poured another glass.
“If I were the one decorating, I might add some primary colors.” She swept her hand across a royal blue wool with exquisite crewel work embroidery. “You don’t want it to be dull. You’ll be working in here. A little color does wonders for creativity.”
“I told him nothing flamboyant, and I don’t want that blue you’re fondling either. If he chooses everything the color of mud, it would suit me.” He shook his head. “Forgive me. I sound like a grumpy old man. Perhaps you should offer your advice to Morgan.”
“If that’s a challenge, I accept.” She glanced around the rich black, green, and white furnishings. In her opinion, it was classic and tastefully done. “It’s a beautiful room. Why are you even redecorating?”
“Because this was my stepmother’s handiwork.”
The brittleness in his tone had returned, much like when they’d first met. Obviously, she’d hit a nerve. She dug a little deeper under the samples and found a lovely brown and cream striped satin that would perfectly match the light color of his desk. The brown shade reminded her of the leather of a new saddle. She’d remember this color and incorporate it into her new collection of linens. She laid it on top so Morgan would discover it.
Somehow, Christian had made his way to her side without her even knowing he was there. An apparition made more noise. “Do they teach you that in the army?” she asked.
His brow furrowed into neat lines. “How to pour a glass of brandy? My commanding officer also instructed me on the fine art of pouring sherry.” He held out a glass.
“No, I meant sneaking up on people.” She laughed as she took the sherry. They toasted each other as friends would.
“A requisite part of an officer’s training, I’m afraid. Never let the enemy see you coming.” The smile on his face made him appear years younger than when she’d first met him in the solicitor’s office.
My God, he was handsome when he smiled. She stepped back and took a sip, never taking her gaze from his. “Am I the enemy?”
He appraised her, looking for any chinks in her armor. She’d experienced such evaluations all her life when others had discovered that her mother was an actress. Women thought her below them in social status, and men thought her easy prey for bed sport. But Katherine had protected herself by weaving fanciful stories of a doting father who was a cherished husband to her mother. She’d continued the tale by sharing that the poor soul had been lost in a tragic shipwreck, never to be heard from again. Such fairy tales were easy to spin, and people believed her. Meri had. Instinctively, she drew to her full height and tilted her chin barely an inch. She’d not be cowered by a man such as the duke, who had little regard for family. It was the most precious gift one could receive.
“Are you the enemy?” His voice had taken on a dark, silken quality, one that reminded her of his brandy. A sip started off smooth but would soon burn. “You’ll have to tell me. But be forewarned, Katherine, I’ve been trained to crush enemies without a look back.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m not your enemy. I’d hoped you would help with Constance and Beth. I don’t want their lives ruined. You”—she waved her hand between them—“and I have to figure out a way to protect their reputations. An innocent baby is involved, one who didn’t ask for the burden they’re about to be born with. Neither did Constance. She thought she was protected under the sanctity of lawful marriage. So did Meriwether’s third wife. But you can help these women,” she offered.
“Honestly, I’m not certain how I can help. I came back to Mr. Hanes’s office to talk to all of you, but you’d left.” He swiftly but elegantly turned, then strolled away. “Hanes is trying to determine if your husband left anything that might belong to you or the other wives. He’s also attempting to determine the validity of each marriage.”
She gasped slightly.
Immediately he turned around. “Are you all right?”
She coughed to hide her unease. “I swallowed wrong.”
What if they discovered that Meri had never consummated the marriage? Would it make any difference? What if anyone discovered she wasn’t a true lady?
“If it’s acceptable, I’ll call on you tomorrow. Perhaps together we can find some options for everyone.”
The tightness in her shoulders loosened at the offer of help. “Really? I thought you