suggest—”
“I would be glad to chaperone your daughters, Your Grace, if that would be of assistance.”
Rebecca stared at Lady Hayward as she not only interrupted Rebecca but spoke with such a boldness that Rebecca herself was caught by surprise.
“As I have said, I have nothing else to occupy me at present and choosing gowns can take many hours,” Lady Hayward continued, her eyes dancing as the duke’s frown deepened at the obvious displeasure that came with knowing he would be forced to remain at Madame Bernadotte’s for some time. “My carriage is only just outside, and I would be glad to return them to the house when we are finished here.”
“How very good of you, Lady Hayward,” the duke said, inclining his head just a little. “I confess that I am somewhat out of my depth when it comes to what my daughters require.” His eyes studied the lady for a few seconds before he nodded. “It would be a great help to me if you would do as you have suggested, Lady Hayward. That would mean that I could continue with particular matters of business that require my attention.” A slight narrowing of his eyes betrayed his flickering uncertainty. “But are you quite certain that you have nothing else to occupy you this afternoon? I should not like to take advantage.”
Rebecca feared that Lady Hayward would take offense at this clear disbelief, for it was more than apparent that the Duke was not at all certain that Lady Hayward spoke the truth, but much to her relief, the lady in question did not appear at all perturbed.
“Your Grace, as I was telling your daughter only a few minutes before, my son, Lord Hayward, has purchased me a pair of gloves from Madame Bernadotte’s, which I am now to collect. Thereafter, I have nothing at all to engage me for, like you, my son has matters of business to attend to.”
“And you have no daughters?”
“I do,” Lady Hayward replied, her expression gentling as she thought of the young lady, “but she is not yet out and remains at the estate. I am here in London with my eldest son in the hope of resolving a few matters of business. I will return home soon, of course, but not before such things are settled.”
Hearing the two voices of her sisters echoing through the establishment, Rebecca turned a pleading gaze towards her father. “Might I take Lady Hayward to my sisters, Father?” she asked, but the Duke did not so much as glance at her. Rather, he fixed his gaze upon Lady Hayward, his eyes thoughtful as a look of interest drew into his expression.
“You are very kind to offer such a thing, Lady Hayward,” he said slowly, choosing each word with care. “I would be in your debt, should you be willing to bring my daughters home once their gowns have been ordered. However, I wonder if I might, thereafter, ask if you would be willing to speak with me at greater length once you have returned them to the house.” He looked at the lady steadily, and a swirl of anxiety swept through Rebecca’s frame. What was it her father was doing? And what was it he wanted? She could not imagine what he intended to say to Lady Hayward, and, from the way the smile was beginning to fade from Lady Hayward’s expression, it seemed that she could not either.
“If you wish it, Your Grace,” Lady Hayward replied, a line forming between her brows as she watched the Duke, seemingly intent on deriving his wishes a little better by studying him. “I will, of course, do as you ask.”
The Duke smiled suddenly, a light coming into his eyes that had not been there before. It was as though Lady Hayward’s agreement had brought a sense of delight to him, although still, Rebecca did not know what to make of it all.
“Excellent, excellent!” the duke exclaimed before turning back to Rebecca, one hand on her shoulder. “Now, Rebecca, you shall make certain that your sisters behave with all propriety. They must make an excellent impression here in London, even within the dressmaker’s!”
“Yes, Father,” Rebecca murmured, her gaze sliding towards Lady Hayward, who was, she noted, watching the Duke with interest. “I will, of course, do as you ask.”
“Wonderful,” the Duke replied, seemingly now very relieved that he would be freed of the burden of his daughters. “I shall return to the townhouse, then. Make certain to do all that Lady