Page 41 of A Duke in the Rough

Aunt Kitty blinked rapidly, her head jerking back so forcefully, Drake worried she would fall over. “Nonsense. I know a Pendrake when I see one. Why, those eyes are an obvious giveaway. The color of honey, I always said.”

Aunt Kitty’s eyes, a light blue, squinted, studying him. “And that nose. That’s a Granger nose if I’ve ever seen one.” She pointed to her own, which Drake had to admit, was a perfect replica of his own aquiline nose. “And I’ve seen it every day for these past eight-and-seventy years.”

She turned toward Simon. “If you’re the Duke of Burwood, I’m Queen Charlotte.”

“Um, madam,” Drake said. “Queen Charlotte is no longer with us.”

“Makes my point, wouldn’t you say?” Her gaze raked over Simon from the top of his well-groomed head to the bottom of his well-polished hessians. “Just who are you, young man, and why are you impersonating my great-nephew?”

“I like her. We should tell her, Drake,” Simon said.

“Drake?” The old woman cocked her head. A wide grin split her face again, stacking the lines at her mouth. “As inPendrake?”

Drake squirmed in place under the old woman’s scrutiny.

“Tell her.” Simon’s words grew more insistent.

Aunt Kitty lifted her cane, and for a moment, Drake feared she would strike either him or Simon with it. Perhaps she would even strike them both. He released the breath he held when she pointed it at Simon. “You tell me, since you’re so keen on the idea. If you’re truly the duke, this young whippersnapper isn’t going to stop you now, is he?” She gazed at Drake askance, no doubt watching for his reaction.

The old woman was shrewd. Drake would give her that much. And like Simon, instinct told him he would not only like Aunt Kitty, he could trust her.

“No. I’ll tell you everything. But first, allow me to provide you withsome refreshment. You’ve had a long journey.” He rang for Frampton and ordered tea and sandwiches to be brought into the parlor. Aunt Kitty requested sherry, which she insisted was for medicinal purposes only.

Simon barked a laugh and received a censorious glare from both Drake and Aunt Kitty.

Then Drake settled Aunt Kitty on the settee and began his tale.

CHAPTER 12

“Really, Father.” Honoria held her ground. “You’re imagining things. Mr. Merrick was simply being kind. He has done nothing to deserve your disapprobation, much less your verbal censure.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed, no doubt sussing out a lie. Luckily, he found none. Honoria spoke the truth. Much to her dismay, Drake had made no advances, impolite or otherwise. If it wouldn’t add fuel to her father’s argument against Drake, she would tell him that Drake practically said as much during their meeting in the library the other evening. However, disclosing that bit of information to her father was not wise, to say the least.

“I just wish to God he wasn’t Burwood’s man of business. Constantly hovering around, popping up at the most inopportune times.”

Her mother placed a hand on his arm, calming him. “Now, Stratford. Mr. Merrick has been the perfect gentleman, and if Honoria stands a chance with the duke, perhaps Mr. Merrick will encourage his employer.”

Her father’s eyes widened. “Are you mad, woman? Why would hedo that? To what end?” His brow furrowed. “Unless it’s to keep Honoria close at hand for hisownpurposes.”

“Bertram!” Her mother blanched. “Remember yourself!”

Eager to salvage the deteriorating situation, Honoria said, “I believe what Mother is saying is Mr. Merrick would vouch for my character.” She met her father’s gaze directly. “Knowing full well nothing happened between us, he could reassure Burwood that the reports of my—disgrace are false.”

Her father’s eyes widened. “So youareconsidering Burwood?”

Did she say that? “In my estimation, the likelihood of a match between Burwood and me is negligible.”

Unable to let the matter lie, her father said, “He’s paid you an inordinate amount of attention. Seeking you out for his ridiculous games and seating you by his side at supper.”

“One evening, Father. Since you sat directly across from me, you will recall my position next to Mr. Pratt tonight.”

“Yes. That was unfortunate. I have nothing against him personally, but scandal follows that family wherever they go, especially that sister of his.” He huffed and turned in the direction where Priscilla chatted with her brother. “You could have been Mrs. Marbry and, in the future, Viscountess Saxton. A step down, to be certain, but?—”

“Father. When will you desist with that complaint? It’s in the past, and even if it weren’t, I’ve told you I refused Mr. Marbry’s suit.”

“Exactly my point. He offered for you, and you turned him down. You need to accept the next man who offers for you. No exceptions.”

“Even if he isn’t titled or to inherit?”

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