The Perfect Mistress

Ch. 5 The Picnic

The Earl's guests assembled in the hall waiting for the carriages to transport them to the picnic ground.

The Duke's eyes searched for Hannah, but did not find her. He wondered whether she avoided him for some reason.

He waited until all the guests have piled into the carriages before climbing into the last one. Still no sign of Hannah.

The short carriage ride to the picnic site was horrible. The other occupant was Miss Penelope Alcott, one of the most flirtatious of the debutantes. During the ride she chattered incessantly, while trying touch his hands and arms. The Duke distracted himself by remembering Hannah's nipples poking under her blouse.

To his relieve, he found Hannah already at the picnic site. She was busy instructing the footmen on where to spread the rugs, which dishes goes where, which wine bottles to open.

She wore a simple, muslin flower-patterned outdoor dress. It complemented her curveous figure and generous bosom without offending anyone, as it was closely buttoned to the neck. This time she was careful not to let any nipples visible. The Duke hardly could suppress his dissapointment.

When their eyes met, she gave a bright smile. Grinning back, the Duke decided he would find a way to 'unintentionally' sit beside her. And he succeeded.

Being with Hannah was such a bliss. She was an embodiment of a domesticated woman who live to please her man. She served him a variety of delicious dishes, poured wine for him, even took trouble to find him a clean napkin to wipe his beard.

They talked about simple things yet amusing. Finally he invited her on a stroll around the lake to watch the swans. She happily accepted.

"Are you looking for a husband, Lady Hannah?" asked the Duke.

"No, Your Grace. I don't wish to be married. I like the way I am now," replied Hannah.

"Why, a pretty girl like must have a lot of admirers," the Duke exclaimed.

"Admirers, yes. But none offered. And I do not expect them to," said Hannah.

"I do not understand, why wouldn't they?" asked the Duke.

"I cannot have children, that is why. Men need heir and children. Not only the rich and the titled. Even a simple farmer would never marry a woman who is known to be barren," said Hannah lightly.

"I admire your courage, milady. Not all women can stand in your shoes."

Hannah shrugged, "I have my family. I have a job assisting Catherine in running the castle. George even set aside my dowry to be put into investment on my own name. So if anything happen to him, I would be quite independent."

"That is very wise of him," the Duke murmured. "But are you not feeling lonely at times?"

"Of course I am lonely. But I console myself with my friends...and admirers," said Hannah carefully.

"Would you allow me to be your admirer, Lady Hannah? I would so much like to be your friend also," said the Duke.

"I would love you to be my friend, Your Grace. As for being an admirer, I shall have to get to know you better first," said Hannah, licking her lower lip seductively.

The Duke immediately felt hard again.