Page 6 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
“No, I have yet to visit.” He did not plan on seeing or even hearing about his mother. “Do you have anything in blue?”
I figure if I am going to survive the ton, I should at least pick something that is not my usual black suit. As a plus, it will match whatever Miss Snow decides to wear. The blue will pair nicely with her eyes… those bright eyes that looked up at me like I had shown her a new world, and those incredibly soft, pink lips…
“I think I have just the thing, but it may have to be tailored. Just a moment, Your Grace.”
The tailor ducked out of the room to the back, and Rowan nodded, questioning the odd thought of the softness of Alice’s lips as he perused the various fabrics and articles of clothing around the store before stopping near the mirror, where an elderly gentleman stood, getting fitted for his coat.
“The Duke of Grafton, before my own two eyes,” he said, and Rowan raised his eyes to meet his in the mirror.
One of his father’s old business partners and lifelong friends stared him down, giving him a head-to-toe glance.
“Lord Hartly. You are looking well. I hope your family is in full health. Is this fine suit for a special occasion?” Rowan attempted small talk, which he was learning was not his strong suit.
“Indeed, a new suit is needed for every occasion. Even when the old man sits in his library and reads the post.” Lord Hartly chuckled, and Rowan gave a polite smile back, unsure if he should join in the laughter. “You are running your father’s sector of the trade now, are you not? How is business?”
“I am only visiting London on business. Are you looking to invest in the American trade?”
“Oh? I cannot say that the wife would be too intrigued by my investment into another overseas venture. Though, I heard from my daughters that you were at the ball yesterday evening, and you have got your eyes on the Season’s Diamond,” Lord Hartly replied with a smile and a waggle of his eyebrows.
Rowan wanted to roll his eyes but held back. He could not get away from the natter if he tried. Which, to be fair, he did try.
“Ah, well, that is what they are saying.”
He tried to play it off like simple city gossip but realized that would not work with these men. They understood the importance and the intricacies of pursuing and courting a Diamond chosen by the Queen. He would have to try harder to actually care for his own sake.
“And your daughters? Have they found suitors?”
“Oh, no. They were quite distraught that you had someone on your arm by the end of the evening. But if a dowry is what you are looking for, you will not find it with Miss Snow. The Baron is quite stingy. Not one to talk a lot, unless it is about making money. It is almost disturbing how well that man hoards his cash. He has no trouble bragging about it to the men at the club, though.”
Rowan was saved from the conversation when he saw the tailor return. “I am sure he has good reason. If you are looking to do business, my door is open, My Lord. Good day.”
So much for business connections.
* * *
“Good morning, My Lord,” Alice said softly, entering the dining room with a pot of tea, and pouring some into the small cup in front of Richard. “Sugar?”
“And milk, of course,” he replied, shaking his head before standing up and walking to the window, looking out over the countryside. “Tell me, Sister. How have your attempts to marry been going? Futile, I can assume?”
She knew he was mocking her. Most of the ugly rumors about her were true, but the one about Richardwantingher to be married was far from the truth.
“Swell, My Lord.”
“Do not lie to me.” He whipped his head around, crossed his arms, and walked back to the table. “Sit down and tell me.”
Would it be acceptable to bring the Duke up this early in our deal?
She supposed she would just have to find out. “I have found someone?—”
“Surely, you cannot mean the Earl of Eaton. You are still on about him?” He suddenly laughed. It was a boisterous, ear-piercing sound that made Alice flinch. She had learned to despise his laughter, which became something of a marker in her life to know when she was the punchline of the joke. “He is wealthy, but, Sister, you will be terribly unhappy. He isimpotent.”
A blush quickly crept up her face, and he laughed harder, before taking a sip of his tea. “You did not put milk in this.”
“Apologies, My Lord.”
“Just do it quickly. And then leave me to my business.” He flicked his hand in the air, waving her out of the room.
She watched as he poured a dark substance from his flask into his tea, and she took a deep breath, walking back into the kitchen.
