Page 12 of A Murder in Mayfair
“It is, but as the lecture title indicates, it has health benefits too.” He pointed to a plant in the corner that he had under glass. “I’m studying it at the moment.”
“That’s foxglove?” I asked in horror.
“Indeed, it is, dear sister.”
“That plant shouldn’t be here, Cosmos. You know how inquisitive Petunia is. And Fox is following in your footsteps. No telling what he might do.”
“That’s why I keep my study locked. Now, I really must leave. After you, Rosie.” Once we walked out, he carefully locked the door behind us before making his way down the hallway.
Eager to study the duke’s letter, I took it back to my room. The more I read it, the more concerned I became. What did the duke wish to discuss? Well, I wouldn’t find out by standing here. I penned a quick note suggesting a meeting at three.
Chapter
Four
A MEETING WITH THE DUKE
I’d bathed, donned fresh clothes, and had my maid style my hair. If the duke was looking for a confrontation, I would meet him faultlessly attired and groomed. He would find no fault with me.
At the appointed hour, almost to the dot, our butler knocked on the morning room door. “His Grace the Duke of Steele, milady.”
“Thank you, Honeycutt.”
Steele strode into the morning room with the sure gait of a man who knew his worth in the world. He was dressed in unrelenting black, his favorite attire, the only spots of white his shirt and cravat. The strands of grey that streaked his black as sin mane, more obvious in the cold light of day than last night’s candlelit ballroom, lent him a rather sinister air.
“Your Grace.” I offered him my best curtsy.
He reciprocated in kind with an exquisite bow. “Lady Rosalynd. Thank you for seeing me.”
“My pleasure.” I wanted to say just the opposite, but I didn’t want him to comment about my lack of manners as he had lastnight. I would play the perfect hostess, no matter how difficult it would prove to be. “I ordered tea.” I pointed to the silver service on a low table. “Unless you wish for something stronger?”
“Tea will do.” Taking a seat on the blue damask settee opposite the matching one I occupied, he asked, “Will Rosehaven be joining us?”
“My brother had a lecture to attend. He apologizes for his absence.” Cosmos had done no such thing, mainly because it would never occur to him.
His brow knitted, as if he found my answer unacceptable. I did not have to wonder why. An unmarried lady meeting in private with a gentleman was simply not done. But it was what it was.
“Do you take sugar or milk?” I asked.
“Neither, thank you.”
Having prepared the beverage to his preference, I handed him the cup and saucer. “If you’re concerned about my lack of chaperone, don’t be. I’m years past my debut season.”
He frowned. “But you’re still of marriageable age, and thus, in need of one.”
I poured myself a cup before giving him a measured answer. “I have no plans to marry.” As he well knew. I’d made that intent clear at Needham Manor.
“That’s not the point. You can be ruined if anyone discovers we met in private.”
“No one will. The only one who knows of our meeting is Cosmos, and he won’t breathe a word.”
He nodded toward the door. “Your butler knows.”
“Honeycutt is the soul of discretion.” I calmly took a sip of tea while glancing directly at him. “You need not worry about your reputation, Your Grace.”
His gaze bounced back to me. “It’s yours I’m worried about, not mine.”
“Are you inclined to ravish me then, Your Grace?”
