Page 25 of A Deal with the Broken Duke
It wasn’t kind. And while it was true that Juliet’s past hadn’t hinted at the beauty that lay in her future, Harry had always found her charming in a childish way. There was certainly never anything objectionable about the way she had looked.
The Duke composed himself and continued. “I’m here seeking your permission to court her,” he announced.
Lord Linford nodded. “Of course, we’ll accept that offer. I’ve spoken to Juliet about this already, and she’s interested.”
“Wonderful. I’m so glad to hear that.”
“You’ll be a wonderful match for my daughter, Your Grace. And may I say, I’m glad she’ll be courting someone I’ve known for such a long time,” Lord Linford said. “I’ve often worried about this day, you know, the day my daughters would be old enough to be courted by gentlemen. I know how some young men can be. Disrespectful. Even cruel at times.”
Now, Harry thought, was the perfect moment to bring up Lord Stickland and discuss his true nature with Lord Linford. Perhaps Juliet’s father had been unwilling to listen to his daughter about that man, but he might be more likely to listen to a fellow gentleman, and in particular, one he was trying to impress.
He was on the verge of disclosing Lord Stickland’s dishonorable acts, but then he stopped himself.
Juliet had asked him not to.
She trusted him, and she had asked him to keep Lord Stickland’s behavior to himself. Harry didn’t understand her reasons, and he didn’t imagine he would agree with them, but he couldn’t pretend he didn’t know what she wanted.
He would respect her wishes, even though Lord Stickland made him so angry that he felt inclined to strike the man. He would do as Juliet had asked and leave the matter alone.
Instead, he said, “You can trust me, Lord Linford. I have only the best intentions towards Juliet.”
“I imagine she’s always had a bit of a fondness for you, you know,” Lord Linford noted. “After all, you are her older brother’s closest friend. It would be only natural for her to admire you as a girl.”
Harry nodded. He had never gotten the impression that Juliet felt that way towards him, but letting Lord Linford think that that was true would help to sell the ruse.
“Perhaps you’re right. It does seem remarkable that this is happening after all our years of knowing one another. I would never have guessed six years ago that this would be the place in which we would find ourselves today.”
“It’s lovely that everything has worked out so splendidly, isn’t it?” Lord Linford asked.
“Very lovely.”
“Now, let us discuss your first outing with Juliet.” Lord Linford rubbed his hands together.
Harry felt mildly amused at that. Lord Linford certainly didn’t like to waste time. “Perhaps we should bring Juliet in to be a part of that discussion,” he suggested.
“Do you think so? Why?”
“She might be interested in participating,” Harry replied. “I would like to do something that’s of interest to her.”
“Well, certainly, if that’s what you’d like.” Lord Linford smiled in a way that indicated to Harry that he was somewhat baffled.
Harry supposed that he hadn’t expected anyone to care very much about Juliet’s opinion in all of this, a fact that made him feel rather sad. She deserved to have her voice heard.
If there’s one thing I can do for her during this sham courtship, it will be to make sure she knows that there’s always someone who cares what she thinks.Her opinions will always matter where I am concerned.
Lord Linford sent one of his footmen to fetch Juliet. She must have been lingering nearby, because the footman was only gone for a few moments before returning, not just with Juliet, but with Matilda and Daniel as well.
“It’s just as well that you’re all here,” Lord Linford said. “Juliet is going to need chaperones.” He was beaming as if he had just been awarded a prize.
“What’s happening?” Matilda asked innocently.
“Your sister is going to be courted by His Grace,” Lord Linford explained. “Isn’t that marvelous?”
“You mean Harry?”
Harry had to turn his head away to hide his smile.
“You ought to call him by his proper title now, Matilda,” Lord Linford scolded her.
