A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,33
her gaze swept from one to the other in gratitude. “This means everything. I want to win that contract.”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea if you go to the event.” Constance stood slowly, then joined them, putting an arm around Kat. “Go forth and find new customers!” she declared, laughing.
“Indeed.” Beth nodded. “Plus you’ll be on the front lines of society to see what is happening in the war of rumors.”
If Katherine was attending the “front lines” tomorrow, she would be in full battle regalia. She vowed to be the most ravishing woman there.
“Come, let’s eat,” Katherine said when her stomach started to protest the lack of food. “I’m starving.”
“Then, shall we see what I might have that would be perfect for you to wear tomorrow?” Beth hooked her arm around Katherine’s.
Constance hooked her arm around Katherine’s other one just as they had when they left Mr. Hanes’s offices.
Three women determined to fight for their own futures.
Tomorrow, Katherine would tell the duke she’d work with him. An image of him on his knees in gratitude popped into her thoughts. Perhaps a kiss or two might be required when she accepted his thanks.
Oh heavens, where had that thought come from?
Chapter Eight
“Woodhaven!” Christian accepted his friend’s hand in welcome as he stepped into the brilliantly lit entry of the earl’s home. A footman stood by to take his greatcoat and beaver hat.
Christian hadn’t seen the Earl of Woodhaven since the day before he bought his commission. He and Woodhaven were close since they had started Eton the same year. But their bond had become unbreakable when they were both bullied by older boys. Christian constantly received harassment for his father’s choice of a wife, and Benjamin was tyrannized because he was on the small side. Whereas Christian always fought his way out of a situation, the earl preferred to talk his way out of a confrontation.
By Christian’s way of thinking, his method succeeded whereas Benjamin’s usually ended with either a bloody nose or a black eye since the earl became tongue-tied when the bullies descended on him. During those harrowing times, they’d become allies, and more importantly, friends.
Now, Benjamin was only a couple of inches shy of Christian’s height of six feet three inches, proving that fate always had the last word.
“Randford, welcome.” Benjamin pulled Christian close and pounded him on his back. “It’s good to see you in one piece.” The earl’s gaze swept down the length of Christian’s form. “No injuries?”
“None to speak of,” he answered with a slight smile.
“Come. I want you to meet my wife, Helen.” The earl turned toward the massive staircase that led to the family quarters.
A lovely blonde dressed in a yellow evening gown stood on the last step talking to a woman with her back to the room. The woman beside her was dressed in an ethereal blue silk gown that mimicked a clear summer sky, a vision of all the wonderful things he had to look forward to now that he was back in London.
Christian’s gaze slowly swept upward from the back of her dark blue satin slippers. Her legs gracefully flowed upward into perfectly shaped hips and a narrow waist. He’d always been a man who appreciated the unique curves of a woman whether full or slight. She turned in profile. The style of her hair swept forward to hide her face. But he had a clear view of her bodice. Her breasts were pushed together by the engineering marvel of a perfect set of stays. They resembled pillows.
How fortuitous that he’d accepted Woodhaven’s invitation.
As his gaze caressed the long line of her neck, Christian held his breath hoping—praying—that her face would be as bewitching as her body. He held his breath as she finally faced him.
Then silently exhaled her name, Katherine.
And she was coming his way with Woodhaven’s wife.
Christian tried to compose his expression into one that showed he was unaffected by such a display of feminine beauty.
“Randford, my wife, Helen. She’s a thief.” The earl’s smile clearly indicated his devotion.
“Oh, you.” Helen playfully batted at her husband’s arm. “You really shouldn’t say such things. People will start suspecting me if their jewelry is missing.”
Benjamin bent down slightly and pressed a kiss against his wife’s cheek. “I’m telling the truth. You stole my heart.” He took her gloved hand in his and pressed another kiss atop her hand.
“You say the sweetest things,” Helen whispered softly, then turned her attention to Christian. “Welcome, Your Grace. We’re honored you’re here this evening.”