A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,26

pink bouquet to her.

“The honor is mine, Your Grace. Thank you.” She looked at the bouquet, then smiled. “I can’t manage a curtsy, I’m afraid. Anything beside a little hand wave is out of the question at this time.”

“It’s not necessary.” He stepped to her side and held out his hand. “Let’s get you settled first. Allow me to help?”

Constance hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. Slowly, he bowed over it in a show of respect, then cupped her elbow with his hand. Gently, he helped her as she sat down on the black-and-white striped sofa.

Tears blurred Katherine’s eyes for a moment.

Perhaps he was a man a woman could trust.

Yet, she’d trusted Meri, and look where she was now. She blinked carefully, willing herself to reconsider. Christian hadn’t lied to her. Nor had he abandoned her and the other wives. At least, not yet.

“It’s a little early for tea, but I think we all might need some for fortitude.” Katherine took a chair.

By then, Willa had brought in an elegant tea tray. Beth sat next to Katherine. Christian claimed the seat next to Constance.

As plates were prepared and tea poured, he looked around the room, examining the furnishings.

Katherine couldn’t help but notice the fraying of the rug, the one she’d bought used at the market or the scratches on the gilded table that she’d refinished herself. It sat between them and held the tea service. The duke might consider her home gaudy as she’d woven an accent of pink into the décor along with the turquoise and black motif from the entry.

His gaze slowly swept through the room until it rested on her.

She waited for what he would say. She was proud of the home she’d created for her and Willa. It wasn’t the finest of furnishings, but it was clean and reflected her tastes.

“Your home is warm and welcoming. It’s an expression of you,” he said. “Would it be acceptable if Morgan stopped by and saw what you’ve done here? It might give him some ideas for my study.”

Katherine let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Morgan is welcome to visit anytime, Your Grace.”

He nodded before leaning forward, his clasped hands dangling in front of him. Silence stole between the four of them. The only sound was the gentle clink of the silverware against the plates and cups as Beth served everyone.

He took a sip of tea, then set down his cup and saucer. “If it’s any consolation to the three of you, I’m deeply sorry that you’re in this position.” His deep voice seemed to soothe the nervous energy in the air. “If there’s anything I can assist with or anything you need, I hope you won’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.” Beth set her cup down also. “So far, I’m managing.”

“We’ll need to discuss the future and how to protect your reputations,” he offered.

Katherine sat on the edge of her seat and waited for him to offer more.

“Lady Meriwether is the easiest of the three of you. I’m ensuring she receives her dowry,” Christian said directly to her.

Katherine’s heartbeat had accelerated when he said her name. She forced herself to breathe evenly. Her worry about money had been eliminated, at least for a little while. She smiled slightly in acknowledgment.

Christian’s gaze swung to Constance. “Your situation, Miss Lysander, is more delicate.”

“In more ways than one, I’m afraid.” Constance placed a protective hand over her abdomen.

Christian watched Constance’s movement, then caught her gaze. “I’ll repay your dowry, hire the best medical care available, and move you to one of my estates, where you can deliver the child. If that would suit you.” He cleared his throat and grimaced slightly. “Pardon me for being frank.” He released a breath as if coming to a decision. “This is uncomfortable, but if you want me to see about a family who would be willing to take the child, I can do that.”

Beth took a sharp breath.

Kat sat on the edge of her seat, ready to comfort Constance if needed. Sometimes that was the only solution for women in Constance’s position. They’d be shunned if they had a child out of wedlock, even if they thought they were legally married. Thank heavens her own mother had wanted Kat.

However, people of a lower class like her mother didn’t have many options if they faced a pregnancy and were not married.

Christian released a soulful breath. “On the way over here, I thought of something else. Perhaps I could