Page 66 of Married to the Forbidden Duke
“You said you were right behind me,” she accused, her brows arching.
“I knew that would give you the confidence to try,” he chuckled and opened his arms. “Look how far you’ve come. I, for one, cannot wait to see their faces when they see that.”
“And it’s because of you,” she murmured with a wondering expression as she limped back to him, sinking into his embrace. “I would once never have thought it.”
“It is the least I could do,” he said, and meant it.
True to his word, he invited Denshire to Whites and ordered scotch for them both. He wasn’t relishing upholding his promise to Alice, but he had made a promise, and he was a man of his word. Besides, he’d gotten a favorable impression of Mr. Kingsley, and he suspected Helena would not be so easily dissuaded.
Denshire settled into the chair opposite. “I can’t decide if you look cheerful or down in the dumps.”
“Broadly cheerful—nervous about broaching this subject with you,” he said. “But I made Alice a promise and I don’t go back on my promises.”
“Alice? TheDuchess? What on earth could she want with me?”
“Not you, Denshire.Helena.”
“Hmm.” Denshire took a long sip of scotch. “And what about? I want them to be friends, naturally, particularly if the Duchess has gotten over her ridiculous grudge, but why bring me into it?”
“You are Helena’s brother.”
“I am aware,” Denshire uttered irritably. “Taking her to all these events because my mother doesn’t feel up to the task. It’s exhausting having a younger sister to chaperone. Be thankful you don’t have one of your own.”
“Well, then, perhaps you’ll like the solution I have in mind,” Frederick shrugged.
Denshire scowled. “Whatsolution?”
“Helena has developed atendrefor Mr. William Kingsley. He’s bought a commission and I have no doubt he will distinguish himself while there. Crucially, if she has found a man she likes, I suspect she will not rest until she marries him, and better she do so now than remain a maid waiting for him to return from the war.” Frederick tossed back his scotch, too. “She looks demure,and make no mistake, she is, but she has a stubborn streak. Just like her brother.”
“And why hasn’t she told me of this fancy?” Denshire demanded.
“Would you have condoned it?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“If she thought you wouldn’t accept the match, then why would she have given you leave to turn him down? I believe she was willing to wait, but Alice and I agree that it is a foolish course of action. If she has her heart settled on him, she may as well marry him now.”
“Mr. Kingsley…” Denshire’s eyes narrowed. “The younger son of an Earl?”
“That’s him. Give him five years, and he’ll be a captain, I’m sure.”
Denshire slammed his glass down on the table. “Pah!My sister deserves better!”
“Your sister will not marry better, if I know anything about the matter. Regardless of what you want.”
Denshire rose. “It is not about what I want, it is about what is best for her.”
“Well, that is not for you to decide, old boy. At least, not wholly.” He, too, stood and clapped Denshire on the shoulder. “Consider this. The sooner she is married with a household of her own, the less you will have to do with regards to chaperoning.”
“And if he doesn’thavea household of his own?” Denshire frowned.
“She will still be a married woman. But he has a wealthy family. I imagine he will have some small inheritance. A property somewhere? Perhaps not a residence in London, but they could rent during the Season. Or lodge with his family or yours.” Frederick shrugged. “There are ways around the matter at hand.”
The Earl’s brows quirked. “And your wife sent you to persuade me?”
“She rather suspected you would take the advice better from me.”
“She is not wrong about that.” Denshire picked up his scotch, finished it, then glowered at the bottom of the glass. “I’d hoped for a better match.”
