Page 82 of It's All About the Duke
Marlena laid her wrap on the table and removed her matching gloves, loving the feel of the fine fabric Lady Vera had helped her select. Though Marlena had never thought they needed to move out of their house just because a mouse or two had decided to make it their residence, too, it had been good to be at the duke’s home. She’d seen him almost every day since. There were always reasons for him to stop by early in the afternoon, before she left with Lady Vera for her daily fittings and shopping.
There were the account books he needed one day, documents for his solicitor the next, and a certain greatcoat he wanted for a special event another day. Rath always took the time to smile at her, chat with her, and gaze so intently into her eyes she thought she might jump into his arms and kiss him right in front of Justine.
Thankfully, she’d managed to control herself.
It was as if her cousin knew something was developing between the two of them. Justine never left them alone for a moment. The duke had tried more than once to get Marlena alone for a few minutes of private talk. He’d suggested they take a walk in the garden but Justine, who never went outside, said she’d love to go, too. He’d had Sneeds come in and say that he needed her attention on a matter but she’d told him it would have to wait. There had been no getting out from under her nose except the first day they’d arrived. Marlena feared the tension that had been building between her and the duke had not been lost on Justine.
Marlena laid her bonnet on top of her gloves and cape and, from the corner of her eyes, saw movement. Sheturned to see Rath walking down the corridor carrying Tut.
Her breath quickened in her lungs. “Your Grace, you startled me.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“No, of course you didn’t. I was expecting Mrs. Doddle or her new kitchen helper. Not you.”
“I wondered if you’d be surprised I’m here.”
She gave him a quizzical look as he stopped in front of her and bent down to place Tut on the floor, giving him a rub on the head as he did so.
That’s when she noticed he didn’t have on a coat or neckcloth. She hadn’t known how fully his strong arms and wide chest filled out his white shirt. Or just how slim his hips were. Rath looked magnificent. He was looking her over, too. She was glad she was wearing one of her new dresses: a pale-green, long-sleeved, lightweight wool with a scooped neckline.
“You don’t have a coat on,” she said. “Is something wrong?”
Tut barked and jumped from Marlena’s skirts to the duke’s legs, trying to get one of them to show him attention. Both ignored him.
“No. Most gentlemen put their coats on in the mornings and don’t remove them until they are in their bedchambers in the evening, thinking it ungentlemanly to remove them for any reason. Certainly not in the presence of a lady. I have no such fears. There are times I prefer to be more comfortable and remove my coat and neckcloth. I hope it doesn’t offend you overly much that I’m not properly attired.”
To the contrary. She felt as if she were devouring every inch of him with her eyes.
“Not at all. But I am wondering what you’re doing here?”
“I was told the men who were taking care of the rodent problem had declared the house empty of the mice and ready for your return. Mrs. Abernathy has refused to take their word for it. Apparently she is enjoying the attention she is receiving from thetonby living in my home and is in no hurry to leave.”
“I can attest to that fact.”
“Which is why I decided I must come over and check it out for myself. Make sure none of the harassing little devils were left and impress upon her that it is safe to return.”
Marlena laughed softly. “You nor anyone else has discovered a way of looking within walls to make sure there are no mice or anything else lurking around inside.”
“You’re right. But Mrs. Abernathy doesn’t seem to know that. I’m hoping it will make her feel more satisfied and ready to vacate my home if I tell her I’ve checked all the rooms myself.”
“I’m sorry she’s been such a bother. I know you must feel as if you have two wards instead of one.”
Rath walked closer to her. His eyes skimmed down her face, and her whole body tingled invitingly. “That’s never crossed my mind.”
Tut continued to jump from her skirt to Rath’s legs.
“Tut, stop,” she said, glancing down at him. “Sit. You’re making a nuisance of yourself. Sit, I say.” He barked at her and wagged his tail but didn’t follow her order.
“Do you want to know the true reason I’m here, Marlena?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I heard you tell Mrs. Abernathy yesterday that you would be coming over today to see Miss Everard and to check on Mrs. Doddle and see how she is getting along with the new members of your staff.”
“I did.” She looked down the corridor. “I haven’t seen anyone since I arrived. Do you know where they are?”
“I don’t know,” he answered. “I told them I had to inspect every room in the house and I’d prefer to be alone while doing it. I added that I didn’t know how long it would take, so I gave them the day and evening off, with enough money to buy their supper, and told them not to return before midnight.”
