“So, you admit that green is just as feminine as lilac?”
“I did not say that,” he responded, still maintaining his poker face.
“I have never known you to give up so easily, Your Grace,” Deborah commented.
“I do not see the point in arguing,” he replied, diplomatically.
Deborah felt hurt by his words, feeling as though she had just been shut away. They had never been friends, but they had never been indifferent to one another either. She realized she did not like this sudden change of dynamic and wondered if Joanna’s arrival had anything to do with it.
Why does it matter so much to you anyway?
By all rationality and logic, it should not matter to her. After all, one less argument with the Duke should only make her life more peaceful.
But her train of thought was interrupted by her brother, who suddenly stepped into the conversation and began speaking to Emma.
“Are you done, my dear?”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
“Iam nearly done.” Emma smiled, her face lighting up every time Peter spoke to her.
“Good.” Peter nodded. “The weather is still quite lovely outside, and I was hoping we could have another stroll in a garden nearby.”
“I would like nothing more,” Emma said brightly.
“Deborah.” Peter turned his gaze to his sister. “I know that you don’t have much interest in dresses either. Would you rather accompany us in the garden as our chaperone?”
Deborah knew all too well the reason behind her brother asking her. It was an excuse to spend some time alone with Emma, away from the watchful gaze of others.
“I would love to.” Deborah smiled knowingly.
Just as the three were about to make their exit, the Duke cleared his throat, making his presence in the conversation known.
“Actually, Peter,” he said, “it would be a better idea if I were to join the two of you instead. I am not sure if Deborah would make for a suitable chaperone.”
Deborah crossed her arms in front of her, offended at his dismissal. “On what basis do you say such a thing? I believe I can make a good chaperone.”
“It is not a personal comment on you,” the Duke said, refusing to meet her gaze, “but rather the fact that you are too young and, on top of that, unmarried.”
“You have a point,” Peter agreed with him, much to Deborah’s annoyance.
“If he has a point, then I certainly do not see it,” Deborah scoffed in disagreement.
“Oh, I don’t see why we are arguing over this,” Emma cut in, taking on the role of the peacemaker. “It is still a lovely day outside. Why don’t both of you come along?”
The Duke and Deborah exchanged a glance before looking away quickly.
“Fine,” they both said at the same time.
The four of them exited the shop and began walking towards the garden. Peter and Emma led the way, leaving the Duke and Deborah trailing behind.
As they walked, Deborah intentionally slowed down her pace so that Emma and Peter were no longer within earshot.
“If you walk any slower, then we might reach the garden by tomorrow noon,” the Duke remarked sarcastically.
Deborah dismissed his remark, choosing instead to stop and look at some flowers that were growing at the entrance of the garden.
“Why are you in such a hurry anyway, Your Grace?” she asked, taking a whiff of the roses that grew together in bunches.
