Page 33 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
The butler hastened ahead of him to announce the duke’s presence to his master. Nash had no desire to stop him from carrying out his duties and followed him trying to keep his gait relaxed. His voice rang out as he called, “Your Lordship, Lord Torrington is here to see you!”
“Well, let him in!” Harcourt’s annoyed voice spoke of the mood his friend was in as the butler fumbled to hurriedly open the door.
It might have been Nash’s imagination, but he could have sworn the butler gave him a look of commiseration as he bowed to allow Nash past. Nash frowned slightly and went into the study. Harcourt looked up at him from some papers he was looking over.
“Good morning,” Nash said in a chipper tone.
Harcourt did not return the greeting. His hand motioned for Nash to sit down. Once Nash had done so, Harcourt cleared his throat and eyed Nash. “Emmeline is not speaking to me. I fail to see what I have done that is so wrong.”
“Women are a mystery, Harcourt,” Nash replied. “Perhaps she is just impatient for you to see what she sees.”
Harcourt leaned back into his chair. “And what is it that she sees that I am missing?”
“Perhaps you are missing Lady Callum and me. You are the one who introduced us, Harcourt,” Nash said with a shake of his head. “Is that really so unbelievable? Does not an introduction present itself as an invitation for two people to get better acquainted?”
Harcourt spluttered. “But, you hate marriage.”
“I do not hate marriage. I merely dislike the ladies of society that my mother throws at me.” Nash sighed heavily and folded his hands in his lap. “Did you not bring your sister here to marry? Is she not of suitable age for courtship?”
Nash watched his friend as the man’s mind tried to wrap itself around the facts presented to him. At length Harcourt deflated. “You truly see my sister in that light?”
“She is a remarkable woman and not at all like those I am accustomed to. She has a good head on her shoulders and a mouth with which to speak her mind.” Nash thought back to his first description of Harcourt’s sister when they were discussing marriage prospects for the young lady. “She is, indeed, like a Greek goddess. She is tall and brave, much like Artemis.”
Harcourt burst out laughing. “Oh, my dear friend. It does sound like you are smitten. I never thought to see this day, and to think it was my own sister that tied you up so.” His hand hit the table in his merriment, thumping out a grand rhythm. “If you are true, then I see no reason to stand in your way.”
“Have you not known me long enough to see if I am true or not?” The tiniest flare of guilt touched Nash as he spoke. He had never deceived Harcourt in anywhere close to a malicious way.
The smile Harcourt gave him deepened his guilt further. “Indeed, I should have trusted your intentions, but I am an older brother. I have a sacred duty to protect my sister from scoundrels.”
“I guess our aims match then,” Nash said as he pushed the guilt aside. He was doing this to help Harcourt’s sister and that had to count for something. The fact that it also aided him was another matter altogether.
With another slap on the table, Harcourt announced happily, “My dearest friend and my beloved sister is a splendid match! When shall you announce your engagement?”
“We thought perhaps midway through the season,” Nash explained. “Admittedly we had not got far into planning it, but we thought that would be best to keep up appearances for polite company.”
Harcourt gave a nod of his head. “That is a clever idea. It would look better to have you two court for a bit, even if you have made up your minds.” He laughed again this time shaking his finger at Nash. “Guess your mother will get her way after all, eh?”
“I suppose it was inevitable,” Nash conceded with a gracious tip of his head. “The weight has been lifted from your shoulders.”
Harcourt put a hand across his heart. “You will never truly know what a relief it is to have this all behind me. I guess the lord does answer some prayers.”
“I have never been one to pray much, but I am glad that you have found some peace, my friend.” Nash stood up. “Would it be improper if I called upon your sister before I left? I just want to confirm a few things with her.”
Harcourt gave the matter thought then grinned. “I think that would be just fine.” He stood up and walked over to a braided cord near the door, on which he gave a tug. A bell sounded far off, and they waited until a little maid popped her head around the door.
“You rang, Your Lordship?” The maid’s eyes cut over to Nash and then back to her master.
Harcourt said gently, “Jasmine, where is Lady Callum?”
“She is in the library, Sir.”
Harcourt snorted. “Of course she is. Would you please take the duke to see her?”
“Right away, Your Lordship.” Jasmine gave Harcourt a curtsey and then turned to Nash. “This way, Your Grace.” Nash watched the slip of a maid turn on her heel and hurry out of the room. He gave Harcourt a small wave of his hand before following. She was a jittery thing, that much was apparent to him. She hurried along the hallways, her eyes occasionally darting back to him as if she were unsure he were still there.
When she finally stopped outside the library door she bade him wait while she slipped inside to announce his presence and ensure that Her Ladyship was not caught unawares. Nash eyed the ornate moulding, which resembled a floral arrangement, with a frown. It was too much for his taste.
Jasmine re-appeared and waved her slim hand at him. “She will see you now, Your Grace.” The young woman’s words were whispered as if it were some secret between them. As Nash stepped abreast of her, the maid added, “Her lady’s maid is with her, Your Grace.”
