“Now, before I forget, I absolutely must introduce you to our darling niece. My sister’s child. Miss Susan Hargrave, this is the esteemed Duke of Exeter. You share the same name as his beloved twin sister.”
“Not quite the same name.” Sinclair shook his head and stood politely. “How do you do, Miss Hargrave?”
The young woman—and she could not be more than eighteen—dipped a graceful curtsy beside the table. “Very well, thank you.”
“Do join your aunt,” he suggested offering her his chair. His remaining sandwiches would have to go uneaten.
The young woman let out a pained sigh and looked around. “But there’s no chair for you now.”
Lady Finch looked around quite desperately, and then laughed nervously when she did not find a vacant one close, either. “Isn’t her concern for you charming, your grace? Surely there must be another chair somewhere.”
He smiled quickly, and then gestured to Teddy to fetch one from the only vacant table he could see on the far side of the room. Teddy was quite quick about it unfortunately. “Thank you, Teddy.”
Lady Finch beamed. “I must admit I have quite fallen in love with her since she has come to stay with us. Such happy company for Finch and I. Just wait until you hear her sing. She captivates so artlessly.”
He nodded, not knowing what else he could say. Lady Finch clearly doted on the girl but Sinclair saw the niece cringe from the praise her aunt was lavishing on her. That unconscious gesture singlehandedly raised Sinclair’s opinion of the young woman. Clearly, she did not agree with all the things her aunt was saying about her.
It made him wonder about Miss Hargrave at last. She had not been on his initial list, but she might warrant his and Teddy’s consideration at a later date.
Sinclair, however, wanted the truth of her nature firsthand, and the only way to do that was to separate them both from her overbearing aunt. “Miss Hargrave, I wonder if you might allow me the honor of walking the room with you, with your aunt’s permission, of course.”
The young woman appeared a bit startled by his request but agreed at her aunt’s gleeful urging. It was a pity Miss Hargrave came encumbered with such an odious and close relation. The rest of the family were first rate, though. All rational, level-headed creatures.
They moved off, and Teddy, in his guise of a loyal servant, followed a few steps behind. “I understand you have been staying with Lord Finch for a while now.”
“Yes, Uncle Charlie—” She paused to clear her throat. “Lord Finch insisted after my parents died that I should live with them, and now I am here in London.”
Lord Finch was the one to insist? How interesting? He would have thought Lady Finch more interested in her niece’s welfare, given all he’d just heard. The young woman was from her branch of the family tree, after all. “You have been with them for how long now?”
“Two years,” she said, but those words were uttered so wearily that Sinclair immediately concluded those two years had not been the happy ones Lady Finch claimed. He’d not met Miss Hargrave before tonight, but that was not surprising if she’d been in mourning and only recently brought to London.
“Finch is a good fellow. Very generous of him to take an interest in you,” Sinclair declared, and saw the girl smile. “Your aunt, too,” he added after a pause, and noticed the girl’s expression shutter.
So she liked her uncle but her aunt not so much. Now here was a young woman he could possibly work with. She was young but obviously aware. If she were eighteen years of age, she was not too young for Teddy. Not too old to be desperate to make any match at all. “Your aunt said you are a musician of some note.”
The girl looked vastly uncomfortable. “Forgive me, your grace, but I must confess something to you. My aunt has greatly exaggerated my accomplishments. I dabble, but I have never found an instrument I excel at. Musically, I am very much a failure, and I would prefer that no one hear me sing at all.”
“I am quite a dreadful piano player. My sister used to complain it was an assault on the ears.”
There was a softly uttered agreement voiced behind them, and Sinclair glanced over his shoulder to grin. He was surprised, but thrilled, Teddy had slipped out of his role for a moment.
Miss Hargrave chuckled softly. “That is what I think I must be to others, too. Painful.”
He looked down at Miss Hargrave. She was pretty, fresh, and obviously in good health. When he added that to her connections, she might place at the top of a very short list of potential wives for Teddy eventually. He wondered what sort of dowry she might bring to a marriage. He’d have to look into it. “What is it you really excel at?”
“I like books of all kinds. My father was a great reader and encouraged me at every turn to explore the writings of others and question it.” She smiled sheepishly. “Unfortunately, I have been known to argue with my reading material out loud.”
Sinclair laughed, casting a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure Teddy was still there, and listening in. “I have someone like that in my family. It can be distracting, but he seems to enjoy it.”
“I swear I have tried to stop myself,” she promised. “My uncle thinks it funny.”
Her uncle, but likely not her aunt. Bookish women tended to earn the scorn of shallow women like Lady Finch.
They had circled the room by this time, but when Sinclair lifted his attention from Miss Hargrave to look for Lady Finch, he could not find her. It was not a large room, but the woman had vanished into thin air. Sinclair ground his teeth.
“Oh no,” Miss Hargrave whispered, looking around too.
They were not alone, but people might assume him more interested in the young woman than he really was now.
With no option other than to abandon the young woman, they joined the crowd returning to the music room and continued strolling together.
A few assessing glances were directed their way, and when he finally saw Lady Finch, he wanted to throttle her for the smug smile she was wearing now.
She’d left her niece with him quite deliberately.
Damn harpy. Annoyed that she was attempting to manipulate something he could never want, Sinclair stopped to consider how best to retaliate.
He could not do anything that might reflect poorly on the young woman at his side. He found he liked her.
Lady Finch was surrounded by other women, all watching him closely. Sinclair could almost feel the shackles of matrimony begin to slither across the room in his direction. “Teddy,” he called.
“Yes, your grace?” Teddy was instantly by his side…but his gaze was darting to the charming Miss Hargrave, too.
“Have my carriage brought up.” He turned to Miss Hargrave and smiled. “Thank you for your company this evening. I hope you enjoy your stay with your uncle.”
“I hope so, too,” she replied with a firm nod. “I truly apologize for my aunt’s behavior,” she whispered softly, her expression pained.
“Thank you.” He backed away a step before pivoting. He would claim another engagement was the reason he had to go. He wished he could stay to see Lady Finch’s face as he strode out. He spoke to his hosts, who seemed to readily believe his lie about another engagement, and ambled out without a backward glance.
Teddy grinned as they settled into the carriage. “Now that was the fastest escape you have ever made from one of those dull things.”
“It might be considered a trifle rude, perhaps, but I simply could not stay.” He let out a pained sigh. “When you are duke, never believe Lady Finch, should she claim a close friendship ever existed between us.”
“I thought I saw a hint of ducal disdain for her.” He was silent a moment. “And what of Miss Hargrave?”
“I feel for the girl. To have such a relation is bad luck indeed. If not for her aunt, she would have all the right attributes.”
“For what?”
“To become a duchess.”
“Surely not yours,” Teddy choked out.
“Everyone says I ne
ed one, and an heir, too,” he said, then sighed heavily and looked out the window.
“She is too young for me to take you seriously,” Teddy announced. “And I am sure your family would prefer not to have that old bat as a relation.”
“There is nothing my nephew and niece can say to sway me either way. I alone make the decisions for the future of the duchy, for the foreseeable future. They would welcome any marriage I might be forced to make out of duty if it prevented the end of the title.” Teddy seemed startled by his statement. “As I said, I feel for Miss Hargrave. She will have an uphill battle to get any man to look beyond her aunt.”
“I am sure Miss Hargrave has many admirable qualities,” Teddy said quietly. “A woman is just as equal to a man and can overcome any difficulty if she tries hard enough.”
“Yes, I suppose so. Truthfulness and humility are two traits necessary for any Duchess of Exeter to possess. Only time will tell if anyone proves themselves worthy of that title. Of one thing I am sure—Lady Finch will ensure I meet her niece again.”
Teddy seemed to bite his lip following that remark and fell quiet for what remained of the homeward trip. Was he wondering if Sinclair was seriously considering matrimony at last? Did Teddy feel threatened? Jealous even, when he had praised Miss Hargrave or relieved he might yet be spared the inheritance?
Sinclair would accept anything at this point, if only it made Teddy step into the light.
Chapter 8
Kitty changed her gown a third time, and then sent her maid away. She stood before the mirror, plagued by uncertainty over her appearance. Half of Kitty’s reason for indecisiveness that morning was because she was uncertain of what note she should strike with her niece as they began instruction. Kitty did not want to intimidate Felicity by appearing too formal at first, but she also could not look too plain, either.
And every day she had awoken with the fear that Sinclair might call.
She needed to be ready for that event. She was sure he would come, but not when. She pressed her hands to her warm cheeks, annoyed that thinking of him made her blush still. She had not done that around a man since she’d been young and very foolish.
“Have you changed again?” Willa asked as she swept into the room after a soft knock, and wearing only a robe over her nightgown. Kitty envied her. At home, her family thought of anyone who did not rise with the sun and dress to be immediately seen as useless.
“My niece is expected soon.”
Willa yawned and then apologized. “I tell you, I miss the days when I was young and of a more robust constitution. I used to be able to stay up all night dancing or with Baxter and then remain awake for the day, too.”
“I feel ancient sometimes too,” Kitty admitted quietly.
“Are you sure your tiredness is not on account of a certain duke not coming to call yet?” Willa asked, one brow arched in amusement.
“No,” she lied. Kitty had thought of Sinclair all night and every night since they had met at Vauxhall Gardens. But why would he give an old woman he used to know a second thought when he probably had someone much younger to spend his time with now?
Her problem was that she had found him attractive still, and charming. His flirtations at Vauxhall that night had gone to her head, even if his words had been meant for the stranger he’d first thought her to be. Kitty had been stirred by him, in the same manner she’d been as a young woman.
She was again filled with regret. She felt so foolish for wishing she had stayed with him despite Lady Susanna’s threats to destroy her reputation.
She’d made the only decision she could at the time, to marry someone else. To forget Sinclair and strive for a good life as the wife of Lord James Forbes, a baron and Irish landowner, far from home. She must find her way back to feeling content again with her situation. “I think Felicity should be arriving anytime now.”
“Yes, you said that already. If your brother will let her come,” Willa muttered softly.
“Have some faith in my abilities to manage my brother. He will bring her.”
Willa settled on the edge of Kitty’s bed. “And if he cannot be reasonable? Have you decided what to do about him?”
“I think he is all right. I fear I worried for nothing and nearly did him a grave disservice.” She smiled quickly. “I hope you can forget what I said of him, but I will still convince him he’d be in the way.”
Willa’s expression soured. “It has always been my experience that a substantial helping of bullying is needed for managing some men. Forgive me, but your brother has always sounded the type to be as immovable as stone.”
“Close,” Kitty agreed. “If he comes with the girl, I will trust in you to find a way to distract him.”
Willa picked up a pillow and held it close to her chest. “Oh, I could likely manage Mr. Hunter if I really need to stir myself, mad or not. Let us hope that isn’t the case today. I am much too tired for an argument with anyone this morning.”
The door-knocker boomed through the house, and Kitty smiled, quickly adding a favorite silver pendant around her neck. “Well, at least they are not tardy,” she noted.
“I suppose we had better get this over with,” Willa suggested, squaring her shoulders. “I will dress and join you.”
“I cannot thank you enough,” Kitty called and followed Willa to her dressing room, where she hurriedly dressed in a lovely blue muslin morning gown. Then together, they descended the stairs to the drawing room to meet her family again.
Her brother and her niece were waiting. It was not a good sign that Percy was still here, and frowning. However, he bowed to Willa politely once introductions had been made. “Lady Darrow. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“As have I, Mr. Hunter. Thank you for waiting so patiently. Welcome to my home.”
Felicity smiled prettily but said nothing to anyone.
“You can come back for her later,” Kitty suggested. “Perhaps three.”
“I’m not leaving her alone here,” Percy said with a scowl.
Willa clucked her tongue. “My dear sir, are you interested in learning how deeply a lady should curtsy to the queen?”
“She is hardly likely to meet her in this drawing room,” he muttered.
“True, but your daughter must be prepared for all eventualities, so she is never to feel uncertain when in company,” Willa assured him, taking the lead in the conversation. “Trust me. We ladies are best suited to guide another lady in proper deportment. Gentlemen are often quite clueless.”
“Now see here,” Percy protested, entirely forgetting his manners as he glared at Willa. “I do not want you meddling with my daughter’s education, too.”
Kitty hurried forward and caught her brother’s arm, turning him away from Willa. Perhaps bringing Willa down so soon had been a bad idea. Percy must feel he was being ganged up on. “Dear Percy, I should like to get to know my niece better during my stay, and this is Willa’s home, do not forget. We are all guests here. But our discussions would most likely delve into matters affecting women’s health and well-being. I am sure you are like most men and have no inclination to participate in those sorts of discussions.”
She glanced at Willa, urging her to join them again now.
Willa nodded and slipped her hand through Percy’s other arm. He was so startled that Kitty felt him jump at the contact. “Quite right. We will not be discussing new inventions today, but tried and true practices for keeping a house,” Willa admitted with a warm smile. “If I recall correctly, your interests lie in the area of engineering. How fascinating it must be to create machines.”
Percy’s cheeks reddened.
Between them, they managed to steer Percy toward the front hall before he realized he’d been expertly maneuvered from the drawing room.
Kitty released him and quickly spun back into the drawing room doorway. “You may return for Felicity in the afternoon. Late. Say, four o’clock should do for today. Until then, dear brother, adieu.”
Kitty closed
the door in his face and turned the key in the lock for good measure.
Percy banged on the door, making Kitty jump. “What am I supposed to do until then?” he called out loudly.
“Perhaps invent something new that doesn’t hurt anyone,” she called back and then laughed.
Willa murmured something indecipherable to Percy out there, and he fell silent.
Kitty laughed softly. Dear Willa. She always knew just what to say. How amusing that Willa could make Percy blush, too. Kitty would owe her friend a great favor for distracting him.
Confident that Percy was taken care of, she turned to face her niece with a smile.
The girl was watching her with widened eyes. “You really are as devious as he warned me you would be,” Felicity blurted out.
“I think you will find that Willa and I are no more devious than any other women. But I have known your father a lot longer and have an advantage. I know what makes him happy and sitting around in drawing rooms is not it. It is not possible to have a private conversation when he is around too. And he would find our discussion tedious in the extreme. I am doing him a great favor by sending him away, though he will never admit to that.”
Felicity grinned. “You must teach me how to do what you just did to him. You have no idea how I suffer at home. He forgets half the time that I’m a girl. I can barely get a moment alone before my mirror. He only wants to talk about his inventions. My hands and fingers are quite small and nibble. He thinks of me as his assistant, I am sure.”
Kitty laughed softly and tucked an errant strand of hair behind Felicity’s ear. “I have some idea of how pester-some he can be. I did grow up with his experiments, too, so I understand your point of view completely. Please join me and sit.”
The girl flopped into the chair, and Kitty grimaced. “More slowly next time. Ladies do not throw themselves into a chair in front of other ladies, even their relations. Back straighter. There. Perfect.”
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