Sitting up in bed, she smiled at the bright morning sunlight streaming into the bedchamber. For reasons she refused to examine, Bella felt happier than she had in months. Maybe because she sensed a hint of spring in the air, she decided. After rising and donning a plain gray dress, she left the room without bothering to put her hair up, simply tying it back with a ribbon. Entering the kitchen, she decided to make everyone a hearty breakfast, and set about rattling pots and pans. But upon hearing a noise coming from the other room, she went to investigate. It was the duke, dressed in breeches, white lawn shirt, blue waistcoat, and shiny black Hessian boots. “Good morning, your grace,” Bella said a little shyly as she curtsied. “Good morning, Arabella. Please forgive my lack of a neckcloth.” He gestured to his sling ruefully. “I still find it difficult to tie the blasted thing.” “Not at all.” Bella waved away his concern. “You should know by now how informal we are. Please sit down.”
