Page 61 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“Thank you for sitting with me.”

He said nothing but gave one subtle nod.

CHAPTER 18

Eleanor reached out and took Graynor’s hand, purposefully looking past him. It was bad enough that her cheek still could recall the tingle from where his knuckles brushed them yesterday; she didn’t need to have his eyes seared into her mind for the whole evening as well.

Unfortunately for her, the Viscount was unable to escort her to Caroline’s for the concert. The Duke helped her out of the carriage, along with her sisters and mother. When all four women were settled, they followed him into Caroline’s home.

Per usual, Sarah and Charlotte took the time to whisper to each other about what others were wearing while Beatrice remained quiet behind them. It was no secret that she had hidden a book in the folds of her dress. How she expected to read the book in the middle of a society event was beyond Eleanor, but that was not her problem. So, like her mother, she chose to ignore Beatrice’s secret.

Eleanor scanned the foyer, looking for the Viscount. The sooner she got away from the Duke, the better. Finally, her eyes landed on the Viscount, who was handing his overcoat to the butler.

“There’s your beau.” Graynor’s voice held no malice which was a welcome change from his previous demeanor around the Viscount.

“Oh, Mama! Look! It’s Bryon Wilkins! May I go say hello?” Sarah squealed.

Eleanor’s eyes traveled to where the young boy stood with his parents, looking positively bored.

“Go on, but be back before the performance starts. Beatrice? Go with your sister.”

Both girls opened their mouths to complain.

Charlotte raised her hands. “I do not want to hear it from either of you. Beatrice, your sister shouldn’t go alone, and it wouldn’t harm you to talk to others. Don’t think I don’t know about the book you brought.”

“But Mama, Beatrice isn’t even old enough to be a proper chaperone.”

Charlotte quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not dense, child. We are in a room with about a hundred other people, so you don’t need achaperone. This is more for her sake, and mine, than yours. Now go.”

Both girls stomped away.

“Good evening, Lady Eleanor; you look quite beautiful tonight.” Hountshire had approached while the girls were walking away.

Eleanor dipped her head in thanks. “You’re too kind.” Eleanor’s eyes briefly looked at Graynor’s, expecting to be met with some hostility but instead, he was tracking Sarah and Beatrice’s movements with interest.

“Something amiss, Your Grace?” Eleanor asked, curious as to why he was watching them so closely.

Her question broke his concentration, and he looked back to her. “No, everything is well, Eleanor. Hountshire.” Graynor looked him up and down. “Good to see you again.”

The Viscount took the Duke’s offered hand and merely nodded.

“Have you ever heard the Stanley Quartet play, Your Grace?” Charlotte inquired.

Graynor shook his head. “Unfortunately, not. I have heard wonderful praise about them, though, so I am thoroughly looking forward to tonight.”

“You are in for a treat, Your Grace,” Hountshire interjected. “I make it a habit to see them, and other musicians, several times a year. I think art and philanthropy go hand in hand in this day and age. I am a huge supporter of the arts as Eleanor knows.” Hountshire’s cocky smile grated on Graynor, who wanted to rearrange the Viscount’s face into his own work of art.

“Yes, and we are very appreciative of you and your family’s generous donation to the charity, Simon. It was the largest one we received.” Eleanor placed her hand on his arm.

Hountshire preened under Eleanor’s compliment. “It was nothing, my sweet. Anything for you and your project.”

The way he said “project” unnerved Eleanor. It sounded almost insulting, but she swallowed her pride. It wasn’t about recognition, after all, it was for the children.

She looked at Graynor, who was busy looking around the room. She followed as his eyes hit the flower arrangements, the food, and the information tables. She was most proud of those. She worked with the children to paint and draw their favorite things. There was also information about what they hoped to renovate at the hospital with the funds raised at tonight’s event. Eleanor was very proud of her work.

“I can tell you and Caroline put a lot into this. I am impressed, Eleanor. You should be very proud of yourself.” The Duke’s words were quiet and sincere.

Eleanor stood, her mouth slightly agape. When he looked to Charlotte, he found a similar expression. Graynor rolled his lips. He looked surprised at their reactions.

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