Page 26 of How Not to Marry a Duke

Her country home may be a work in progress, but Adeline loved the freedom it offered. London was stifling, and an earl’s daughter could accomplish only so much. If it were up to Edwin, she would marry a stranger, a greedy moneylender to satisfy a family debt.

“Are you having second thoughts about the duke?” Hasmik asked as they reached the porch.

Adeline’s step faltered. She didn’t bother to deny it. Hasmik always knew what Adeline was thinking. “I don’t have the luxury of second thoughts.”

“You mean because of your brother?”

“Edwin was quite adamant about my future. The duke’s offer, no matter how shocking, came just at the right time.”

“A lady can always reconsider.”

“How? My brother would love for me to return to him with my tail tucked between my legs.”

“Harumph! Your brother isn’t worthy of the title.”

“Perhaps. But there is nothing to be done for it. My father is dead.”

“Do not think sad thoughts, habibti. The greatest future is for those who are courageous enough to seize it.” Arabic proverbs were inspiring and could be daunting at the same time, and Hasmik had a habit of spouting them.

“I pray you are right.” Adeline lifted the shiny brass knocker and rapped the door twice.

The door swung open to reveal a middle-aged butler with a receding hairline and brown eyes. “May I be of assistance?”

“My name is Lady Adeline Cameron, and this is my companion, Miss Hasmik. His Grace is expecting us.”

She didn’t miss the slight flare of his eyes as he took in her features first, then Hasmik’s. “Please come in, my lady, and I will see you both to the drawing room.”

The vestibule was welcoming with a black-and-white marble floor and fresh vase of flowers on an end table. No priceless paintings from masters graced the walls, nor were there gilt mirrors or massive chandeliers holding hundreds of candles. Yet the walls were freshly painted a cream color. The drawing room was lovely with yellow and blue striped settee and matching chairs, a pianoforte, and a curiosity cabinet in the corner. Large windows overlooked the gardens, the stream, and the waterwheel.

“I will inform His Grace that you are here, my lady, and will send for refreshments.” The butler bowed and departed.

“It may not be a fancy London house, but his servant is just as proper,” Hasmik said, a note of approval in her voice.

“I never would have believed he was an aristocrat, let alone a duke, the first time we met.” She’d noticed his face, of course. Who wouldn’t? His handsome features belonged on a painting, only she wasn’t an artist. Then there was their physical encounter, and her cheeks felt warm at the memory of his body pressed against hers as they had collided outside her home.

Adeline and Hasmik sat side by side on a plush sofa. The door opened and Adeline’s pulse leaped, then settled when an older woman entered the drawing room. She wore a black dress with a starched white apron and cuffs. A ring of keys hung at her waist.

“Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Mrs. Posner and I’m the housekeeper here. We have prepared refreshments for you both.” She motioned behind her, and a young maid wheeled in a cart with tea and scones.

“Thank you,” Adeline said.

Mrs. Posner’s expression was friendly, and Adeline had the sense the woman’s gaze lingered on her a bit longer than necessary, as if she were a curiosity.

“We are glad for your visit. His Grace has not had much company during his country stay.”

How much did the housekeeper know? Adeline knew servants gossiped. She also knew the value of a loyal housekeeper. When her mother had married the earl, the housekeeper had been loyal to the former countess and despised her mother. She had been a thorn in her mother’s side for a full year before her mother had let her go and retained a different housekeeper. Edwin had used it as another excuse to resent his stepmother.

Even if Adeline’s arrangement with Warwick was temporary, she needed an ally. She smiled at the housekeeper. “The scones look delicious.”

Mrs. Posner returned her smile. “I’ll be sure to tell Cook.” She bobbed a curtsy and departed.

“She knows something,” Hasmik said.

“You think Warwick told the staff and they are waiting for Warwick to make a proper announcement?”

“I don’t know exactly, but one knows when one’s nose itches.”

“Your nose is itching? It is most likely an unpleasant reaction to the flowers in the vestibule.”