The grand, black-lacquered carriage of the Duke of Elinburgh pulled smoothly into the courtyard of the family mansion. The moment it came to a stop, the large front doors of the estate opened, and a line of servants hurried out to greet them.
A footman pulled down the carriage step and opened the door. The servants at the Carson mansion, well-trained and efficient, took Eric's coat and Delia's hat the moment they stepped inside the cool, marble-floored entrance hall.
"Welcome home, Your Grace. Welcome, Your Grace, the Duchess," they said in a chorus of respectful, welcoming voices.
"Thank you," Eric and Delia replied, the newness of being addressed as a pair still a pleasant surprise. Delia put her hand on Eric's arm, a familiar, comfortable gesture now, as he led them towards the main drawing room.
