Page 7 of A Duke But No Gentleman
Imogene stirred to defend her friend’s husband.“Papa, Mr.Hewitt has many fine qualities to recommend.He—”
“Do not defend the man to me!”
Her father’s harsh command forced her to swallow her rebuttal.
“You have yet to explain your part in the chicanery,” he said, striving to control his temper, but it was apparent to Imogene that he had already deduced what she had done.
“Nothing too scandalous, Papa.”She clasped her hands on her lap.“Lenora summoned me because she feared her family would not respect her decision to not marry Lord Renchare.She confessed her love for Mr.Hewitt and her despair that her family would not approve of their love match.”
“Of course they would not approve of such a match.They love their daughter.”
Imogene refrained from debating him on that point.If they loved their daughter, wouldn’t they support her decision?“Lenora arranged for me to meet her Mr.Hewitt.And I found him quite earnest and honorable.So I—”
She hesitated.
The duke rubbed his eyes, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation.“You might as well confess to the rest of it, my girl.I already know the ending to your tale.”
Imogene sighed.“Lenora was distraught at the thought of losing Mr.Hewitt.He had already approached her father for her hand in marriage and was rejected.He proposed eloping, and she turned to me for advice.”Unable to meet the mute anger in her father’s gaze, she stared at her clasped hands.“I told her if the notion of marriage to Lord Renchare was unbearable, then she should dash off to Gretna Green with Mr.Hewitt.”
“Is that all?”
If she was fortunate, she would be banished to her bedchamber for a week.“I was the one who told Lenora to lie to her family.For the first few days, they believed she was staying here, though I assume that is how everything unraveled.Her father must have asked about Lenora and you—”
“I told him that I did not know what he was talking about.”He scowled at her.“Can you comprehend the awkward and embarrassing situation in which you have placed me with your lies?”
“Forgive me, Papa.It was never my intention,” she said solemnly.Imogene did feel awful that her father had been caught up in the web of lies.“When Lenora asked for my help, it never occurred to me that I should refuse.She is my friend.”
“It was not your place to interfere, Imogene.I confess, I am disappointed in you.”
Her lower lip trembled, the subtle sign of her distress.Imogene adored her father, and was sickened that he thought less of her because of her actions.“So shall it be the whip, after all?Or perhaps, imprisonment while I subsist on a diet of bread and water?”
Imogene glanced up, but he had already turned his back on her.She could not be certain, but she could have sworn his mouth had twitched as he tried not to smile.
“Nothing so dramatic, daughter.Locking you in your bedchamber would be kinder, because there is one thing you didn’t consider as you helped Lenora plan her elopement.”
“What is that?”
“The courage it will take to face her family.They quickly deduced who assisted their daughter and they are not pleased with you.Lord Renchare may not have been the sort of gentleman young ladies swoon over, but he is respectable, wealthy, shuns gambling and strong spirits, and would have been a tolerant husband to your friend.”He glanced back at Imogene.His stern expression softened when he noticed the tears in her eyes.“Miss Winall married the man of her choosing, but there’s no promise that it will be an easy life.Both of you will have to live with the consequences.”
She sniffed as her nose burned with unshed tears.The duke handed her a handkerchief, and she mumbled her appreciation.“Should I make a formal apology to Lenora’s family?”she asked, dabbing at the corners of her eyes.
“Only if pressed for one.Sir Horatio and his wife would prefer not to draw scrutiny to the details of their daughter’s recent marriage to Mr.Hewitt.It is fortunate that Lord Renchare is generous, and quite willing to overlook the insult of being rejected for a less favorable suitor.”
Imogene nodded.“Am I allowed to join Mama and Verity this evening?”
“The King’s birthday is in three days and the entire nation is celebrating.I see no reason to deprive you of the festivities.”
“Thank you, Papa.”She stood and approached her father.“You are kinder than I deserve.”
He clasped her extended hand and lightly squeezed her fingers to silently let her know she had not lost his love.“I understand your loyalty to your friend.However, I must impress upon you that a daughter’s loyalty is to her family.”
Imogene loved her family.She could not fathom a day when her loyalties would be divided.“I understand.”
He was visibly pleased with her reply.“Excellent!I pray you will remember our conversation when it is your turn.”
“My turn.”Her forehead furrowed slightly in puzzlement.“What does Lenora’s predicament have to do with me?”
“The Winalls are not the only family in town who have high ambitions for their daughters.”He placed a kiss on her forehead.“However, do not fret.You can trust your papa to find a proper husband for you.”
