However, Micah barely lifted one bushy white eyebrow when he opened the door. “Good morning, sir.” The butler bowed, welcoming the colonel in, and reached for his hat. “Is Mrs. Howard expecting you? I’m afraid Mr. Duncan has already left for the office. He chose to walk on such a lovely day.” “No one is expecting me, but I happened upon a stunning bouquet and thought immediately of Mrs. Duncan. Perhaps you can see if she’ll receive me at this hour.” From behind his back, Elliott produced a large bunch of flowers he’d cut from a neighborhood garden in the middle of the night. He was lucky he hadn’t received a backside full of buckshot for his efforts. “Did you say Mrs. Duncan, sir, and not Mrs. Howard?” “You heard correctly, my good man.” “I’ll see if madam is still breakfasting, sir.” Chuckling, Micah marched off with military erectness. Elliott leaned against the center hall pillar, praying his idea would work. Another minute later, Mrs. Duncan strolled from the dining room with the grace of a queen.
