Page 62 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

Nash chuckled. “Another woman who loves to read, like the duchess. What book was it you raved about when I was calling on you?”

“Pride And Prejudice,” Honoria said.

Charlotte grinned. “An excellent book. Reminiscent of Simon’s and my fraught relationship.”

“Fraught?” Nash frowned. “The man seems overly agreeable.” He held up his hand, saying with a chuckle, “Never mind. That explains it.”

When Juliana rose, Nash did as well. At first, she thought he’d done so as a simple matter of courtesy, but he bowed to Honoria. “I think I shall retire as well. I’ll escort you upstairs, Miss Merrick. Good night, Your Grace. Mrs. Merrick. Lottie.”

“I shall never forgive you for letting that slip in front of Simon,” Charlotte grumbled.

Nash threw back his head in laughter. “After you, Miss Merrick.”

They ascended the stairs in silence, Nash with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression pensive.

“You seem deep in thought, Lord Nash.”

“Simply Nash, Miss Merrick,” he reminded her. “May I speak frankly?”

“Please call me Juliana. I’m having enough difficulty adjusting to my brother being a duke. And I much prefer people be direct.”

A small smile curved his lips. “You must appreciate my sister, then.”

She couldn’t help but smile in return.

“Juliana, if Victor Pratt doesn’t see what a treasure he has in you, then he is more of a fool than I took him for.”

Juliana’s mind stuttered, and blinking, she jerked back. From the way he’d studied her since his arrival, she expected him to comment on her resemblance to his wife, specifically inregard to Victor’s attachment. But not that. She wasn’t sure if it was more a compliment to her or an insult to Victor.

“I’ve surprised you. Good to know I haven’t lost my touch. It’s obvious you’re an intelligent young woman. You’ve noticed your similarity in appearance to my wife. And I suspect you know Mr. Pratt had hopes for an attachment with her several years ago. But let me be clear, Juliana. I don’t believe he would have made Adalyn happy. My wife is a physician. She likes to fix broken people, and—unlike myself—Mr. Pratt is not damaged enough. In turn, Adalyn would not have made him happy, and I believe you will. Do you realize your face lights up when someone speaks his name?”

Her cheeks warmed. Was she that transparent?

“If you believe my wife’s and my presence will in any way have a negative impact on the ball tomorrow night, say the word and we shall make ourselves scarce.”

How could such a dangerous-looking man be so kind and insightful? “To be honest, I would rather know the truth of Victor’s feelings.”

Nash nodded. “Very well. As I said, Pratt is a fool if he doesn’t appreciate you.”

At the top of the staircase, he bowed and left her.

And she prayed with her whole heart he was correct.

Contrary to Victor’ssupposition about the duke’s and Mr. Beckham’s state of inebriation, both were lucid during the carriage ride toThe Knave.However, the duke appeared on the verge of saying something several times before turning away and staring out the carriage window.

What did they have up their sleeves?

“Are you nervous, Pratt?” Mr. Beckham asked.

Victor chuckled. “About going to a gaming hell?”

Mr. Beckham turned toward the duke. “Oh, he’s nervous, all right.” He then directed his attention back to Victor. “No, you dolt. About marriage. It’s not so bad. And it does have some advantages.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

The duke shot Mr. Beckham a glare. “Did you forget he’s marrying my sister? I don’t want to think aboutthat.”

“Your Grace, I assure you I will treat your sister with the utmost respect.”

“Don’t ‘Your Grace’ him this evening, Victor. We’re Simon and Drake. Simply three men out for a bit of fun. And don’t mind my friend here, it took him forever to?—”

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