Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,40
a father but haven’t a clue how to go about it. While you and your daughter are here, I would like to spend time with her. Get to know how to speak to a child. How to behave around one.”
Elise couldn’t help but smile. “You have already done very well in that regard. As for spending time with her, I came to discuss with you returning to Briarcliff.”
“You heard Dr. Cherry, Lady Ruthersby. You and Lady Claire require rest in order to heal. Not riding in a freezing coach over unpassable roads so soon after you have both been injured.”
“But I am expected. I sent word after my parents’ deaths. Lord and Lady Ruthersby will be upset if I do not arrive soon.”
He frowned sternly. “I’ve told you that you’re no longer to be at their beck and call. Besides, I sent Mixon back to Shedwell this morning and a footman south with a letter from me to Ruthersby.”
“You what?”
“I explained to the earl about the dreadful carriage accident and how you and your daughter suffered injuries.”
“They are minor injuries,” she pointed out. “Nothing that would interfere with travel.”
“Still, you don’t need to rush off until both of you are completely well. I told Ruthersby I would escort you home in a week’s time.”
“That is quite thoughtful but very unnecessary, Your Grace.”
His gaze penetrated her, causing a tingle to rush through her. “It’s very necessary, my lady. I want to meet in person with your brother-in-law to make sure he understands our arrangement and that you will be needed in London, a very active participant in the Season.”
“He won’t like any of this,” she said, shaking her head worriedly. “In fact, I sincerely doubt he would approve of my attending the Season. Lord Ruthersby is not a man who likes to be inconvenienced. He and Lady Ruthersby will expect me to remain in the country with my nephews as I always have.”
Elise swallowed hard, hating that she had allowed herself to entertain thoughts of returning to Polite Society to find a husband when she all too well knew the harsh realities of her life.
“I am sorry, Your Grace. Though I agreed to help you in finding a bride, the fact is that I misspoke. Lord and Lady Ruthersby would never agree to bringing me to London with them, much less having me live in their townhouse as an equal. Though you thoughtfully agreed to provide a seamstress, I simply do not have the funds to pay for the fabrics required to make up the many gowns which would be required.”
She blinked rapidly as tears formed in her eyes, willing them not to fall. Meeting his steady gaze, she added, “I do thank you for your kind offer, Your Grace, but I must think of the welfare of my daughter above all else. I refuse to anger Lord Ruthersby, who provides a roof over our heads. My brother-in-law would not approve of this scheme.”
“He won’t have to. He’ll do exactly what I say.” The duke grinned. “I am a most persuasive man.”
She thought about how he’d kissed her. How he could have talked her into doing much more if they hadn’t been interrupted. It still surprised her that he was interested in marrying, especially because he had kissed her. Perhaps that was merely a reaction to his old nature. She didn’t think herself to be very tempting but he was buried in the country in December, with no female companionship available.
Despite the fact he had briefly kissed her, Disrepute did seem sincere in his mission to acquire a wife. No, she must stop thinking of him by such a silly nickname. The duke had been nothing but kind to her. She truly liked him as a person.
Perhaps too much.
“I hope you will convince Ruthersby,” she said. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“My lady?”
She turned.
“I also sent word to my sister that you and Lady Claire would accompany me to Christmas dinner at Colebourne Hall.”
“Oh, no. We couldn’t possibly intrude on your time with your family,” she protested.
“Nonsense. By going to Colebourne Hall, it will allow my servants to celebrate their own Christmas earlier than usual, with no one to wait upon. You wouldn’t want to delay that, would you? Besides, Sam will be delighted to meet you and Lady Claire.”
“I briefly meet Lady Samantha during my come-out. She was wed to Lord Haskett then.”
“You will like her much better now,” he confided. “She’s happy in her life and her marriage and wasn’t before.