Page 8 of An Unfamiliar Duke

It was the most unromantic proposal Rosalind could have ever imagined. The prospective groom was as dispassionate as the stone hearth, and she felt as though she were being offered entry into a gilded cage. And yet, in the oddest of ways, she was touched. The duke had shown her a basic courtesy. He had not needed to ask. They were to be married regardless, but somehow, his asking, and her voicing her assent, made a difference.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Theirs would always be an arranged marriage, but now, at least, it was one they had agreed upon.

His smile was more perfunctory than warm; her mother’s was more relieved than happy. Rosalind could not bring herself to smile at all.

“Have you considered where you should like the ceremony to take place?” he asked.

“At one time, we thought perhaps the church in Little Tilbury, near Langton Manor, would be best,” her mother said, “but seeing as we are gathered in London and the date is less than a fortnight away, perhaps a church here in Town would be a wiser choice.”

“Do you have a preference, Miss Ainsworth?” he asked.

“No, Your Grace.” Rosalind was discovering that it was impossible to have strong feelings when one was completely numb.

He shot her a troubled look. “None at all?”

Acknowledging that it was decent of him to consider her feelings, she attempted to rally. “Somewhere close by would seem to be the most sensible,” she said.

She had brought most of her belongings to London with her. It was not needful that she return to Langton Manor before the wedding. Indeed, it might be less heart-wrenching to leave for Finley Park from their townhouse than from her childhood home.

“I can make arrangements with the rector at St. George’s in Hanover Square,” His Grace said.

Her mother smiled warmly. The church situated in the well-to-do area of London was a highly sought location for a wedding.

“That would be ideal, Your Grace.”

“Then, consider it done.” He paused. “Would a small, private ceremony be acceptable?”

Rosalind nodded. She had no desire to be on public display. “My brother, Jonas, is presently on the Continent. He . . . he left not knowing that my marriage would likely occur in October, and I would rather not call him home before he is ready. There is no one else other than my mother whom I would wish to be there.”

“We shall require two witnesses,” he said.

“Lord Bloxley is in London, Your Grace,” Rosalind’s mother spoke up again. “He and Jonas have been the best of friends since their school days. I believe he would be willing to take my son’s place as escort and witness.”

“Very well,” he said. “I shall provide a second.”

He stood, and Rosalind glanced at the clock. In precisely three minutes, the Duke of Kelbrook would outstay the customary half-hour limit for a morning call. It appeared that he kept track of time as well as she did.

“Will you not stay for tea, Your Grace?” her mother said as she and Rosalind also rose to their feet.

“You are very kind, my lady, but I do not wish to outstay my welcome on my first visit. Perhaps next time.”

“I suppose there will be a next time,” Rosalind said faintly.

The hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “If we are to be married, I think that might be for the best, don’t you?”

“Yes. Yes, I suppose so.”

He undoubtedly considered her comment completely irrational, but he had chosen to stay away for almost ten years and had given her no reason to believe he would suddenly change.

“You are welcome anytime, Your Grace,” her mother said.

The Duke of Kelbrook bowed politely. “Thank you, Lady Langton. Miss Ainsworth. I shall be in contact soon.”

Chapter 4

Lanterns glowed along the drive, welcoming the Marlboroughs’ guests to their large London home. Sebastian’s carriage moved slowly toward the front of the house, pausing every few yards as those arriving in the carriages ahead of him disembarked. Through the window, he watched the steady stream of finely dressed ladies and gentlemen ascend the stairs and enter the building. It had been so long since he’d attended a London ball; his arrival would undoubtedly cause a stir. The muscles in his jaw tightened. He usually did everything in his power to avoid undue attention, but this time, he needed to be here. It was time to be seen with Miss Ainsworth.