Page 52 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
The few warm feelings she had felt towards him dissipated. He understood nothing about the misery an arranged marriage could impose on a woman. Why would he? He was a man.
And he did not deserve such a sweet young woman as Miss Simon. She certainly did not deserve to be married to a man who did not have a heart.
‘What if…what if one of the pair has fallen in love with someone else? Would the marriage not be untenable for both?’
‘Are you saying you have fallen in love with someone unsuitable?’
Ugh. How obtuse. But then she was rather beating about the bush. ‘I am not talking about me, but rather about a friend.’
‘A friend. I see.’ He sounded as if he did not believe her. ‘While I do not think love is a prerequisite for a good marriage, I do believe a man has a right to expect fidelity in his wife.’
But a woman had no right to expect the same in a husband. No doubt as soon ashewas wed, he would be off seeking a mistress, just like Helmut.
‘I am sure Miss Simon will do her best to meet your exacting standards. Perhaps if you did not frown at her quite so much, she might be a bit more comfortable.’
He stopped and turned to face her. ‘Are you saying Miss Simon is in love with someone else?’
He’d honed in on the real import of her words without difficulty. She hesitated. This really was not for her to say, but—‘I think she believes her heart is engaged elsewhere, though it is quite possibly only puppy love and could easily be overcome. Her family considers you the better match.’
‘They would.’ His tone was dry. ‘In any case, I have made no commitments to Miss Simon, so she is free to do as she pleases.’
The chill in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. Surely he could not be hurt by her revelation?
‘I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.’
‘Did she ask you to reveal this piece of information?’
‘She asked for my help. But she is terrified of upsetting her family.’
He sighed. ‘Then I see I shall have to carefully withdraw from the lists. I would prefer you to say nothing to her about our conversation today.I think perhaps she does not have the wit to carry off such a delicate matter.’
Surprised, she stared at him. She had half expected him to be angry and dismissive of the idea of a rival. Perhaps even hurt or…affected somehow.
The man really did not have a heart. Or if he did, it was frozen beneath the weight of honour and duty.
The thought caused her an unexpected pain in the region of her heart.
They arrived at her front door. ‘I will keep my counsel,’ she said, though Miss Simon must surely guess Barbara had spoken with him. ‘And thank you for your assistance this morning. I do hope you can get my message to the Count.’
He blinked, clearly noticing the change in her demeanour.
‘I will do my best.’
‘Shall I see you at the Andersons’ drum in Chelsea tomorrow?’
‘Chelsea?’ He frowned. ‘I do not recall if I received an invitation, but if I accepted, I shall attend.’
Always so dutiful. She felt a surge of pity. The poor man needed to have some fun. The question was, could he be lured out of his armour for long enough to enjoy himself?
And might she be the woman to help him do so? Their kiss hinted that she might very well be and if so, now he would no longer be pursuing Miss Simon, it would help her own plans along very nicely.
Having seen her to the door, the Duke bowed and strolled off down the street.
Inside, Barbara handed her outer raiment to the footman who opened the door and found her aunt in the drawing room embroidery hoop in hand.
‘Who was that with you?’ her aunt asked, trying to look as if she hadn’t picked up her embroidery a second before Barbara arrived.
‘You saw it was the Duke.’
