The Duke Goes Down (The Duke Hunt #1) - Sophie Jordan Page 0,43
again. She could not imagine another time when Peregrine Butler should take the time to dine with them, no matter how much he claimed to enjoy tonight’s dinner. He had his agenda and she and Papa were not part of that.
She was not part of it, and she would do well to remember that and cease her interference in his plans. Yes, she had a change of heart. Borne of desperation and self-preservation, she’d changed her mind. She would leave him be, and he would then have no reason to seek her out.
If he wanted to marry a lady for her dowry and that lady was agreeable to being so manipulated, then so be it. He would not be the first man to do so—nor would the lady in question be the first to marry for reasons that had nothing to do with love and respect.
“Papa,” she whispered so as not to startle him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and gently squeezed.
His eyes flitted to her face and she watched as awareness filtered back in. “Imogen? Oh. What time is it?” he asked as he glanced to the clock.
Mr. Butler’s clothes whispered as he moved away from the hearth. “Time for me to take my leave. I’m afraid I overstayed my welcome.”
“Oh, never say!” Papa took her arm and rose to his feet. “You’re welcome to stay the night, Mr. Butler, so you don’t have to ride home in the dark. We always keep our spare room prepared for guests.”
Imogen felt her eyes go wide. Peregrine Butler in the bedchamber next to hers? She tensed, forcing her gaze to remain fixed on her father so she did not turn to gawk at Mr. Butler.
“Oh, I could find my way home blindfolded, and even if I could not, my mount knows his way home. He’s well trained and could find his way to the stable through a blizzard.”
Papa did not look convinced, but he nodded, and motioned for Imogen to move in Butler’s direction. “See our guest out, Imogen. If you’ll forgive me, Mr. Butler, I’m going to start up the stairs for bed. Thank you for joining us.”
“I had a marvelous time. Thank you.”
Mrs. Garry, who had undoubtedly been listening at the door, appeared in the room ready to take her father’s arm. Imogen and the housekeeper had grown increasingly concerned at his maneuvering on the stairs and tried to be there when he ascended or descended.
Mr. Butler looked to her expectantly, arching an eyebrow as they were left alone in the parlor.
“This way,” she murmured, gesturing ahead as though there was any great mystery as to the location of the front door.
She marched through the small foyer whilst Papa finished ascending the stairs alongside Mrs. Garry and disappeared from sight.
“I trust you can find your way to our stable,” she said rather curtly as she pulled open the front door for him.
He hesitated before crossing the threshold. “It’s a short stroll. Why don’t you walk with me, Miss Bates?”
She peered at him suspiciously, her hand flexing anxiously around the edge of the door.
He gestured for her to precede him out into the evening.
Surely Papa did not mean for her to see him to the stable? It was not necessary.
The corner of his mouth quirked in a smirk. “Afraid?”
“Ha. You don’t intimidate me, Mr. Butler.” At least not very much.
She swept ahead of him into the night. He stepped out after her, shutting the door behind them. They walked around the house toward the stable at the back.
“It’s very dark out.” She glanced up at the moonless night. Visibility was low. She hated to ask the question, but felt compelled to do so. “Are you certain you do not want to accept my father’s offer to stay the night?”
“Do you want me to stay the night, Miss Bates?”
His deep voice felt like velvet on her skin. “I only ask out of concern.”
“Pity. You needn’t fret though. I’ll make it home safely.”
Nodding, she crossed her arms tightly over her chest as they advanced on the stables, her steps hard and quick.
She sent him a curious glance, wondering why he should want her to accompany him. Why did he not simply take his leave? He had never sought her out before. He’d resented all the times she had been foisted on him when they were young. Was it so he could harangue her further about her rumormongering?
“Is this where you berate me further to restore your reputation, Mr. Butler?”