Page 57 of The Duke's Ultimatum

Eleanor glanced at the Duke.Did he have to be so incorrigible?

Jeffries stood straighter, not knowing how to interpret the Duke’s demeanor.

“Lady Eleanor, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Lord Hountshire is here to see you.”

Eleanor’s world tilted on its axis. “What?”

Her mind took its time catching up to what the butler was telling her.

“Lord Hountshire? He’s here to see you.” The butler’s eyes bounced between Eleanor and the Duke, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Eleanor took a step toward Jeffries. “Thank you, Jeffries. Please let him know I will be right in. Thank you.”

She gave him the brightest smile she could muster and prayed it came off as genuine.

Jeffries stood for a moment before he turned and made his way back through the garden to the house.

Eleanor watched him go, clenching and unclenching her fists at her side. She turned to see the Duke staring at her.

“It seems you have a visitor.” His voice was low and droll. How he was able to seem completely unaffected by what just transpired between them infuriated her.

Graynor lifted his arm out in front of him, gesturing towards the house. “After you.”

Eleanor huffed, picked up her skirts, and marched through the garden. If she’s just a game to him, then she’ll show him how well she could play.

CHAPTER 17

Eleanor took a deep breath before she pushed open the door to the study. Her mother and Sarah were already in the room with a very nervous viscount.

“Ah, there you are! Look who’s come to visit!” Charlotte was practically beaming as she walked towards her daughter and placed a kiss on her cheek.

Eleanor’s eyes landed on Simon’s. With a slight nod, she smiled. “Good afternoon, Lord Hountshire. It is good to see you again. I hope you’re well.”

The Viscount swallowed and rubbed his hands on his trousers. “I… I am. Thank you.”

Eleanor walked towards him and sat in the chair across from where the Viscount was standing. “What brings you here today?”

Hountshire’s eyes flew to the door just as the Duke walked in.

Eleanor raised an eyebrow in his direction, challenging him to behave. Graynor smiled at her before bringing his attention to the Viscount.

“Hountshire. Good to see you.” Nothing in the Duke’s voice hinted he was happy to see the Viscount.

Hountshire rolled his shoulders back and stood a bit taller—for that Eleanor was proud of him. “Your Grace, I’ve come to ask Lady Eleanor if I may court her.” His voice held a slight shake which bothered Eleanor. When he steeled his back, she had higher hopes for him. Cowardice was never attractive.

Graynor’s eyes slid to Eleanor’s. “Well, what did the Lady say?”

Hountshire’s ears reddened. “Oh, I haven’t asked her yet.”

Eleanor clucked her tongue. She was not a fan of being discussed as if she weren’t in the room. Hountshire looked back at her to which she just tilted her head in anticipation.

“Lady Eleanor? May I court you?” Now that his eyes were solely on her, he seemed more at ease. She couldn’t blame Hountshire for shrinking a bit in the Duke’s presence—he was a larger than life man. She imagined it would be hard for any man to stand toe to toe with the Duke.

Before answering, Eleanor glanced at her mother, whose own eyes were large and hopeful. “I would love nothing more.” Eleanor’s voice was strong and defiant. She resisted the urge tolook at Graynor while she said it. It wouldn’t be right to say the words and not look at the person for whom they were for. But by God did she want to, just to see the look on the Duke’s face as she said it.

Hountshire clapped his hands. “Splendid! Are you available now? We could go for a walk. If we leave now, we may be able to get back before the rain begins.”

Eleanor nodded. “That sounds like a lovely time.”

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