A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,2
meeting someone else, only humorous observations about his travels.
She forced herself away from the door. Not more than twenty feet in front of her, Mr. Hanes stood wringing his hands before a giant of a man.
The stranger still wore his beaver top hat on his head. The multiple capes of his black greatcoat fell about his shoulders, giving him the appearance of Hades emerging from the underworld to conquer all. His thick black hair brushed his shoulders. Though the long length was out of fashion, it suited him perfectly.
Slowly, he turned his attention to her. Katherine straightened to her full height, ready to battle the beast before her. His brown-eyed gaze swept from the top of her head to her feet, then came to rest on her face.
As he stared at her, she stared right back. She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes for effect. After watching her mother on the stage for years, she’d learned how to deliver a formidable look that could scare a mortal man senseless.
For that one moment, all sound and thought ceased except for the man before her. He wasn’t conventionally handsome. His patrician nose was a tad on the large side, and his huge eyes reminded her of a hawk hunting for prey. His full lips were presently turned into a scowl, and his strong square jaw accentuated his confident demeanor.
Such sureness was rare and to be admired. At least, Kat had always admired it.
Unquestionably, he would get to the bottom of this travesty.
He nodded ever so slightly in acknowledgment.
Her breath accelerated as he continued to stare at her. His gaze dropped to her hands for a moment before his attention returned to Mr. Hanes.
Bloody hell. She’d been twisting her fingers together, a nervous habit she’d acquired in childhood. It completely destroyed her effort to appear disapproving. But after learning her fickle husband had three wives, it was a miracle she could stand at all.
Though the duke didn’t continue examining her, she took the opportunity to further study him. For weeks, the newspapers posted weekly accolades of his success on the battlefield. The accompanying drawings bore a remarkable likeness. He didn’t share Meri’s looks. Meri had light hair and blue eyes like an angel.
With his dark hair and strong features, the duke strongly favored an archangel. Standing in the hallway, he appeared invincible, like an otherworldly being.
The duke turned one shoulder to keep his conversation private. “Is she one of them?”
Even with his lowered voice, Katherine heard the words clearly.
“She’s your brother’s wife,” Mr. Hanes mumbled.
“Will you make the introductions?”
Goose bumps broke out across her arms at the roughness in his quiet voice.
By then, Katherine’s companion, Willa Ferguson, had joined her. “Sitting in the waiting room, I couldn’t help but notice the solicitor’s office looks like an ant colony. Everyone is running back and forth as if they’ve lost their heads. Is there trouble?”
Willa’s Scottish lilt normally soothed Katherine whenever she was tired or irritated. But this was more than irritation.
This was anarchy.
“The worst type of trouble,” Katherine whispered. “I’m not the only wife Meri had. There are two others in Mr. Hanes’s office.”
“Nae! For all that’s holy.” Willa practically spit her displeasure as her eyes widened. “I knew there was something wrong with that lad.” Slowly, her gaze narrowed on the duke. “Who’s he?”
“Meri’s brother, the Duke of Randford.”
“He looks like a Highland barbarian. Stay away from that one,” Willa warned.
“I can’t.” Katherine blew an errant curl from her face. “I heard the solicitor say the money is missing. I’m assuming that’s my dowry.”
Willa’s gaze whipped to hers. “What?” she asked incredulously.
“Shush, Willa. My money is missing,” Katherine whispered.
“Pfft. Bloody English,” Willa murmured. “They never stop stealing what’s not theirs. Especially the rich ones.”
The duke returned his attention to Katherine and narrowed his eyes.
Katherine turned her back on the duke so she and Willa could speak softly without the two men overhearing. “He wants to meet me.”
Willa’s eyes widened.
Katherine nodded. “Hopefully, the duke and Mr. Hanes have devised a plan on how to right this wrong quietly and quickly. I’ll speak to the duke, then see what I can glean from the solicitor. Once I know my money is safe, I’ll ask that it be deposited in the bank. Then we can leave.”
She hated to worry about money, but there was no helping it, not after what she’d just heard.
“I’ll get your dowry for ye. I’ve brought some protection,” Willa answered as if sharing state secrets while she padded her cloak pocket.