Page 33 of The Duke's Rules Of Engagement
“I am quite busy,” Mary told them. “Aside from keeping the house in order, I spend a great deal of time studying scripture and working with Deacon Robinson in his mission in the orphanages of London. Reverend Robinson is a most honorable man. As the Bible says, ‘Pure religion and undefiled before God is this: to visit the fatherless in their affliction.’ Reverend Robinson’s dedication to God and the betterment of all of humankind humbles me.” At that, Mary, who was pretty, if not a beauty like Lilly, blushed, and Jo knew that Mary Cherrington was in love with three things, and three things alone: Reverend Robinson, scripture, and Godly pursuits…in no particular order.
Mary was not the right lady for the Duke of Crestmont. She already belonged to someone else.
It was for the best, Jo thought. Mary did have several sisters, and at least now Jo could be candid about her idea.
“Have you heard of Mrs. Porter?” Jo asked her.
Mary frowned. “Your…mother?”
Lilly laughed. “No, no. Mrs. Porter is a famous matchmaker here in London.”
“Maybe not quite famous—” Jo began.
“—and she’s sitting right in front of you,” Lilly finished, making a flourishing motion with her hand toward Jo.
Mary’s mouth rounded to anO. “You’re…?”
“Yes,” Jo said. “I am a professional matchmaker.”
“She’s made a dozen matches in the past year,” Lilly said. “Do you know Sir Harry Acheson?”
“Why, yes, I do.”
“Jo matched him and his wife.”
Heat flushed through Jo’s cheeks, as it did whenever Lilly spoke of Jo’s skill at her profession with such pride in her voice.
“Oh, Lady Acheson is lovely. She is a patron of the church,” Mary said.
“Sheislovely,” Jo agreed. Best of all, Sir Harry thought his wife was the loveliest creature in creation, and that was what was most important.
“And do you know Mr. Harold Dickerson?” Lilly asked.
“Of course—Mr. Dickerson is Charles’s good friend.” Mary’s eyes widened. “Oh! You matched the Dickersons as well?”
“I did.”
“All of her matches are successful,” Lilly said proudly, “and all have been love matches. Every couple she has matched has been blissfully happy.”
Lilly had gushed a little too much. Jo cleared her throat. “I’m looking for a match right now, for a man of discerning taste and principle—”
“He’s a duke!” Lilly burst out.
“Lilly!” Jo turned narrowed eyes on her friend.
Lilly clapped a hand to her mouth. “Was I not supposed to say so?”
Jo sighed, then looked back to Mary. “Allow me to move directly to the point, Miss Cherrington. I have a client who is looking for a bride. Your younger sisters are all of marriageable age and as yet unattached, and I would like to interview them to determine if one of them might suit.”
Mary’s lips parted. “Is your client truly a duke?” she whispered in an awed voice.
Jo nodded. “He is.” The title shouldn’t make a difference, but she knew it would. A duke would make an extraordinary match for any young lady in the Cherrington family.
“Which duke?” Mary asked.
“The Duke of Crestmont.”
“The Duke of Crestmont,” Mary repeated in a musing voice. “I have never made his acquaintance, but I have not heard rumors of him being a dissolute or a profligate.”
