Page 43 of Last Night with the Duke
“Because I know everything there is to know about him. He’s the one I want. That is, I know everything Auntie Eve has told me. She has gone into great detail about all the eligible gentlemen she feels will be suitable for us to marry. She has met them all, and she said he is the most handsome by far.” Vera smiled dreamily.
Esmeralda couldn’t imagine a man more handsome than the Duke of Griffin, but of course she couldn’t tell his sister that so she remained quiet.
“I simply can’t wait to meet him and dance with him.”
“And you know for certain you want to marry Lord Henry and not any of the other eligible bachelors you haven’t met?”
“Yes,” Lady Vera said without hesitation.
That comment took Esmeralda by surprise. She hoped Lady Vera wasn’t setting herself up for a broken heart. “There will be many young ladies other than you and Lady Sara making their debuts, as well as ladies who made their debuts in years past but haven’t made a match. They will be looking at Lord Henry too, you know. Being an earl’s son, and if he is as handsome as you say, many of them will be trying to gain his attention too.”
“Yes, I know,” Lady Vera said as if she didn’t have a concern in the world. “I know all about the ladies and their pushy mamas, but I’m not worried about any of them.”
Her tone was so nonchalant that Esmeralda knew Lady Vera believed that she would have no competition to win the young man’s heart.
“Auntie Eve has assured us we will have our pick of all the gentlemen because we are daughters of a duke. None of the other young ladies who are making their debut this year are. I’ve decided he’s the one I want.”
“All right. Do you know if Lady Sara has already decided on someone she is interested in?”
“Yes,” Lady Vera said as if she was shocked Esmeralda had to ask. “She also expects to win the heart of Lord Henry.”
Oh no. That couldn’t be good.
Lady Vera added, “That’s why I want you to see to it that she doesn’t and I do.”
Chapter 14
Do find someone you can trust to share your thoughts. You’ll never regret having an ally in the house.
MISSMAMIEFORTESCUE’SDO’SANDDON’TSFORCHAPERONES, GOVERNESSES, TUTORS,ANDNURSES
Griffin strode through the door of his Mayfair home. He took off his hat and placed it on the side table. He started removing his gloves, then stopped and listened. There was no sound of chatter or movement in the house. Just the ticking of the clock that stood beside the door. That was odd for a place that had five females, a dog, and several servants in it. The first glove off, he tossed it on the top of his hat.
It had been only three days since he’d seen Miss Swift, but he couldn’t stay away any longer. He wanted to see how she was managing. A short laugh passed his lips. There was no use lying to himself. He knew she was managing just fine. With her strength of mind, how could she not? Besides, Lady Evelyn would have sent for him if there had been any problems.
Griffin had come over because he wanted to see Miss Swift.
The second glove landed on the hat, and he remembered once again how close he’d come to kissing her right there in his drawing room—with Josephine looking on. He should have never touched her, because now he wanted to touch her soft skin, brush her full lips with his own.
But he couldn’t.
He wouldn’t stoop to seducing one of his staff, no matter how desperately he wanted to. Contrary to what all of Society thought, he had a code of honor that he wouldn’t break. He had changed from the reckless youth he had been. He would want Esmeralda, but he would not have her.
“Esmeralda,” he said aloud. He liked the way her name sounded when he said it.
Yes, he would think of her as “Esmeralda.” And though it would be difficult, he would show restraint and not take her in his arms until she was out of his employ.
Unhooking the medallion at his throat, he swung the heavy cloak off his shoulders.
“Your Grace,” Sparks said, hurrying down the corridor. “Let me help you with that.”
“Not necessary, Sparks. I have it. Tell me, why is the house so quiet? Is everyone in the garden?”
“No, Your Grace. Only a few minutes ago, Miss Swift took Lady Sara, Lady Vera, Miss Josephine, and Napoleon for a walk. In Hyde Park, I believe.”
A rare stab of disappointment struck Griffin. So Miss Swift wasn’t at home. It was probably for the best.
He handed his cloak to the butler and said, “It’s a nice day to be outside.”
