Page 16 of When a Duke Desires a Lass
A welcome breeze whisked by, rousing her from her stupor.
Come now, Emily Cecelia Ann Grenville. Youare not a weak-kneed, weak-willedninnyhammer. Chin up. Marshal your composure.
Filling her lungs with a stabilizing breath, Emily braced herself and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow.
Other than a slight, wholly tolerable tremor, she angled her head with commendable composure. “Indeed.”
They walked in silence for the first few minutes.
Were his thoughts as snarled as hers?
Clearing his throat, the duke glanced downward. “Avery enjoyed herself yesterday. I believe she’s quite taken with the Duchess of San Sebastian.”
Emily nodded thoughtfully.
“Justina was taken with her as well. I thought luncheon next week with Justina and her intimate circle of friends might be just the thing to introduce Avery. You know them too. It would be a safe environment and establish her in a powerful circle.”
“I see ye’ve thought this through.” The duke’s features softened with what she thought might be gratitude. “I appreciate it. I confess I’ve been at a loss how to prepare her for a Come Out.”
Emily’s heart turned over.
Tobias cared for his niece—wanted what was best for Avery.
“We’ll start with the luncheon. In the meanwhile, Avery shall need an appropriate wardrobe for a Season. With your permission, I shall set up appointments with the modistes, milliners, glovers…”
She gave a self-conscious laugh for prattling on. “Well, I needn’t name all the merchants.”
“Yes, please do make the arrangements. My coach shall be at your disposal.” He smiled down at her, and Emily’s heart tumbled over itself before resuming an irregular beat.
“Should I plan on accompanying ye?” he asked with commendable sincerity.
Heavens above, no!
Emily almost blurted the blunt refusal aloud.
That would be the epitome of foolishness.
Sitting beside Tobias for hours, selecting fabrics, trims, waiting for Avery’s measurements to be taken…Not wise. No indeed.
Emily shook her head, mindful to not seem too reluctant.
“No. It’s a tedious process, and I cannot help but think Avery wouldn’t appreciate the gesture, no matter how well-meaning.” She chuckled and gave him a side-eyed glance. “Most men avoid such excursions. I’m surprised you’d volunteer for that torture.”
A relief-filled chuckle escaped him.
“I confess, I wasn’t altogether keen on the notion, but as Avery’s guardian, I would’ve put aside my personal discomfiture.”
He sincerely did want what was best for his niece.
A little spark ignited in a corner of Emily’s heart and warmed her blood, much like sinking into a steaming perfumed and oiled bath.
This was dangerous. Emotions made a woman vulnerable. Hadn’t she learned her lesson?
Giving herself a mental shake, she focused on Avery’s needs.
“A word in the right ears, namely the duchesses Bainbridge, Sutcliffe, Pennington, Dandridge, Sheffield, Kincade, Westfall, Asherford, Waycross, and Heartwaite; and the countesses of Wainthorpe, Scarborough, and Keyworth, shall ensure numerous invitations to coveted gatherings.”
Emily frowned. “However, I don’t want Avery overwhelmed.”
