Page 38 of The Duke's Ultimatum

Eleanor watched the exchange, amazed that her mother still hadn’t realized that Beatrice was reading at the table.

“Beatrice has a point, Mama; I’m sure the Duke is aware of the Viscount’s character,” Sarah added.

Eleanor glanced at the door the Duke just vacated. Sarah was right. He might not know how to act in society, but he definitely did his research on the people involved in society. So, why didn’t he like the Viscount?

She scrunched her face, and she brushed away the thought. “It’s of no consequence for this particular discussion, Sarah. Whatever his thoughts are of the Viscount, they can be addressed later. The more amicable he is to his peers, the more doors will open for you and Beatrice. And I don’t want you two to go through the stress I’m dealing with now. If we can find you two husbands that you have an interest in, and it’s done in a timely manner, then His Grace will have little say in the matter. That is my goal with me helping him.”

Charlotte sighed, placing a hand over her heart. “This is the most settled I’ve felt since your father passed. I truly think we will all come out on the other side better.”

Eleanor chuckled. “I’m not so sure about that, Mama, but I will certainly do my part to help.”

Eleanor once again dabbed her mouth with her napkin and pushed away from the table. With one last look around the table she made her way towards the door. “Well, I guess it’s time I begin. Wish me luck!”

She felt she was going to need all the luck she could get.

CHAPTER 12

“You’re trying to make me look like a fool.” The Duke stomped over to the refreshment cart and poured himself a glass of water.

Eleanor watched the temper tantrum from across the room where she was nursing her foot. The Duke’s boot slammed down on it during their many attempts at dancing.

“I assure you, Your Grace, my intention is not to make you look like anything other than someone who knows how to dance. My character, and my feet, allow for nothing less.”

The Duke’s head snapped back to where Eleanor sat.

“Was that a jibe at my ability to dance?” he asked while pointing at her rubbing her foot.

Eleanor sighed and limped back to the center of the room. “It was not.”

Graynor’s eyes darkened.

“Fine. It may have been a slight jab in regard to your abilities, but you really are coming along. Come now, let’s try again.”

The Duke stayed where he was, his hands on his hips, his eyes focused on the floor.

And they say women are emotional.

“Your Grace?” Eleanor softened her voice as she approached him. She reached out and took his hand. “I am sorry if I made you feel your dancing has not improved.”

He looked at the connection of their hands then up to her eyes. “Why do I need to dance? I’m not looking for a husband. Or a wife. You need to dance. I need to make connections with fathers.”

Eleanor smiled. “Ah, don’t you realize the real power is with the wives, the mothers,” she said with a sparkle in her eyes. “They’re the ones working their magic behind the scenes. Dance with one of the mothers and win her over, and she’ll hand you the deed to their land before her husband even knows you danced with her.”

A dark eyebrow lifted at her idea. “Won’t that create a scandal? A rakish duke cozying up to the mamas of thetonin exchange for their sons.”

Eleanor led him back to the middle of the floor. She lifted a shoulder. “People have survived worse scandals.” She added a wink for emphasis.

Graynor smiled. “You continue to surprise me, Eleanor. Just when I think you couldn’t be more prim and proper, you show a side that is downright wicked.”

Heat bloomed across her cheeks, and her stomach flipped at his words.

She fluttered her eye lashes. “It’s all a part of the game, remember? At my age, I have become a professional socialite.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.” Graynor dropped his head back and stared at the ceiling. “Now, where we were?”

Eleanor smiled. He was acting like an impish scamp, and she couldn’t help but find it endearing. She had come to see a different side to him over the past few days of working with him. Sure, he was still as formidable as ever, but every once and awhile, he seemed to let down his walls to let her see the man behind the business.

She hated to admit it, but she rather liked that in a man.

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