Page 85 of If the Duke Dares
“You thought I would?”
“I hoped.” Her eyes seemed to glisten, but Acton wasn’t sure because the housekeeper came in then, and his mother turned her head.
“I’m sorry to intrude,” Mrs. Hedge said. “We have a few questions in the kitchen about tomorrow night.”
“Of course.” The dowager stood and gave Acton an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid I didn’t give the household much time to prepare.”
“We’re used to that, Your Grace,” Mrs. Hedge said with a laugh. “We are more than up to the task.”
“Yes, you are.” Giving Acton a slight nod, the dowager turned and followed the housekeeper from the library.
Acton stared at the doorway. He felt even more unsettled than when his mother had come in. Why would she have hoped he would visit when she was the one who’d left him?
And why was a woman who’d abandoned her young son so bloody steadfast to a “friend” who lied to and manipulated those around her? Where had the dowager’s loyalty been to Acton, her own child?
Acton thought of some of the things his mother had said today. She’d taken the cat because his father hadn’t liked him. Did that mean she’d also taken their daughters because he hadn’t liked them either? Of course not.
Yet, he’d allowed his wife to take them. Or had it been that she’d bargained to have them under whatever “agreement” they’d made?
He wanted to know the terms of their arrangement. After twenty-three years, he deserved the full story.
Chapter20
Acton had come to Persephone in the scullery again last night, but he hadn’t stayed as late. Or early, depending on one’s perspective. He’d been pensive, perhaps even a little gruff. She’d never seen him like that.
When she’d asked him what was wrong, he’d said nothing, that he was just desperately in need of her. Then he’d stripped her bare and brought her to an earth-shattering climax with his mouth and fingers before flipping her over and taking her from behind. He’d asked first, and she’d been more than eager to try something new with him. The experience had been incredibly erotic, and even now, several hours later, her body still thrummed from his touch.
One thing hehadmentioned was looking forward to seeing her and Pandora at his mother’s soiree tonight. She’d told him Pandora wouldn’t be coming, to which he’d responded that his mother thought she was because her aunt had indicated she would be in attendance.
It seemed Aunt Lucinda was hoping for the best. So far, Pandora had firmly declined—repeatedly—to accompany them. Persephone still had the rest of the day to convince her.
Aunt Lucinda was in the dining room eating breakfast when Persephone arrived. “Good morning, dear,” Aunt Lucinda said. “I trust you slept well and are ready for the party tonight?”
“I am.” Though she was nervous about her parents being there. However, she couldn’t say so without revealing how she knew. Goodness, but it was trying having a secret affair. Persephone wasn’t sure how much longer it could continue. “Please don’t be upset if Pandora doesn’t wish to go. I haven’t had any luck convincing her.”
“I know. Neither have I.” Aunt Lucinda sighed. “But I can still hope. Particularly since two new gowns are being delivered early this afternoon.”
Persephone stared at her in shock. “You bought gowns for us? But we only just learned of the party.”
“The day after you arrived, I asked my modiste to make something up for each of you as I anticipated hosting a dinner here. However, when the dowager duchess’s invitation arrived, I asked if the gowns could be done sooner. My modiste is nothing if not responsive. She will ensure you are both garbed in the latest, most arresting fashion.”
“That is incredibly generous of you, Aunt Lucinda.” Persephone had no doubt the gown would be the finest thing she’d ever worn. But she also hoped it would be more…flattering than what her mother typically selected for her, particularly when compared with Pandora’s wardrobe. “Are the gowns similar?”
“In style, they are, but I chose a dark rose for Pandora and a stunning teal blue for you.”
Of course she’d put thought into this. Persephone was nearly speechless. “Thank you.”
She sent an encouraging smile toward Persephone. “I know you haven’t been given much choice in your wardrobe and that your sister has, on occasion, been outfitted to outshine you—even though she hasn’t yet had a Season. You are a beautiful young lady, Persey, with many wonderful attributes, both physical and otherwise.” Aunt Lucina returned her attention to the open newspaper next to her plate.
Filled with a delightful warmth, Persephone went to the sideboard and began adding items to her plate.
“Bloody hell!”
Surprised by Aunt Lucinda’s outburst, Persephone dropped her plate. Eggs and kippers went flying, but the plate, miraculously, didn’t break.
“Goodness gracious, I’m sorry, Persey. I didn’t mean to startle you. But I may have to throttle my brother.”
Persephone saw her aunt’s red face and wasn’t sure she’d ever seen her so angry. “What’s happened?” It had to be the newspaper. What else could it be? Persephone tensed as she stepped aside for the footman to clean up the mess. She murmured an apology and thanked him.
