Page 11 of The Duke on Her List
“Oh, I spent my time in society before I retreated from it,” Agnes said. “I wasn’t always a well-known spinster, you know. There was a time when I was simply a young lady exploring herprospects. I didn’t marry, but the fact that I’ve read books is not the reason for my spinsterhood. I’d hate for you to keep yourself away from books because you’re afraid of that.”
Helena lifted her chin. “I’m not afraid of anything,” she said firmly. “And certainly notbooks. It’s my uncle’s rule for me, that’s all. I have to do as he says—although I don’t always obey.” She smirked. “I’m not supposed to be in here right now. He told me to stay away while you were here. He told me that he didn’t want me getting to know you. I thought it was because you were his mistress, but I suppose he has some other reason.”
“I suppose he does,” Agnes murmured, thinking again of her scandalous book. Encouraging a young lady to read was one thing, but she would never have suggested that Helena pick upthistome at such a tender age. “You should do what he says with regard to his collection,” she said. “But if it were me, I would ask him to give you permission to read a few things. Tell him that he can choose something for you.”
Helena scowled. “Why should I let him choose?”
“Because if you do, then he might agree,” Agnes said. She fixed Helena with a firm gaze. “If I may impart one thing—letting men have their way sometimes can be a powerful tool. If you’re willing to compromise on something small—something like the title of the book you get to read—a man may feel as if he’s in control and be willing to compromise on something much more significant, like allowing you to read at all.”
Helena surveyed Agnes for a moment. “I wouldn’t have expected a spinster to understand anything at all about the ways of women and men,” she said. “But you do understand, don’t you?”
“I’ve had plenty of time to spend around all kinds of people,” Agnes said. “A married lady knows her own husband very well, but an unmarried lady may get to know many different men.”
“Well,” Helena said. “That sounds like you’re having trysts again. I’m not surprised the scandal sheets got you wrong, if you go around talking about all the men you get to know.”
Her lips quirked slightly—it was a joke, and Agnes laughed in appreciation. “Do you live here with your uncle, Helena?”
Helena’s smile faded slightly. “Yes,” she said, and by the way she glanced to the side, Agnes gathered that this was a sensitive topic.
She backpedaled. “He seems like a good man,” she said. “And I’m sure he counts himself lucky to have you in his life.”
Helena’s smile had returned. “We’re very close,” she said. “I’m lucky that Uncle Gabriel took me in. He can be a little too protective sometimes, but I know that he only wants the best for me.”
She rose to her feet just as the door opened once more.
The duke stood in the doorway, a scowl on his face, his arms folded across his chest.
Agnes’ heart beat a little faster. Even with that angry expression, there was something about him—he was powerfully attractive. It was like watching a storm, knowing that at any moment it might blow in your direction and do you damage, but being held captive by its might.
He wasn’t looking at her at all. His gaze was fixed on Helena. And for the first time since Agnes had made her acquaintance, Helena looked unnerved.
CHAPTER 6
“What are you doing in here?” Gabriel demanded of his niece.
“I wanted to meet Lady Agnes.” Helena’s voice was defiant, but it held a tremor as well. “When will I ever get another chance to meet a spinster?”
“Why do you want to meet a spinster?” Gabriel strode over to her side. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid. Helena was strong-willed and strong-minded, and those were wonderful attributes, but she was also young. She might get it into her head that Lady Agnes was someone for her to emulate, and Gabriel didn’t want that. He didn’t want spinsterhood for his niece. That didn’t have much of a chance of making her happy, and all he truly wanted was to see her happy.
“I just thought she might be an interesting person,” Helena said. “And I was right. She’s lovely, Uncle Gabriel. I’d like to spendmore time with her. You know, she said that she would help me choose some books to read.”
That was more than enough. Gabriel wasn’t going to allow himself to speculate as to the reading material Lady Agnes might deem appropriate. “Go to your room,” he told his niece firmly.
“But I want to stay! Why can’t I be friends with Lady Agnes?”
“Just do as I tell you. I’ll see you tonight for dinner.”
Helena huffed, but she obeyed, turning and seeing herself out of the room.
“I didn’t tell her that,” Lady Agnes said when the door was closed.
“What?”
“I didn’t tell her I would choose books for her. I know that isn’t my place. I told her she should askyouto choose books for her.” She straightened her spine. “She told me you discourage her from reading, and Ididtell her that she ought to ask you for permission to do so, but I wouldn’t have tried to give her anything to read without your permission. I’m not sure why she said that.”
“I know why.” Gabriel sighed. “She thought she’d make me feel outnumbered by doing that. She’s a good girl, but she does thatsort of thing from time to time—pushing too hard to get her way. Sometimes I don’t know what to do about her.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about it,” Lady Agnes said with a smile. “She’s a wonderful young lady. She has a wit, and a real sense of who she is and who she wants to be. You ought to be proud.”
