Page 4 of Sincerely, the Duke
“As I said, you will not see him today, Miss. Allow me to direct you to his secretary, Mr. Wrightmyer. He will be more than happy to help you.”
“That won’t do. My aunt and I will sit quietly and not bother anyone, including you, while we wait, but we must stay here until the duke’s available.”
“You’ll see Mr. Wrightmyer or no one,” Palmer said in a firm tone that would have sent the staff or anyone else scurrying away to do his bidding.
Her shoulders seemed to stiffen. “I don’t know what else I might say to assure you this matter is of utmost importance, and the duke wants to see me.”
That last statement was uncommonly bold. Insisting he wanted to see someone he’d never met. Where would she have gotten such an idea?
It hadn’t taken Rick long to figure out this young lady was not going to listen to Palmer. And Rick didn’t expect his butler to show her any mercy either. Intrigued, he leaned a little farther out the door. Her voice was determined, but not harsh, her stance sturdy, but not rigid. She appeared quite fearless and headstrong talking to a man of authority twice her size. That took fortitude in spades, but what could be her reason for not wanting to leave when repeatedly asked to do so?
“He will not see you.” Palmer remained adamant. “You’ll take your leave immediately, or I’ll summon a footman to carry you out.”
“You best bring half a dozen of them, sir, for I feel sure it will take that many to remove me from this spot.”
She tossed the words out to Palmer as if she issued such challenges every day. Rick smiled at her comment. He’d never been a friendly sort and, apparently, she wasn’t either. She certainly wasn’t trying to win the butler over with the usual feminine wiles and ways of talking softly, smiling sweetly, and pretending to be helpless. There had been no tears or whimpering yet, and Rick had a good feeling that those would not be forthcoming from this maiden.
However, the brazen remark of Palmer needing six footmen warranted an astonished gasp, a loud sniffle, and scorching frown from her companion, who remained quietly in the doorway.
“My dearest, please, let’s go,” she pleaded anxiously. “We can do no more than write for an appointment or perchance we may come back tomorrow. Let’s behave properly today and do as the man says.”
“Propriety is not getting through to him, Auntie, and you know how important this is. He’s quite set but so am I. We stay until we get this matter with the duke settled.”
There was an air of unyielding purpose in her tone that her companion wasn’t sharing as she continued to timidly cajole the younger lady to join her so they could depart. It struck Rick as odd that the miss was the one taking the lead and refusing to go. Usually, it was the pushy mamans, aunts, or fathers who were so bold as to insist on seeing him. If young misses accompanied their guardian, they usually stood by without making a peep. It was only natural her boldness attracted his attention.
The miss turned back to Palmer. “And you, sir, would do well to have a copy of my father’s book on manners soyou could refer to it at times like this. You are lacking in knowing the proper way to talk to a lady who has come to the door.”
Palmer’s back bowed and his chest pushed forward quickly. “I need no instructions on deportment from anyone.”
“Apparently, you do. I will gladly have a copy sent over to you.”
He set her with a rigid grimace. “You will not.”
“Suit yourself on that, but I’m merely asking to wait here quietly and not disturb anyone, including you, until the duke is available.”
She had pluck, Rick would give her that. But suggesting Palmer needed training in manners from someone else was going a bit too far for a man of his experience and impeccable qualities. He’d written and published his own book of rules for butlers, housekeepers, and all other household staff.
Rick was sure Palmer wouldn’t take kindly to her insinuation that he needed tutoring. However, Palmer’s answer to the young lady was spoken so low Rick couldn’t make out the words. That didn’t matter. His butler’s wide eyes and red face left no doubt about his meaning. The six footmen would be called.
The way Rick saw it, he had two choices. Go back into his book room and close the door so he couldn’t hear the scuffle the young lady promised would happen—and he didn’t doubt her for a moment. Or stop that from happening and see what the ladies wanted.
Normally, he would have taken the first choice. And should today. Every minute mattered if he was going to finish the paperwork and meetings so tomorrow he could make the fencing match that would be the start to his firstenjoyable day in over a week. He had more pressing things to do than settle this argument, but his male stirrings of interest in the outspoken belle had Rick looking back at the clock behind him.
He might as well take this situation into his own hands. The sooner it was handled, the better so he could peacefully get on with what he had to do. Besides, he was more than a bit curious as to what the two had up their sleeves. He was undeniably drawn to the younger lady’s mettle. Not to mention that manly interest had him wanting to see her face before she left his home.
Rick strode down the corridor. When sounds of his boots hitting the wood floor reached her, she turned. His gaze met hers across the distance. An unexpected, instant spark of attraction flashed through him at the sight of her lovely face. A sudden warmth curled deep inside him. Her bonnet, simply adorned with only a small, dried nosegay poking out of one side of the satin band, gave her an innocently wholesome quality that immediately appealed to him.
Rick glanced at Palmer, who opened his mouth as if to inform the lady who was approaching, but Rick lightly shook his head. As his steps brought him closer, he studied her more carefully. Her complexion looked delicate and smooth as polished ivory, except for the flush on her cheeks. She had a small, attractively shaped nose, full, sculpted lips, and sparkling, almond-shaped eyes the color of deep summer green. Clearly her beauty matched her strength.
“What’s all the commotion going on out here?” he asked, not trying to hide his genuine interest or the touch of irritation the ruckus had caused.
“There is none, sir,” she responded quickly andconfidently, dismissing him with no more than a half-hearted side glance, returning her attention to Palmer. “I’m waiting for someone and feel sure you can’t help me with this private matter. My business is with the duke. I’m quite sure His Grace wouldn’t appreciate me talking to anyone, including his secretary, until I’ve spoken to him.”
Her gloved hands were clasped together tightly in front of her. A black velvet reticule dangled from one of her wrists. Whatever the reason she wanted to see him, she was intense about it. Not only that, but she was also either fearless, adventurous, or mischievous enough to invade a duke’s home and make demands. He hadn’t decided which. Maybe all three.
When Rick stopped in front of her, she offered him another quick glance. He realized at once from her staunchly searching expression that she was more than determined. She was resolute, and he couldn’t let her leave until he knew why.
“I am Stonerick.”
