Lady Vivian Defies a Duke - By Samantha Grace Page 0,29

accustomed to Luke’s brother launching from his chair, leaping obstacles if necessary, to snatch one of his girls back from the edge of disaster. Who knew babies were so nimble on hands and knees?

Patrice’s hug lacked its usual vigor.

Vivi held on to her and tried to force down the knot of apprehension forming in her throat. “I’ll miss you. Do you promise to rest and eat at mealtimes?”

Patrice patted her back. “You mustn’t worry about me. Just be happy. You’re to be a duchess soon.”

As part of her understanding with Luke, no one was to know of the agreement. Everyone was supposed to believe Vivi had tossed him over once it was all said and done. Were she not humoring him by pretending to participate in his scheme, guilt might compel her to be honest with her cousin. As it was, Vivi expected to be the Duchess of Foxhaven within the month, two at most.

Luke appeared in the threshold, his cheeks rosy from his morning stroll. “The carriages are ready. Have you had enough time with Lady Brighthurst to bid her farewell?”

Patrice squeezed her hand. “Go on, my dear.”

“I sent word to Vicar Ramsey requesting he look in on you while I am gone.”

Her cousin’s gaze darted to Luke, and his family gathered at the entrance. “Vivi,” she demurred. A blush climbed her neck.

Vivi smiled cheekily and sashayed toward the door. Now that Patrice no longer had to worry about her, a gentle nudge might be all her cousin needed to make a match.

Luke gave Vivi a secret wink and escorted her outside. He had just returned from carrying word to the vicar on her behalf.

Outside, her maid was waiting beside Lord Andrew’s carriage. Winnie, dressed in a dark-blue traveling gown that had once belonged to Vivi, giggled as they approached. This morning they had both admitted to being giddy at the prospect of attending a real house party.

Lord Andrew assisted the nurse with settling his daughters into his carriage while she and Lana—they had been on a first-name basis since the day the lady had arrived—prepared to climb into the ducal travel coach. Vivi accepted Luke’s help on the stairs and settled on the plush ivory seat. The gold coach lace at the windows swayed in the light breeze. With Lana seated beside her and the gentlemen situated at last, the carriage started with a small jerk.

Lana smiled at her. “I understand you’re seeking a husband among the gentlemen at Irvine Castle.”

“Lana,” Lord Andrew protested a second before he received an elbow in the ribs. “Ow! What the—”

Luke glowered at his brother. “I thought we spoke in confidence.”

“I thought you meant I shouldn’t say anything to Lady Vivian. I tell Lana everything.” He attempted a stern expression, but gazing at his wife seemed to have a strange effect on him. Lord Andrew broke into a dimpled grin that had probably shattered a thousand hearts. “You weren’t supposed to say anything.”

“Oh, dear.” The young woman touched Vivi’s arm. “You did know already, didn’t you? Luke didn’t mislead you about the journey, I hope.”

“Good Lord.” Luke dropped his head against his palm with a smack.

Vivi chuckled. It was refreshing to encounter a lady who practiced candor. “I am aware of His Grace’s plan and gave my consent. And please, don’t trouble yourself, any of you. I prefer having the situation in the open. There is less pressure on me to keep a secret.”

“Splendid.” Lana adjusted her skirts and folded her hands in her lap. “We must discuss strategy at once.”

“Strategy? This isn’t war,” Luke said.

Lana rolled her eyes in his direction. “Pay him no mind. He knows nothing about matchmaking. Had you known of his lack of expertise, I am certain you would have declined his offer. I, on the other hand, have a leg up when it comes to facilitating unions, and thereby offer my assistance.”

“You can’t argue with her record,” Lord Andrew said when Luke opened his mouth to protest. “Lana had a hand in several betrothals, all love matches.”

Luke scoffed and looked out the window.

“You may laugh, old man, but love matches do exist.” Lord Andrew winked at his wife, activating a radiant glow on her porcelain complexion. “Lana has created a list of prospective gentlemen attending the party. All upstanding gents.”

“Lady Vivian doesn’t require a list,” Luke grumbled. “I will assist her.”

Vivi absorbed the knowing looks exchanged between Luke’s brother and sister-in-law. They were up to mischief, and she couldn’t resist aligning with them. “Do you have