Whitton, had been a wealthy man in his own right, rumors had abounded that he’d left Nell a respectable sum of money for her to live on, but nothing extra. With his wealth, the marquess could have provided more for her.
Leaving James wondering what Nell’s true motive was for organizing Mounthaven’s courting of Christa. Perhaps Nell wanted to ensure that her sister’s marriage left her in a wealthier position than Nell currently had. Whatever her reasoning, he’d been granted at least a reprieve to see if he could convince her to allow the couple to make their case for marriage.
“Thank you, Nell,” he acknowledged. “I think perhaps we should make plans for our discussion. I’d like to have the opportunity to show you a few things before you make up your mind about your sister.” He stepped closer until he could see the beautiful sparkles of dark blue that only enhanced her eyes’ unique color. “Would you be able to stay a few days? That is, if it’s agreeable to you?”
She nodded but didn’t look at him, a newfound sense of shyness about her. He much preferred the Nell who went toe-to-toe with him. He took her hand in one of his and raised it to his lips. The brush of his mouth against her tender skin caused her to shiver.
An absurd sense of satisfaction rolled through him that he still could affect her so.
“Come, let’s find Harry and Christa,” he said and tucked her arm around his.
Valentina burst through the door and slid to a stop right in front of them. “Papa, you’ll never guess what has happened.”
James bent as much as he could while still holding on to Nell’s arm. “What is it?”
“Auntie has sent all the ladies away. I told her that I found the one I wanted.” She shrugged her little shoulders. “It’s settled.” Valentina coyly looked at Nell. “We can play dolls tomorrow and eat luncheon again in my rooms.”
“She did what?” Nell asked aghast.
The duchess entered with a flourish and waved a hand sporting a large ruby ring. “The child has the right of it. I’ve sent them to the ducal hunting lodge. It’s only ten miles away. There’s enough artwork to keep them enthralled until James can join them and choose a bride.” She glided across the room and stopped before Nell. “That’ll give us time to figure out what to do with your sister and Harry.”
“A sound plan, Your Grace.” James nodded. “I was going to ask if there could be a way to remove the ladies from the house.”
His aunt wrinkled her nose. “You make them sound as if they’re vermin that’s invaded our home.” Before he could respond, she nodded in agreement. “Good analogy, dear boy. Several of them do bear a markable resemblance to rodents. Now, where was I?” she mused. “Oh, that’s right,” she answered with a smile. “What to do about Harry and Christa?”
“I’m afraid that I was a bit harsh with my sister.” Nell let go of his arm.
Immediately, he felt the loss of her heat. Valentina frowned his way as if it were his fault that Nell stepped away from his side.
“We were all a bit shocked at the news,” the duchess said sympathetically. “I have four sisters myself. We used to squabble all the time, but at the end of the day, we were once again bosom buddies. I’m certain that will happen for you and Christa too.” The duchess took Nell’s hand with hers. “You love her, and she knows that. Though she may be angry right now, she knows that deep inside”—the duchess pointed to her heart—“you’re doing what you think is best for her and her future.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Nell said.
“However, even I’ll admit that sometimes I get things wrong.” She blinked innocently at James, then Nell. “Have you ever made a wrong decision?”
At that moment, James deduced that Valentina had recruited the duchess to be an ally in her quest to make Nell her new mother. He dipped his head to hide his smile. His daughter would make a marvelous politician or ambassador when she grew up. The child did know how to woo others to her side.
He’d better be careful over the next several days. Valentina was beginning to achieve the impossible.
Convince him that Nell would, indeed, make an excellent mother.
The jury was still out on the position of wife.
Chapter Six
Nell woke in a scrumptious bedroom and, for a moment, she couldn’t remember where she was. But then, the