“If you have a moment, I would love to introduce you to my daughter, Hazel.” Lady Gerstein stepped aside to reveal her daughter, who had her gaze trained on the floor shyly. “This is her first ball of the Season, and she has yet to find someone who has managed to capture her interest. However, I think the two of you will get along swimmingly. She is a caring soul and—”
“I apologize, Lady Gerstein,” the Duke interrupted her before she could complete her sentence. “But my mother has already selected a prospective bride for me.”
The smile fell from Lady Gerstein’s face immediately. “I see. Modesty did not mention anything like that to me the last time I saw her.”
“I must take my leave now,” he said, hastily. “I have some important business to attend to. I hope you and your daughter have a lovely evening.”
He slipped away from the conversation as fast as he could and darted towards the exit.
His mother had recently alerted him of a match, and he trusted her fully. It wasn’t that he wasn’t a romantic, but he had seldom spent any time searching for a woman himself. He had inherited the dukedom at a relatively young age, and there were a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders.
But as the Duke, he knew that the choice of the woman he would decide to settle down with was important, and so, he had delegated the task to his mother, since she knew him best.
If anything, it was a weight off his shoulders. He pushed the thoughts of his marriage prospects out of his head and focused on the present moment.
Emma was still nowhere to be found. As he ventured into the darkness of the garden, he felt a nagging sensation at the base of his stomach.
Was she okay? It was unlike her to wander alone outside, but he knew he had to cover all bases. He was determined to find her.
CHAPTERTWO
Tucked away between the thick greenery of the maze and illuminated only by the soft glow of the moonlight, Deborah stood patiently next to her brother, who was pacing back and forth as they waited for Emma to arrive.
“Are you sure that she got your note?” Deborah inquired, intently observing her brother’s restless movements.
“She should arrive any moment now,” Peter said firmly. “I am sure of it. But I am grateful that you’re by my side.”
“I must say, I did not anticipate that I will be playing matchmaker tonight,” she said with a hint of amusement in her tone. “I hope she does, indeed, arrive, as you claim. Otherwise, we might have to find a new match for you.”
“Ridiculous.” Peter dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “There is no need to play matchmaker for me, for I have already found the one I want. If anyone requires a matchmaker, it is you, dear sister.”
“You are well aware that I have no interest in any of that,” Deborah said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
“Why not?” Peter probed. “There are many gentlemen at the ball tonight. Perhaps when you are done keeping a watch here, you can dance with one of your choosing.”
“I would much rather douse myself in oil and set myself on fire.”
“You are too young to be this cynical about love,” Peter said. “Now that I have found someone I love, I see how fulfilling it is. You are a remarkable woman and deserve someone who appreciates you as well. After all, do you really intend to stay single forever?”
Deborah shrugged. “The idea appeals to me. My true interest lies in research and writing. Finding a husband will only hold me back.”
“But that is a misconception,” Peter interjected fiercely. “The right person will accept you for who you are and will not hold you back.”
Despite her brother’s passionate appeal, Deborah refused to budge. “Some women are not suited for domesticity. Frankly, I have bigger dreams than finding love in this life.”
Peter sighed in disappointment, but the feeling was short-lived, as the steady click-clack of heels against the cobblestone path alerted them to the arrival of Emma.
“She’s here!” Peter exclaimed, relief washing all over him.
“I stand corrected.” Deborah smiled. “She got your note, after all.”
Clad in an emerald silk gown, Emma approached the two of them. However, it might as well have been that Deborah wasn’t there at all, as the pair kept their eyes fixed on each other.
“I apologize for being late,” Emma said, seeming out of breath. “I had to make sure my brother did not spot me leaving the premises.”
“You are here now,” Peter said, his tone suddenly much softer.
Seeing the two of them interact, Deborah felt as though she was interrupting an intimate moment.
