A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,4

Vareck, the Duke of Randford, surmised by her stance that she was a no-nonsense individual, but the twisting of her hands revealed her understandable anguish at discovering she was one of Meri’s many wives.

The slightest twitch tugged at one of her red lips. They reminded him of a rose his mother had grown in the conservatory of his ancestral seat, Roseport. As a boy, he’d stood by his mother’s side as she pruned and grafted Roseport’s famed roses into works of art.

This particular Lady Meriwether’s mouth definitely resembled one of those crimson masterpieces. Under the spectacular color of a perfect bloom lay the thorns designed to skewer any hand that dare threatened. He’d lay odds on it.

Lady Meriwether tilted her head and peeked down the hallway, seeing if anyone could overhear them. “You just proved why many believe that chivalry is dead.”

“I only speak the truth,” Christian countered. “My brother and his estate aren’t my concern.”

She brought her smoldering gaze back to his. The woman’s hazel eyes flashed, turning them into a beautiful golden green.

“I meant to say half brother,” Christian corrected.

The slight tap of her toe indicated her patience was waning. “Half, step, or whole. He was your family.”

“I’m agog you’re defending him after what he’s done, particularly to you, Lady Meriwether.” He shouldn’t be astonished that she upheld Meri’s memory. Christian’s half brother had possessed a certain finesse and appeal that women loved.

“My name is Katherine. Katherine Greer before I married your brother.” She released a long-suffering breath. “As the Duke of Randford, surely you can help sort out the details.”

“You would assume wrongly. This isn’t my problem to fix. It’s Meri’s estate which Mr. Hanes supervises. He asked if I could stop by. I’ve done my duty. Now I’ll be on my way.” He deftly placed his hat on his head, then adjusted it with a tug. “An honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Meriwether.”

His insufferable half brother had made a fine pickle of these marriages, but Christian Vareck’s duties lay elsewhere. Namely, settling into his position as the Duke of Randford and trying to help his men who came home to nothing after returning from the war.

However, before he left Lady Meriwether standing in the hall, he stole a long gander at her person. She honored Meri’s passing by wearing a mourning gown with a short gray silk spencer. Truly, a lighter color would suit her hazel eyes and light brown hair better. Meri’s tastes must have changed since Christian had been at war. His half brother normally favored light-haired women with full bodies and voluptuous bosoms.

Katherine Greer possessed none of those features. She had a lithe form that Christian had always preferred. It had to be her gaze that had first drawn Meri’s attention. Her large resolute hazel eyes fit perfectly with her heart-shaped face. The finishing touch of a delicate, refined nose made her pretty. However, her calm, steadfast demeanor at the situation signaled a woman who would not crumble at the first sign of trouble.

Christian had been back in London for a week, and since the war, he could appreciate beauty in the most unusual of places, even the family’s solicitor’s office and under such a tenuous situation. A man had to find amusement where he could since there was none on the battlefield. Plus, there were no guarantees a man would have enough time on earth to find other pleasures or even happiness.

Meri’s demise offered proof of that fact.

Christian moved toward the exit.

“Your Grace, please wait.” She took several steps forward, blocking the pathway. “Two women in Mr. Hanes’s office need your guidance. If this isn’t handled prudently, then we’ll all be ruined. You, above all others, know this is an impossible situation.”

“My half sibling was a virtuoso of the impossible.” He delivered his most sincere smile. “For instance, he was forever finding improbable and impossible situations to land in … just like that mud puddle.”

“That’s a little glib, even for a duke.” She clasped her gloved hands in front of her in a stance better suited for a governess with a wayward charge.

“Lady Meriwether,” he said patiently. “I asked Hanes to sort things out. Like you, I’ve just discovered what your husband has done. We can’t expect answers immediately.” He dipped his head once to indicate he was leaving again.

“You can’t leave. We”—she waved a hand between them—“are in this together. If word leaks what Meri has done, we’ll face real scandal. Those women in Mr. Hanes’s office need help. They’ll