Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,5

character was without fault and his motivations quite pure. It felt like a near-impossible task.

The duke cleared his throat, his hands still clasped tightly behind his back, and Rebecca forced herself to give him her full attention and did not linger on any further thoughts at present.

“There is another matter that I wish to inform you of,” the duke continued as Rebecca let out a long, slow breath, a little frustrated that there appeared to be even more the duke required of them. “It is to do with Lady Hayward.”

Rebecca’s heart dropped to the floor. No doubt, then, the duke had found something disparaging about the lady and had decided that she was not a suitable acquaintance for his daughters. Perhaps that was what had been discussed yesterday afternoon when they had returned from Madame Bernadotte’s. Perhaps Lady Hayward had been thanked by the duke but asked to remove herself from their acquaintance. It was quite feasible, given all that the duke expected, and yet Rebecca felt sorrowful, having thought very highly of Lady Hayward.

“As you know, Lady Hayward is a kind and willing lady who has very little to occupy her at present,” the duke began, his voice rolling through the room. “I was grateful to her for her assistance yesterday, and I am sure that, given how highly you all spoke of her, you were grateful for her company also.”

“We were, Father,” Lady Anna replied quietly. “I believe we all thought very highly of her.”

“Good.” The duke paused for a moment and, much to Rebecca’s astonishment, began to smile. What was it he was going to reveal? She was no longer as certain as she had been about her father’s intentions, praying that he would not ask them to separate from the lady entirely.

“Lady Hayward has a son. Three, in fact,” the duke continued, now looking pleased with himself. “There are a few issues concerning the late Lord Hayward’s will, and, in addition, I believe the new Lord Hayward is struggling just a little with all that has been placed upon his shoulders.” He shrugged. “It is understandable when one takes the title to be a little overwhelmed, but there are certain matters that make things a good deal more difficult for Lord Hayward. Therefore, having discussed the matter at length with Lady Hayward, she and I have come to a mutually agreed arrangement.”

A flurry of either fear or excitement—for Rebecca could not tell which—ran down her spine as she listened intently, wondering what it could be that had been agreed upon. It was not like her father to go about such things in this way, for he did not like to ask anyone for their help or assistance in anything, being quite determined to do it without interference. And yet, in this case, it appeared as though this was precisely what he had done.

“I have no interest in attending balls, in encouraging matches and in chaperoning waltzes and the like,” the duke said with a wave of his hand and a sigh of exasperation. “Lady Hayward has no real interest in business matters, although, of course, she wishes to aid her son in any way she can. Therefore, we have both agreed to be of assistance to the other.”

Silence filled the room for a few minutes as the three ladies looked at their father expectantly, clearly ready for him to say more, but it seemed as though the duke was finished with his explanations. With a shrug, he turned and gestured to the door. “Let us hurry now. She will be waiting.”

Rebecca did not move from her chair. “What do you mean, Father?” she asked as Lady Anna and Lady Selina watched the duke with curiosity. “Lady Hayward is to assist you? In what way?”

“By chaperoning you, of course,” he said, a slight flicker crossing his brow as though he had expected them all to understand what he meant without difficulty. “She will do what I do not wish to and will guide you through society and make certain that any gentlemen who wish to acquaint themselves a little more with you are entirely suitable.”

Lady Selina spoke up. “And you will be with us also?”

“For heavens’ sake, Selina!” The duke threw up his hands, clearly exasperated. “Do you have no understanding at all? No, I shall not be with you. Lady Hayward will go in my place as your chaperone. In return, I am to assist her son with his present difficulties and, thereafter, look to the