Page 23 of It's All About the Duke
“Nineteen or twenty, I would say. I didn’t ask. And it’s for this upcoming Season.”
“Oh, well that could be more difficult, Rath. I know several, of course, but whether or not they’d be available on short notice and at this late date, I’m not sure.”
“I’d be most grateful if you could look into it for me. If it’s not too much trouble for you.”
“Not at all.”
“Good, and I’d certainly make it worth the woman’s time and consideration.”
“I’m sure of that. It’s just most of them are already prepping young ladies for this Season, but of course, yes, I’d be happy to see if anyone is available and can assist you. I’ll be in touch about it when I have something to report.”
“Thank you,” he said with a slight bow.
“Rath,” Loretta said with all seriousness, “you know we’re fond of you—but perhaps you should give this duty of responsibility for a young lady over to someone with more experience.”
His brow arched. “Who would you suggest has more experience with ladies and their wants?”
“Ah—with that,” Esmeralda said confidently, “we must be getting on our way.”
“Yes,” Loretta echoed her friend’s sentiments. “We’ve another engagement.”
“Right. And we’re late.”
It was time to put the duchesses out of their misery and let them leave. But the devilish rake rose up inside him once more. It just wasn’t in his nature to deny himself, and he had to say, “Surely you wouldn’t leave without at least looking at the lace and silk?”
Rath reached over and touched a roll of lace. “The stitches are delicate. Must be Irish.” His hand moved to a rack of exotic, flamboyant silks as he looked at Esmeralda. “I can tell you that your husband is quite partial to this shade of peacock blue.”
“Not today,” Esmeralda said, lifting her chin the way only a beautiful duchess could. “We’ve seen enough in here.”
“But we’ll be delighted to move on so you can finish your shopping,” Loretta added and gave him a self-assured smile. “Should I tell Hawk you’ll be over to visit him soon?”
“I’ll expect him to have his best brandy open and ready.”
The duo then departed without further ado, the shop bell finalizing their exit.
Rath’s gaze trailed to the shop owner and he sincerely offered, “My apologies. I likely lost you a sale. Or two.”
“Perhaps, but the exchange was the most interesting I’ve witnessed all week.” Her eyes twinkled.
He laughed. “To make up for my conduct, I’ll take a bottle of your best perfume.”
A little while later Rath gathered his hat and packages and went out the door.
His stride, usually strong and sound, slowed. For a moment he questioned his judgment in this whole honor-bound duty of being a guardian. Being responsible for someone other than himself was a foreign affair. His carefree reputation was inarguable and he definitely wasn’t the most suited to be Miss Fast’s guardian.
But yes, he’d see to it Miss Fast married.
Taking up his swift pace toward his carriage once more, he tried to outrun that thought… because the notion of her married conjured visions of a husband he knew too well.
Himself.
Chapter 6
He could be a rake if he promises to call on you but never does.
MISSHONORATRUTH’SWORDS OFWISDOMANDWARNINGABOUTRAKES, SCOUNDRELS, ROGUES, ANDLIBERTINES
“Five days,” Justine remarked in a huffing voice and paced in front of the floral-printed settee. “Do you know how long it’s been since the duke graced us, or rather you, with his lofty appearance?”
