Page 113 of Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The groom led Vulcan away, and Drago climbed the steps to the front door.
The butler recognized him and bowed low. “Your Grace!”
“Good morning.” Ducal arrogance on show, Drago strolled inside. “Is Miss Melwin at home?”
The butler looked flustered. “Ah…” Then he pulled himself together. “Miss Melwin is presently in the morning room, Your Grace. With her brother and…another gentleman.”
Drago arched his brows. “Mr. Bragg, by any chance?” That would be a stroke of luck.
The butler’s face cleared. “Indeed, Your Grace.”
“Excellent.” Drago smiled charmingly and waved the man ahead of him. “Please take me to them.”
After closing the front door, the butler hurried to do so. He led Drago to a room toward the rear of the manor house, tapped, opened the door, and proudly announced, “His Grace, the Duke of Wylde.”
Drago entered to see surprise overtake the faces of the trio seated in the parlor—Alison and Joshua on the sofa and Hubert in an armchair facing them. Hubert’s expression was one of stunned astonishment, while Alison and Joshua looked unexpectedly and pleasantly relieved.
“Wylde.” Hubert shot to his feet. Previously, Hubert had thoroughly disapproved of Drago, as much as a gentleman of Hubert’s rank could disapprove of a neighboring duke. Today, however, Hubert manufactured what he no doubt believed was a welcoming smile and advanced with his hand outstretched. “We’re delighted to see you at Melwin Place, Your Grace.”
Drago hid all suspicion behind his usual charming smile. “Hubert.” He grasped Hubert’s hand and resisted the urge to crush it, reminding himself that they needed Hubert to incriminate himself.
Apparently oblivious to any undercurrents, Hubert gestured to Alison, who, with Joshua, had risen. “You’re acquainted with my sister, of course.”
Drago smiled sincerely at Alison and half bowed as she hurriedly curtsied, then Drago transferred his smile to Joshua. “And with Mr. Bragg. I hoped I might find you here.” Drago strolled forward to offer Joshua his hand.
Joshua shook it and bowed. “Your Grace.”
Both Drago and Joshua looked at Alison.
She leapt to wave Drago to an armchair. “Do please have a seat, Your Grace.”
With a deepening smile, he elegantly sat, and Alison and Joshua resumed their places on the sofa, leaving Hubert, somewhat uncertainly, to reclaim the other armchair.
Studying Drago’s face—trying to gauge what he wanted of them—Alison tentatively ventured, “I expect the duchess is still settling into life at Wylde Court.”
“Indeed.” Drago smiled encouragingly at Alison. “Meg would have accompanied me, but she’s still finding her way with the various demands on her time, so I am here representing us both. We wished to invite you”—he transferred his smile to Joshua—“and Mr. Bragg to an alfresco luncheon next Sunday.” Avoiding glancing at Hubert, Drago waved languidly. “An entirely informal affair.”
Alison looked at Joshua, then returned her gaze to Drago. “I would be delighted to attend, Your Grace.”
“As would I.” Joshua half bowed.
“Excellent!” Drago beamed. “Now I’ve done my duty in that regard, I wonder, Bragg, if I might seek your opinion on a matter of estate business.” Drago fleetingly glanced at Hubert, then looked at Alison. “Perhaps, Miss Melwin, you would be agreeable to accompanying Mr. Bragg and myself on a stroll about the gardens.” He waved toward the French doors that stood open to the terrace. “It’s such a lovely day, it seems a shame to waste it, even while discussing business.”
“Yes, of course.” Now intrigued, Alison obligingly rose.
The gentlemen got to their feet, and Drago waved Alison and Joshua ahead of him. Hubert, of course, followed them out.
Once on the terrace, over Alison’s head, Drago spoke to Joshua. “When we met in London, you mentioned that your firm was thinking of opening an office in Tunbridge Wells. I’d like to pick your brains as to those plans.” He smiled at Alison, standing between them, and gallantly offered her his arm. “Let’s stroll on the lawn. I’m sure Alison won’t mind indulging us.”
Alison readily smiled and took his arm, then glanced questioningly at Joshua.
Her intended nodded encouragingly and waved her and Drago to the steps. Joshua walked down with them, and in relaxed fashion, the three of them set out across the lawn.
After several yards, Drago changed direction so that they were walking parallel to the terrace. A quick glance revealed Hubert quitting the terrace and heading in the direction of the stable.
“Has he gone?” Alison whispered.
