Page 9 of Keeper of Secrets

“I am well past sixty, young buck.”But her smile softened as he approached, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

“I suppose that means you’ll be staying for a while.”

“I will.Not only am I getting older, but I’ve got business here in London.”

Right.The charge.What was her name?Mildred likely mentioned it in one of her letters, but he’d forgotten.

Did his aunt think that having a child about would tame him?She was sorely mistaken.But the idea of Mildred being ill… that turn of fate might just stop him in his tracks.“Let’s talk business tomorrow.Right now, I’m glad to see you.”

“Now it’s my turn to ask.Are you feeling all right?”She turned toward her nephew.“You’re never happy to see me.”

He scoffed, straightening up.“I am always happy to see you.”

“Humbug,” she replied but she gave him another warm smile.“And I agree that tomorrow is the time to talk.Tonight, I am content to sleep in your excessively luxuriant house and lavish in the comforts of the dukedom.”

“Now I know you’re not feeling well.You never want to lavish…”

She shook her head.“Nonsense.Now be a dear and fetch me a nightcap.Let’s drink it together before we retire.”

That was the Mildred he knew, sipping from the cup of life.“Your wish is my command.”

She snorted as she removed each of her rings.“You must be worried about me.You are never this agreeable.”

“We can agree that we’re both not ourselves this evening.”

Mildred shook her head.“We are not.I know the reason I’m out of sorts.”Her face fell again.“I’m not sure I was meant to be the keeper of another female.”

Ryker paused in the doorway.Was the child giving his aunt trouble?That’s what boarding schools were for.And this would be so much easier if his aunt also wanted to send the child to school instead of blathering on about how children needed love.

Of course, he’d been the beneficiary of her affection as a child.It was Mildred’s home he’d visited on holidays.Her house that had made him figgy pudding, and Mildred herself who’d taken him to cut bows to decorate the mantels.She’d filled his life with the only love he’d ever known.“You are well over sixty.”

“I’m allowed to say it, you aren’t,” she fired back, sounding far more like his feisty aunt.“Now fetch my drink.I’m nearly ready for bed.”

He smiled at her as he started for the study again.He could have sent a servant, but Mildred was right.She was the one person that he would service without reservation.

CHAPTERTHREE

Chloe woketo the feeling of her stomach cramped with nerves.She’d hardly slept last night, despite the amazingly comfortable bed, because her thoughts had refused to quiet.

First, Mildred had barely spoken to her after they’d left the masquerade.Chloe could ill afford to upset the only person who cared for her.Her need to be settled in a comfortable marriage swelled in her chest once again.

Mildred was wonderful but a husband could not leave her when he became irritated the way Mildred could.And might after last night.

Which led her to the second reason for her nerves.Today was the day she’d meet the duke.His support could make her dream come true.Or send her hopes crashing to the ground.

But she had yet another reason to be worried.Yesterday, the duke had been the man to determine her entire future.But today…

He might have been trumped by the one who’d kissed her last night.That man would not make her life, but he might destroy it.

Or was she the person in danger of ruining her own future?She’d been so eager for the adventure he’d offered even though she’d known better.He’d been so handsome, and she was exceptionally lonely and inexperienced.Still, it was no excuse.Mildred was right about that.Chloe pushed back the covers and rang the bell for a bath.She might as well be fresh for whatever the day brought.

An hour later, she was bathed and dressed, with her thick hair getting twisted into an elaborate coif as a light blue muslin gown for her to wear was laid out by the maid.

A knock sounded at the door, then Mildred swept into the room with her tall regal stature, and fit for a woman half her age.“Good morning.”

Mildred no longer sounded angry.In fact, she was her usual chipper self.“Good morning.”

The maid put the final pin into Chloe’s hair and then crossed the room to prepare the dress.Chloe followed, Mildred stepping around the bed to help as well.

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