“Yes.”
He watched her blue eyes widen in awe as she looked around the room. The library consisted of two floors with books stacked from floor to ceiling. A circular staircase led up to the second level with just as many books.
“Oh my,” she whispered. “How does anyone keep this organized?”
“A few years ago, my father hired a man to catalog and organize every book. There are over five thousand books in this room—subjects ranging from Architecture to Zoology and hundreds of works of fiction and estate journals. I have not added to the collection yet. But I believe it may be time to start.”
“No one would be able to read all these books.” She walked up to one of the shelves and skimmed a finger down the leather binding. “This is simply amazing.”
He sat down on a leather sofa and just watched as she pulled a book out to examine it.
“This is one book on gardening,” she said, turning toward him and then pointed to a row of books. “There is an entire row on gardening.”
“Well, the gardens here could use some assistance if you would like to read up on it. I never felt the gardens truly represented the house well.”
She giggled as she picked up a book. “As duke, you should have a maze.”
“Hmm, I like that idea. Read up on it then design one,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Just make sure there is a beautiful statue in the center of the maze for people to find. Something Greek perhaps. And a nice long bench so that when I finally find you there, I can make love to you for hours with no one able to interrupt us.”
She looked over at him and blushed. “That is too audacious by far. Making love in the out of doors.”
Harry laughed. “Oh, I shall show you how daring it is, love. On a nice warm day with the sun on your bare skin. I have a feeling you will enjoy yourself immensely.”
She shook her head and returned her gaze to the books. “First you need to build the maze, Harry.”
“Well, you’d better find a book on mazes over there because I just gave you that task.”
“I think I found one,” she replied as she pulled a book from the shelf. “Oh my, Harry, look at this! There are sketches in here that someone did years ago.” She sat down next to him and opened the book on her lap.
He took the sketches and nodded. “These are quite good, if I say so myself.”
What?
“Father insisted I learn to sketch as part of my proper education. I had no desire to sketch fruit, so I asked my teacher if we could do architecture or gardens. Mr. Reynolds decided gardens were a more appropriate subject than houses.” He had forgotten about the design for the maze until she brought it over to him.
“Why didn’t your father have the maze built?”
“He didn’t think it worthy of the ducal manor. He told me that when I inherited Northwood Park, I could put a maze in there.”
She stared down at the design and traced her fingers through the pattern. “It is most difficult, which I believe would only add to the enjoyment. Think how much fun Charlotte would have trying to find the center. You might lose her in there for hours.”
“Well, that might tire the girl out. I suppose I shall have to build it now.” He clasped her hand in his and squeezed. “Thank you for finding this, Louisa.”
She looked up at him with love in her eyes, and he was lost. He had to tell her how he felt about her. That he could not imagine his life without her in it. “Louisa—”
A sharp rap on the door interrupted him. “Your Grace, I have a letter for Miss Drake. It came express.”
“Express,” Louisa whispered with a frown.
“Bring it in.” Harry squeezed her hand tighter. “Who knows you are even here?”
“Only Emma.”
The footman brought in the missive as he felt her tremble under his hand. Harry grabbed the letter and handed it to her.
“Would you like me to leave you alone while you read it?” Harry asked as she broke the seal.
“No, please stay. It is from Emma. I do hope no one is ill. Or Tessa had an issue with the baby.” She stared down at the unopened letter.