Page 34 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
Nash thought from the way Jasmine said the words that there must be some sort of tiff between the two maids. He had never known the shy little maid of Harcourt’s to hold much in the way of grievances. He recalled the maid that Harcourt had brought in and he was not that fond of the idea of dealing with her either.
“Thank you,” Nash said to Jasmine, who curtseyed and then was off, like a deer released from a trap, down the hallway.
Inside the library Nash found Lady Callum and her maid waiting. They both turned their heads toward him at his approach. “Lady Callum, you look lovely this morning.”
Lady Callum eyed him curiously. “I take it that you have spoken with my brother.”
The fact that she ignored his greeting was not lost on him, but Nash merely smiled. “I have just come from his study, My Lady. He has given us his blessing, and I begged to come and see you before I set off for the day.”
Relief crossed Lady Callum’s face, and her shoulders relaxed. “Thank goodness for that.” She smiled and gave him a bashful look that was a bit out of character for her. “I had this dream last night that Harcourt was set against our match and we were doomed to our fates.”
“Never fear, we have triumphed, and he is quite pleased with the match, so I think we have nothing to worry over.” Nash returned her smile.
The maid leaned her head to the side as if studying Nash as she stood near her mistress. “I guess there will not be much need of my services this season as Lady Callum has already found her match.”
“You have been wonderful, Francesca,” Lady Callum assured the woman.
The dark-haired Frenchwoman dipped her head in acknowledgment. “I hope you still make use of all the wonderful dresses we have sewn.”
“Oh, we shall be attending events,” Lady Callum said with certainty. She looked at Nash. “Will we not, Your Grace?”
Nash agreed heartily, “We certainly will. After all, for propriety’s sake, we need a period of courtship before we announced our official engagement.”
“That would be proper,” Lady Callum smiled. “When did you and Harcourt come up with for the engagement announcement?”
He chuckled. “I told Harcourt of our plan to announce our engagement midway through the season, and he was amicable to the idea.”
“I am glad that Harcourt saw things our way.” Lady Callum folded her hands in her lap. “I guess things really have worked out splendidly. I feel silly for harbouring doubts.”
Nash gave her a grin. “Let that be a lesson to you, My Lady. Do not doubt me when I give my word.”
Lady Callum’s laughter rang out, and she covered her mouth with her hand. The maid shot her mistress a disapproving look, but Nash merely joined Lady Callum. “I should be getting about my business. After all, I have a merger to write up.”
“Oh, is Harcourt finally swaying toward your idea for merging the two fleets?” Lady Callum genuinely seemed eager to hear, but her maid folded her arms crossly.
Nash responded before the maid could say anything. “Actually, he does seem to be. It is a good investment and one that is frankly long overdue.”
Lady Callum shook her head. “You are writing up the documents before he actually agrees. That is a bit arrogant, is it not?”
“Not at all.” Nash fingered the edge of his jacket and sighed. “He will come around. Harcourt is a smart man, if a little stubborn.”
“That is like the pot calling the kettle black, Your Grace.” The expression on Lady Callum’s face was sheer amusement, and Nash simply bowed in acknowledgment of the truth in her words.
Nash sighed. “I should take my leave before Harcourt comes to find me himself.”
“Shall you call upon me again, Your Grace? Or send me a letter to let me know when we will see each other again?” Lady Callum had already picked the book up that she had been reading before Nash entered. Her eyes watched him as she waited for his answer.
He paused before he spoke. “I shall call upon you soon, but if business holds me hostage, then I will send a letter.”
“That is fine. I look forward to seeing you again, Your Grace.” Her eyes went down to her book.
The maid piped up, “Shall I walk you back to the front, Your Grace?”
Nash shook his head. “I can find my way out just fine.” He added no name to the rebuttal for, although he had heard her Christian name used by both Harcourt and Lady Callum, he had no desire to build any sort of intimacy with the woman, real or perceived.
For all her grace and delicacy, the Frenchwoman faltered for a moment at the offhanded rebuke before dipping into a deep curtsey that showed far too much of her bosom to be a coincidence. “Forgive me, Your Grace. I meant no ill.”
Nash looked at Lady Callum, who was eyeing him oddly. He did not want to upset the woman and their newly forged bond. “There is no need for forgiveness. I just do not need any help getting to the front door. It is not that far, and I would never pull you away from your duties to Her Ladyship.”
