Page 6 of The Duke’s Impossible Match

“Clara,” Agatha gasped, and then put on a beseeching smile. “I do apologize for my great-granddaughter, Your Grace; she sometimes lets her emotions get the best of her. We don’t wish to make any trouble; we just wanted to bring this matter to your attention.”

Clara.

Gerald turned the name over in his mind, the two syllables simple yet melodic, soft, the lingering ‘a’ rolling like a summer wind. He inhaled deeply, seeking to regain control of himself.

“Of course I would not see any child turned onto the streets, but I must think of my responsibilities as a whole, and I would not like to make any rash decisions. I have a responsibility to make the right decision, no matter how much time it takes.”

“As long as it does not take any longer than a month,” Clara tilted her head to the side and arched an eyebrow, giving her the look of a judgmental feline. She must have had some gall about her to come into his home, request his help, and then treat him like this. She did not seem to care about his title or his standing. She was most intriguing…

Agatha leaned towards Clara and said something that was beyond his hearing.

“You can rest assured that I shall make my decision within a month. Would you be available to have me visit tomorrow morning?” he asked.

“That would be acceptable,” Clara said, although her tone and expression made him think that anything less than complete agreement to the terms would have been met with disdain. He certainly wasn’t going to abandon the children’s home, but he intended to be as informed as possible.

“Thank you again for your time, Your Grace. I am glad you are thriving; I’m sure Rose would be proud.”

“That is very kind of you to say, and it was good to see you… both of you. Your Grace,” Gerald bowed his head in respect, then he turned his head and met Clara’s eyes directly, “Miss Sterling.” He saw her throat move, the corners of her mouth twitch. There were so many small movements he could have studied her face forever, and indeed, after they left, he found himself lingering on thoughts of Clara, feeling far more enthused about visiting St. Margaret’s than he was about attending the ball at Tinkerton Hall.

“Let us get this over with,” Eleanor said when it was time to leave. Gerald was glad that she was willing to attend, but there was icy tension during the journey. He needed to find some way to make this tolerable for Eleanor, for he was not prepared to overshadow her entire season. Thoughts and plans began to turn in his mind, but he was yet to settle on the perfect one.

Perhaps he never would, but he would try his best to do right by her. That was the promise he had made. One of the many that bound him.

Chapter Three

“Children, come, come, we must neaten the house ready for the Duke’s visit,” she said.

“I can’t believe we’re going to see a real-life Duke!” Teddy gasped as he carried an abacus back to the toy box.

“I’ve read that every Duke is handsome and brave. They’re the best of us,” Oliver said, and started to list the names of Dukes long dead that he had learned from history books.

“Is this Duke handsome?” Emily asked, looking up at Clara. Clara furrowed her brow and cleared her throat. She bent down and helped pick up a few toys, stuffing them into the box.

“I did not notice,” she said.

“How could you not notice if he’s handsome?” Emily asked.

“I had other things to consider.” Clara strained to get the toybox closed. It was swollen with toys, and she had to put her entire weight upon it. Her cheeks turned rosy, and she pressed her heels against the floor. Teddy came up to help her, although he didn’t really make much difference.

“Would you like some assistance, Miss Sterling?” Clara went rigid, and a shiver passed down her spine at the sudden sound of the voice breaking the silence. She had been so preoccupied with the toys that she evidently hadn’t heard the Duke arrive. Clara exhaled quickly and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. The Duke was standing in the doorway, a smug look on his face.

Clara hadn’t yet decided what kind of man he was. He had seemed aloof the previous day, and the fact that he hadn’t outright said he would renew the lease made her wary. In her opinion, it was a simple matter: the children needed the house, and the house needed a new lease. Why was there any cause for delay?

He filled the doorway, his long legs framed by tailored breeches, his broad torso filling a matching jacket. A cravat was tied neatly around his neck. His jaw was clean-shaven and strong, his hair brown and thick. His eyes were the kind of blue that appeared deep into summer, the arresting kind that made it seem as though the brightness would last forever.

And he was undeniably handsome, although Clara was not about to admit this to Emily. It was a secret she would keep to herself, and take to her grave, if necessary.

“Your Grace,” Emily said, curtseying deeply. Sophie followed her lead, although she did not say anything. Oliver and Teddy then bowed. Teddy wasn’t paying attention and almost toppled into Oliver, but managed to right himself at the last moment.

“Have you ever been in a duel?” Teddy asked. Oliver looked expectantly at Gerald.

“Teddy, the Duke has other matters to concern him,” Clara chastised, giving him a stern look.

“But Oliver told me that Dukes are always having duels because they’re protecting their honor.”

“Is that so, and where did you learn that, Oliver?” the Duke said, turning towards Oliver, who went bright red.

“Just books,” he mumbled.