Page 44 of Her Duke's Secret


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Harry paused, wondering if he had forgotten that Arabella’s sisters were visiting. They had been here for tea on occasion, but never for a full night. Not until now.

“Was I informed of this?” he asked.

Mrs. Blomquist shook her head. “I believe not, Your Grace. It seems to have been a rather spontaneous decision.”

He wet his lips, feeling a little uncomfortable at the thought of two additional people roaming the house. He had told Arabellathat her sisters were welcome to visit anytime, but he would have preferred to be notified. He might have secured his chambers or study to prevent any accidental intrusions.

“I see,” he muttered, making his way toward the grand staircase. He felt Mrs. Blomquist’s eyes boring into the back of his head and turned around, a smile on his lips. “Yes, Mrs. Blomquist?”

“Nothing, Your Grace. I thought you might wish to greet your sisters-in-law, that is all.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I should not intrude.”

“With all due respect, Your Grace, is it not a little late for that? They are your family, and you did make a promise to assist them in finding husbands.” Mrs. Blomquist said this with a gentle firmness that made Harry wish he had not shared such details with the woman—she had the memory of an elephant.

“You are right,” he conceded and turned swiftly on his heels to make his way to the music room.

He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching as Arabella and her sister Hanna sat on the settee, listening to Emma, their middle sister, play the pianoforte. To say that Emma was accomplished was an overstatement. It was clear she had not received proper instruction, yet her sisters seemed to enjoy her playing.

In fact, there was a warmth in the air that he had never noticed before.

“Your Grace,” Lady Hanna said, suddenly leaping from her seat and bobbing a deep curtsy.

Likewise, Lady Emma ceased her playing and curtsied from behind the pianoforte.

Arabella, meanwhile, rose and folded her hands in front of her lavender-colored gown, inclining her chin in acknowledgment.

“You are late,” she said, her tone light but tinged with reproach. “I had hoped you might join us for supper.”

“I beg your pardon, I was not aware we had company. Otherwise, I would have,” he replied.

“Were you in town until now?” There was a hint of accusation in her voice, though her sisters appeared oblivious to it.

“Business,” he uttered tersely.

“Of course.” She nodded. “Well, I suppose we should bid you good night.”

He noted the stiffness in her posture; she did not want his company. Good. That was good. She was finally understanding that they could not spend time together. But why did it botherhim that she didn’t want to be in his company? Why was there a small but ever-growing part of him that longed for her to desire his presence? Was it merely because he had so enjoyed hearing a voice other than his servants’ and his own echoing through the halls?

“But we had hoped that His Grace might join us,” Lady Hanna interjected, a slightly panicked edge to her voice.

“Yes,” Emma agreed. “We had hoped to discuss our future with you.”

Arabella looked at her sisters sharply, but Harry merely nodded.

“Of course,” she said. “The Land of Nod can wait.”

Harry smiled and gestured toward the settee and armchairs. He took a seat while Arabella rose to pour a glass of brandy. To his surprise, she brought it to him, their fingers briefly touching as he accepted the glass. He noticed she wasn’t wearing any gloves, and the warmth of her skin sent a shiver down his spine that he could not quite explain.

“I do not mean to be so forward, Your Grace,” Lady Hanna began, her voice tentative, “but we do not know each other very well. However, I do know that you made a promise regarding helping us find suitable husbands.”

She meant to escape their father’s oppressive household, but he did not correct her.

“I did, and I fully intend to uphold that promise. In fact, I met with Lady Morley in town. Are you familiar with her?”

Lady Hanna and Lady Emma exchanged glances, their eyes widening in surprise.

“She is the premier matchmaker!” Arabella gasped beside him, her voice tinged with awe. “She hardly takes on anyone. Father tried to engage her some years ago, but she refused.”