are gardens you will love and the perfect bench for reading beneath a shady tree.”

“I’ll be fine.” Beth stood back as the driver brought her bags into the house and handed them to the butler.

Beth, always kind, didn’t even blink that things might be different than in Miami.

Blackwell focused on Beth with his usual charm. “It is my pleasure to meet you. My mother is hoping you’ll join her for shopping this afternoon while we are gone.”

A huge grin broke out on her slightly wrinkled but fair face. “I can’t wait to meet your mother. She was so lovely on the phone and I’d love to match a face with her voice.”

Blackwell turned slightly and motioned through the house and toward the terrace. “Breakfast is al fresco, with a view of the garden. I’ll let Donna show you to your room so that you can freshen up. Once you are finished, please join us.”

Beth nodded and again took Donna’s arm as she turned toward the long stairwell. However, Donna redirected them to the elevator which was behind the staircase as she knew Beth had trouble with her left knee. The moment the elevator closed, Beth sighed. “Now that is a handsome man, Donna, and he has impeccable manners. He doesn’t sound foreign at all.”

The elevator climbed as Donna explained, “He was born in Colorado and grew up on a farm.”

The doors opened to the second floor and Donna led her out of the small elevator and into the white hall with white vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. “Ah, well that explains it. If I was thirty years younger, I’d go after him myself. How is he in bed?”

Donna opened one of the guest bedrooms and showed her friend inside while her entire body heated and she hid her face. “Umm…”

Beth laughed and walked over to her bags that were neatly stacked near the closet and wooden bureau. “I can tell from your blush that he’s better than Harry in every way. Never marry a man who doesn’t satisfy you.”

Donna gazed up and nodded. Beth had said that many times and she slowly felt her body heat decompress. “I understand your advice, now.”

Beth gave her another hug. “Good. Let me take a five minute shower and change my clothes. Breakfast sounds great and I’ll meet you downstairs—I can find my way.”

“If you aren’t there in fifteen minutes I will come get you.” Donna nodded as she retreated and headed toward the door.

She floated down the stairs, at peace at last. She had no idea that saying yes could be this easy. As she made it to the first floor and a reading nook tucked by the stairs, Blackwell jumped up from a chair with a book in hand. “So, did I pass initial inspection or do I have to work harder?”

She walked to his side and checked out the sailing autobiography he’d been reading. “She likes you so far. She knows I love you.”

His shoulders showed his relief. “Good. I hope going to Remington’s this afternoon is okay. I wasn’t expecting that call.”

A sickbed wasn’t something anyone could plan ahead. She shrugged. “Of course. If we can straighten everything out in person with Chelsea, that would be good too. But the most important thing is to be there for your friend and his grandmother.”

He kissed her cheek and offered his arm. “Like you, he was raised by his grandmother, only his parents died when he was a baby.”

“That’s horrible.” She took it and they went through the grand room to the terrace. This room had clearly held formal balls less than a century ago and the essence of ghosts who wanted to dance, drink or laugh remained. Perhaps they could have their wedding here? “I’m glad I have memories of my parents. At Christmas, the living room was full of presents that they must have bought throughout the year. My grandmother loved me, and I loved her. She tried but the holidays were when I missed them the most.”

He guided her to the terrace where they could gaze at the green grass that glistened with dew in the morning sunlight. She let go of Blackwell and went to the tea service as Beth joined them. “Donna, Blackwell, nice to see you again.”

“You have the best sense of direction, Beth.” Donna poured hot water over a bag of Earl Grey.

Blackwell waited behind seats he’d pulled back from the table for them. “You must be hungry. Let’s get you breakfast.” Beth took the offered chair and Donna brought her a cup of tea.

“Thank you,” Beth said.

Donna sat opposite Beth, and Blackwell waited for them both to fully be comfortable before he took his seat next to her. “This evening we’ll go to the last night of celebration for the royal wedding. There will be dancing and a feast to cap off the week of festivities. My mother will ensure we’re properly outfitted as I think there is a theme.”

Beth shielded her eyes as she gestured with her tea cup. “Is that your mother coming across the lawn?”

“Yes.” Blackwell jumped out of his seat, poured his mother tea, and held it for her as she walked up the short terrace steps. He waited for her and said, “Mother, glad you could join us. This is Beth Conners.”

“Nice to meet you.” His mother then pushed a white handkerchief with a twinkling emerald set in gold toward her son. “Lady Sky lent me this broach. Please bring it back today when you head over, Blackwell. This will belong to the new Lady Sky when Remington marries.”

Soon, she’d meet Blackwell’s friends. She knew almost nothing about his life. Donna buttered her toast and asked, “How old is Remington?”

Blackwell deposited his napkin on his lap and added milk to his coffee. “Older than me by a month. He has thirty days left to find a bride so he’ll probably be happy Chelsea is available.”

Trading a potential bride sounded old-fashioned. Donna’s heart sped faster as she lifted her chin. “Well, I hope that’s up to her. I wouldn’t want to marry anyone I didn’t choose.”

Blackwell leaned forward and brushed his hand against hers. “Of course. We’re not barbarians here. Let’s enjoy the morning.”

Beth stirred her tea and stared out at the trees and the garden. She turned around and nodded, “Your house is gorgeous, Your Grace.”

Blackwell added a blueberry muffin to his plate. “Call me Blackwell. Donna considers you family and I’d like to do the same.”

Good. Nothing could go wrong. They could have a simple ceremony once Blackwell took care of the paperwork, and Donna wished she could happily disappear on his estate, never to worry about anything the rest of her life. However, she knew she’d study hard and absorb his mother’s teaching on how to be a duchess. Her life would be better if she gained confidence that she might be a real lady, and this was the better plan. Either way, she’d get to be with Blackwell and that should be all that mattered.