Page 33 of A Diamond for a Duke

Mama had refused to receive him each time he’d approached her on the matter.

He vowed he wouldn’t give up, that she’d eventually come around.

He didn’t know Mama.

She held a grudge and was about as malleable as dried mortar.

Sighing, Jemmah booted her unhappy musings aside.

As Jules had done every day since Jemmah had come to live with Aunt Theo, he’d be here momentarily for their daily outing. They’d explored all of the major parks and Covent Garden, visited Astley’s Amphitheatre, eaten ices at Gunter’s, and shopped along Bond Street several times.

Today’s plans included an excursion to Vauxhall Gardens.

She intended to return in the evening sometime too, but for this initial visit, she wanted to see the famed gardens in the daylight.

A soft knock rapped at her bedchamber door.

“Come.”

Jemmah drew on one soft kid glove.

“His Grace, the Duke of Dandridge, awaits you in the gold parlor, miss.” Pimble winked at his sister. “Let me know if Mary gets sassy. I’ll straighten her out, right quick, I shall.”

Mary stuck out her tongue and laughing, chucked a pillow at her brother’s head.

Observing their antics, Jemmah twisted her mouth into a wistful smile.

She didn’t remember ever playing like that with Adelinda.

“Never fear. Your sister attends her duties with conscience and efficiency. Mary, collect your cloak. I don’t want to keep the duke waiting.”

Ten minutes later saw Jemmah comfortably seated in Dandridge’s landau as his driver expertly tooled the conveyance along the busy lane. Mary dutifully sat in the rear groom’s seat to allow Jemmah and Jules privacy while still acting the part of chaperone.

As he was wont to do, despite the slight impropriety, Jules promptly tucked Jemmah’s gloved hand into his buff-clad one. He bent his head near, his breath tickling her ear.

“I called upon your mother again yesterday.”

“And?”

Jemmah searched his face, reading the answer in his compassionate gaze.

Drat Mama’s obstinance and pride.

“She refused me once more.”

The sun bounced off the diamond in his cravat, and the hunter green of his jacket reflected in the jade flecks in his irises.

Such kind, gentle eyes, yet also intelligent, alert, and assessing.

“I’m not surprised. In her bitterness, Mama blames everyone else for her circumstances. She sees herself as the victim, and that prevents her from hearing reason.”

Jemmah returned the mild, reassuring squeeze he gave her fingers.

The comfortable clip-clopping of the horses’ hooves on the cobblestones, the sun’s caressing rays, as well as the vehicle’s plush seat had her blinking sleepily and fighting a yawn.

“I’m sure it’s been quite difficult for her and Adelinda, now that Mary’s left and Aunt Theo has withdrawn her financial support.”

Jules made a confirming sound in the back of his throat, causing his Adam’s apple to bob. “I’ve no doubt, but once we are wed, I fully intend to provide her with an allowance as long as she agrees—”