Page 47 of The Duke of Ruin
“Romsey, allow me to introduce my cousin Verity, Her Grace, the Duchess of Blackburn.”
He bowed. “It is my distinct pleasure.”
“Verity, this is His Grace, the Duke of Romsey.”
She curtsied. “Pleased to meet you, Duke.”
“Please, call me Romsey,” he said.
The duchess had the same nearly black hair as Diana and the same pale, lush skin. Her face was a touch longer, and her eyes had more of a tilt. They were also brown, a warm chestnut color, instead of Diana’s vivid blue.
The duchess turned to Diana. “This is such a surprise.” Her gaze flicked toward Simon. “For so many reasons.”
“Yes, I have many things to tell you,” Diana said.
“Do you want to rest first?” the duchess asked with deep concern. “You’ve just completed such a long journey.”
“I’m fine. I’d rather talk to you.” She smiled again, and it lit her whole face. “I’d love some tea, however.”
“Of course, of course.” The duchess shook her head. “I’m so surprised to see you, I forgot my hospitality—we don’t get many visitors.” She let go of Diana’s hand and went to the bellpull.
Simon edged closer to Diana. “I think I’ll go to my room,” he said softly while the duchess was occupied.
“Why? Surely you want tea or something to eat?”
“I’d rather let the two of you speak in privacy. I’ll see you at dinner later, I presume.” He turned toward the duchess with a bright smile. She’d just finished speaking with one of her retainers. “I’d like to retire for a bit. I’ve been promised Shakespeare’s chamber, if it’s available.”
Diana laughed, and the duchess slid her a playful look. “Is that right?” Her lips curved up as her attention redirected to Simon. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint you. Let me take care of that directly.” She went back to the bellpull, and the same retainer returned a moment later.
“You seem much improved now that we’re here,” Simon said to Diana, again keeping his voice low.
“How can you tell? We only just arrived.”
“You’re pleased to see your cousin—the tension has left your shoulders, and the tiny lines that reside between your eyes have vanished.”
She didn’t immediately respond but stared at him intently. “I’m sorry about the last couple of days. Things did not turn out as I’d hoped.”
“Nor for me either.” He’d wanted her to escape from this entire damnable situation as uninjured as possible. He still hoped the damage could be mitigated, but it was ultimately up to her what step she took next.
The duchess swept toward them. “Romsey, this is my butler, Kirwin. He’ll see you to your chamber.”
With a final look at Diana, Simon bowed again to his hostess. “Thank you for your kind hospitality.”
“Thank you for delivering my cousin to me.”
“We’ll go this way, Your Grace,” the butler gestured to the other door, which led to a corridor. “Your chamber is the second.”
To Simon’s right, windows overlooked the courtyard below. To his left, they passed a door and approached a second—his room. “Is this the one?”
“Indeed it is,” the butler said, moving abreast of him to open the door. “Your things will be delivered momentarily.”
Simon moved into the chamber. He was instantly struck with how cold it was but knew they’d rectify that shortly. He took in the dark wood and the heavy, emerald-green bed hangings. As with most buildings this age, there was just one small window, which only emphasized the lack of light, even though the draperies had been pulled open. “Thank you, Kirwin. Might I trouble you for a tea tray?”
“Her Grace already requested one. Will you require the services of a valet?”
Simon thought of Graff, his valet, whom he’d left behind—as he always did when he traveled, and this time in particular in the interest of privacy. He was an accomplished valet, but his absence only served to remind Simon that he didn’t really need one. He’d gone without for a year after Miriam had died. His prior valet had left his employ, as several of his retainers had done, and Simon hadn’t bothered to hire one until Nick had finally talked him into it.
He realized Kirwin was awaiting a response. “No, thank you.”
