Page 54 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“Why did you change your mind?” she asked once they were at the door.

“I could not concentrate on my work, and I thought the gallery would be a good distraction.”

“You should do things for yourself more. It is good for the spirit.”

“Ah, but my dear Rose, I do what I want whenever I want, remember?”

She blushed. “Do you remember every word I utter?”

He tilted his head. “Absolutely.”

“Now I will worry over every word.”

“Please do not. I enjoy our conversations, even if they are sometimes…irksome.”

For some silly reason that made her inordinately happy. “Come, show me what you like.”

“Ah, I wish we could, but we must chaperone Marianne, remember?”

Of course, whenever she was with this man, she seemed to forget everything else. “That may be difficult in this crowd, but let us keep up with them.”

After some time, the rooms thinned, making it easier to get closer to the works on the walls. Thankfully, Dunstan led the way towards his works, pointing out others as they went. To see so many types of art in one place was a joy, and to talk about each one with someone who also appreciated the skill was delightful. Marianne was so absorbed in Lord Dunstan that she was almost shocked to see them when they finally reached the end of the gallery.

Lord Dunstan smiled down at Marianne. “I think we deserve a respite from walking; let us all go to a tearoom.”

Marianne and Rose both clapped in excitement. It was a relief being away from the house and far from the hustle of Mayfair. Having tea with a duke meant that they were given the best table and prompt service. Marianne did not seem surprised by this, but it only highlighted that if her brother had his way, Rose might not have too many days left in London and that she should enjoy every minute.

She smiled as she listened to Marianne and Lord Dunstan regale tales of their dogs.

“My brother here threatened to have Sasha banned to Ashtonvale after she chewed up his favorite copy of Waverley by Sir Walter Scott.”

“I cannot believe that Sasha would do such a thing; she is so sweet,” Dunstan said.

The duke shook his head. “She was a demon dog when she was a pup. Could not leave anything of value anywhere that she could reach. I swear she would eat the staircase if she could have.”

They all laughed, and Rose was stunned by the sound of Edward’s full laugh.

“Bart chewed my most comfortable pair of hessians. My valet nearly had apoplexy. He had just spent hours polishing them. He nearly resigned over it.”

Marianne covered her gasp with her hand. “Oh, no. I take it he grew out of it as well?”

“My valet or my dog?”

Marianne laughed and touched Dunstan’s arm. “Your dog, of course.”

“He was banned from upstairs for at least two years. Eventually, he preferred to sit in the kitchen and wait for the cook to give him a bone or scraps from dinner.”

“Our cook saves the bird necks for Sasha. She is a lady after all.”

“Do you like dogs, Your Grace?” Dunstan asked.

“I used to have hunting dogs, but having a dog in London full time is not practical. Marianne has time to spend with her dog. I do not.”

“Perhaps one day you will be able to do all the things you wish. I do wonder why you do not take a break and seek time in the country at Ashtonvale.”

Marianne looked down into her lap. Dunstan, of course, would know nothing about what happened and the consequences. Rose found herself holding her breath.

“The Regent likes me to be available at all times,” the duke explained. “As you know, I must also attend the House on occasion.”