Page 52 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“Wonderful! What name will you use?”

“My short stories have been published under the pseudonym M.J. Price, which was my mother’s maiden name. I’ve always dealt with Mr. Elder, the publisher, through correspondence, and he believes I am a man. But this time, I want to meet him in person and deliver my novel.”

“Are you ready to reveal your true identity?”

Mary raised her chin. “I am. Will you accompany me?”

“Of course. I’d be honored.”

Mary clutched her hands. “Oh Adeline. I’ve missed you so. The house has been lonesome without you, and I’ve been melancholy.”

“Has Edwin spent time with you since Father’s death?”

Mary’s gaze lowered to her glass. “He hasn’t been around much.”

“Then it was doubly unfortunate that he was here this afternoon.”

Mary rolled her eyes. “Will you two ever get along?”

“It’s unlikely. Especially after he showed up in the country to demand I marry a complete stranger.”

“Edwin would never!”

“He would and did.”

“Who is this strange gentleman?”

“It no longer matters.”

Adeline was careful to keep the details from Mary. Not because Mary was incapable of understanding Edwin’s financial strains, but because she didn’t want to ruin her sister’s relationship with her brother. Mary and Edwin were full siblings, and Edwin treated Mary well. He’d never evict her from their home or force her to marry an unscrupulous moneylender.

“You have been keeping secrets yourself.” Mary gave her a sly look.

Adeline trailed a finger down the frosted glass. “You read the gossip rags!”

Mary leaned forward in her seat. “A duke! You should have written to me.”

“The post is slow and there was no time. Warwick and I had decided to return for the remainder of the Season.”

“You traveled together?”

“Nothing scandalous occurred. Hasmik was in the coach.”

“I never thought otherwise.” Mary set an elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand. Her eyes widened in rapt interest. “Now tell me. Is your duke handsome? Charming? Courting you with flowers and chocolates? Penning you love letters?”

Adeline laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “Too many questions!”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that little is known about the Duke of Warwick. Is he a recluse?”

“He is an intellectual. He prefers books to balls.”

“It sounds like a good match. You prefer preparing herbs and poultices to parties.”

Adeline didn’t want to think about the ways the two of them aligned. She didn’t want to look for any more in common with Warwick. She didn’t want to like him or admire him any more than she already did. It only added to her frustration when they bickered…and they often did. Besides, their dealings were temporary. Nothing more.

“What about my other questions? Do not think to avoid answering them,” Mary said.

“He is handsome.” Strikingly so. “You will meet him soon enough. I’m staying with his godmother, Lady Heywood. Despite our dislike of balls, we both must attend a fair number of the ton’s upcoming entertainments.”