Page 41 of The Love Potion
The duke’s ruby lay heavy in her pocket, but even so, she couldn’t believe he’d keep so enormous a promise. And yet, she couldn’t discard the possibility out of hand.
“Did the duke stop by?” She hadn’t heard the knocker, and it was still early. Likely he wouldn’t visit until later.
“He sent around a missive early.”
“A missive?”
Zoe nodded, excitement sparking in her eyes. “An invitation! He’s taking us to see Whirl tomorrow. I want to have a word with his stable master. He doesn’t take care of the older mares. All his attention is on the promising fillies.”
Kynthea felt her heart sink. He wasn’t coming today. And she’d likely be tossed out by the time he arrived tomorrow.
“Don’t you see?” Zoe pressed. “That’s why Mama took to her bed. She doesn’t know what to do.”
“What?”
Zoe rolled her eyes. “The invitation was for both of us. He said that quite specifically. Me, with you as chaperone. That’s what Mama was so upset about. She can’t dismiss you if the dukedoesn’t want it. But with Mr. Pickleherring’s column, everyone is telling her she must. She doesn’t know what to do.”
Neither did Kynthea.
“But don’t worry,” Zoe rushed to add. “I’ve got a plan.”
Kynthea sighed. It was Zoe’s love potion plan that had started this whole mess to begin with.
“You’re coming with me tomorrow,” Zoe said firmly, “and Mama and Papa are staying here because I told them they have to stay. I have a plan and they’d mess it up.”
“Your mother won’t do that.”
“She will because I told her that together, you and I will bring him up to scratch.”
Kynthea felt her heart sink. “Zoe, we can’t—”
“Psst!” She cut off Kynthea’s words with a hard slash of her hand. “I won’t hear a word of disagreement. He’ll propose and I’ll insist that you stay as my companion. I’ll even make you my maid of honor at the wedding!”
So many things were wrong with that statement, but her cousin clearly needed to believe it. “Zoe, the duke isn’t going to propose. He thinks you’re too young.”
“Yes, he is because Prinny said so! Besides, no one else has my pedigree, beauty, or dowry.”
“Prinny can’t command—”
“Yes, he can! Mama heard it from the dowager duchess. And since Papa has already drafted my marriage contract, it’s all but done.”
Zoe was adamant, and Kynthea had enough experience with the girl to know she wasn’t going to see reason. Still, she had to try. “It is not settled,” she said as gently as possible. “Your father drafted the marriage contract before the season began. And there’s been no direct negotiation with the duke.”
Zoe shrugged. “We don’t know that! Papa’s been closeted with so many stuffy men. And the duke spoke to him for nearly an hour after the first Mr. Pickleherring article.”
Damn that blasted writer.
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. When the regent says he approves of a match, it’s as good as done.” She folded her arms in front of her as if that was the final word on the subject. “I was willing to wait until the end of the season, you know. The Season isn’t as much fun if you’re spoken for in the first week. But catching a duke this fast is quite a coup. In fact, it’s the match of the Season!”
“It is,” Kynthea said weakly. It would be, if the duke were going to do it. “But Zoe—”
“No more buts.” There was noise in the hallway as someone walked past. It could be any one of their many servants, but Zoe took it as a sign that her mother was rising.
“We’re running out of time,” she said hurriedly. “I need you to go to My Lady’s Apothecary for me. Go now and stay away all day.”
“What?”
“Mama can’t fire you if she can’t find you.”
