Page 37 of To Steal a Duchess

“Of course,” Dorian said smoothly. “I shall alert my housekeeper.”

With that, Dorian turned to leave down the hallway, and Eloise couldn’t stop watching his retreating figure for a moment. Her focus was only broken when Gideon spoke.

“You are changing him already,” he mused.

She startled, looking at him. “Sorry?”

“Dorian. You are changing him. He barely ever lets guests stay overnight. I believe I was the last person to stay, and even that was some time ago. Even having dinner tonight, the way he told a story… I have not heard him speak that much in one go in a while.”

Eloise tried to fight the heat rising to her cheeks, but she drew her shoulders in a small show of doubt. “I do not believe it is me. Perhaps it is the country air, as he said to you. It can do a person wonders.”

“Do you spend much time together?” Gideon asked.

“He has taken me to Oldcliff village, where he introduced me to Mr. Marley Brannon, apparently an acquaintance of his, but other than that, our time together has been rather sparse. However, he is a busy man, and I do not expect a lot.”

“Perhaps,” Gideon laughed quietly. “But you get under his skin.” Footsteps came from down the hallway, two sets of them. “I think it is about high time someone else does it other than me. Keep him on his toes, Eloise. You are already a very fine duchess, and I know he will see that in you.”

A fine duchess does not make a wanted wife, though, she thought, and then chided herself internally for it.

She was composed once more by the time Dorian returned with Mrs. Hale.

The housekeeper curtsied to both Nancy and Gideon. “Good evening, Lord Langford, Lady Nancy. I have already sent a maid up to prepare your room, Lord Langford, but if you would both follow me, I will show you to your rooms.”

“Thank you.” Nancy inclined her head. She turned back to Eloise, embracing her briefly. “Goodnight, Eloise. And, Your Grace, you have been a most entertaining host. I wish you both a lovely night.”

“Me too.” Gideon nodded at them both. “Sleep well.”

The three of them retreated up the main staircase, and both Eloise and Dorian were quiet until their friends disappeared around the bend of the stairs and beyond.

Finally, Dorian turned back toward the drawing room, and Eloise dared to follow.

Once the door was closed, she finally spoke.

“If I am not out of place to ask,” she began, “will Gideon make Nancy happy? She has a very bold front and a strong character. She enjoys teasing disinterest when propositioned, but I know that she truly wishes for a love match. I do not want her heart broken, especially if your friend has a history of extensive flirting with any lady he fancies as a free man.”

“You are true,” Dorian told her, going over to the cabinet to pour himself a drink.

He paused, looking over the shelves full of vessel models, as did Eloise.

When he turned to her, his face was unreadable. “Gideon does have a reputation for being a flirt, and it is one that Lady Nancy is likely aware of, and one Gideon will not have been shy about speaking about, even so early on. He would never have let her get deeper into their courting without being honest and open about that.”

Eloise nodded, going over to where her husband stood. Without asking, he offered her a glass of wine, while he himself had a tumbler of whisky.

Together, they retreated to the twin armchairs before the unlit fireplace.

Through the windows beyond, night had settled with a sparkling blanket of stars: it was a clear, lovely night, and Eloise could not help but think of how the cliffs must look at this hour. The dark sky reflected the equally dark water below, how the waves lapping against the cliff faces would echo almost eerily, but to Eloise, it would be peaceful.

She half wanted to ask him if they could go for a walk out there, but it was too late, and it felt too intimate. Instead, she settled her dinner gown skirts neatly around her and pressed.

“His reputation… it will not cause Nancy a scandal, will it?”

“There will be talk, I imagine, when their engagement is announced,” Dorian said honestly. “It will be the typical headlines about a rake settling down, and who is Lady Nancy, and how has she caught his eye? But there will be nothing terrible said. Mere curiosity at most.”

“And he will not hurt her? His eyes will not be tempted to wander?” Eloise paused. “I apologize. That sounds doubtful of your friend, and quite awful. I am sorry.”

Dorian waved his glass at her, shaking her head, as though she did not need to worry. “The thing with Gideon is that he is known for that reputation. He has been loud about it, and it has gotten into some good places and some… rather questionable places. But above else, at his core, he is loyal, and he is attentive to those he holds dear. I know him well, and I am certain he would not have asked for Lady Nancy’s hand if he did not hold her in high regard. Gideon always said he would only settle down when he felt it in his heart and not… Well, not elsewhere.”

When Eloise understood his meaning, she blushed, while Dorian cleared his throat. Even though he spoke casually, Eloise felt every part of the meaning behind his words, and she fought not to give in to her embarrassment.