Page 26 of If the Duke Dares
Using her napkin, she wiped her hand, then dabbed up the spilled tea. “You are also ensuring my eternal irritation.”
“That is not my intent. I am only seeking to help.”
She stirred sugar into her tea. “You keep saying that. The only help I’m willing to accept from you at this juncture is whatever information your mother can provide about my parents.”
Acton hoped her response would come today, but it was more likely to arrive tomorrow. He was just going to have to convince Miss Barclay to stay one more day. Really, two more days because they wouldn’t be able to book passage anywhere until the following day, probably.
Ugh, that meant two more nights in that bed. At least the food here was good, far better than he would have anticipated based on the inn’s appearance.
“Then I shall be glad to help with that,” Acton said. “As well as look after you. I’m afraid that aspect is not negotiable.”
“I’m well aware that you are as autocratic as any duke.” She sipped her tea and tipped her head toward Becky, who’d just arrived with Acton’s breakfast.
“The steak would have taken too long, so I brought ham,” the maid said, smiling expectantly at Acton.
“Thank you, Becky. I’m sure it will be as delicious as it was last night.”
The maid turned her attention to Miss Barclay. “I hope ye’re happy with yer dress. My aunt does the laundry.”
Miss Barclay swallowed a bite of toast. “It’s wonderful. Please express my gratitude to your aunt.”
“I do like that blue dress more, though,” Becky said. “Makes your eyes look pretty.”
“Er, thank you.”
“Call if you need anything else,” the maid added brightly before returning toward the kitchen.
Acton poured his tea. “It seems to be unanimous—you should keep the blue dress.”
“Unanimous among whom?” she asked. “I don’t recall hearing any sort of question as to whether I should keep anything. I cannot accept that or the other garments from you.”
“What about the bedclothes? We are staying here at least one more night. Surely you want to keep those?” He had her there.
Her mouth tightened.
“But I suppose I can take them back if you’d rather not keep them,” he offered.
“Fine. I will keep those for the duration of our stay. They are on loan to me, agreed?”
He gave her a single nod. “Then consider the dress and other items a loan too.”
She picked up her toast. “What will you do with them when I am finished? Give them to your next paramour? Or perhaps you have a current one?”
Acton thought of his friend Droxford, who was perhaps the best scowler in England, and wished he’d learned to do that. Next time they were together, Acton would ask for scowling lessons. “I do not have a current paramour, and I would never gift something I bought for you to any of my, ah, female friends.” He’d been about to say lovers but decided that would be inappropriate as well as invite Miss Barclay’s censure.
He wondered if she was just being proper or, worse, if she was a prude. If she was the latter, they might not have suited after all. Acton couldn’t see himself wed to someone who didn’t enjoy the physical aspects of marriage.
“That gown is probably too modest for your female friends, anyway,” Miss Barclay noted.
She was correct, but he didn’t say so. He would hope that the “loan” would turn into permanence, but perhaps the gown’s insufficient length was a problem. “I could ask one of the maids to do whatever they do to make the gown longer. Would you keep it, then?”
“I think you mean they would let the hem out,” she said. “And no, I wouldn’t keep it.”
He sighed with resignation. “All right. I just thought it was the perfect color for you. And I thought it might bring you joy during this trying time.” He scooped some egg with his fork. “I didn’t even realize how many challenges you’d faced.” To have her valise stolen on top of everything else was horrible. He froze before taking a bite. “Your money wasn’t in your valise, was it?” That would explain why she’d been able to afford the New Inn a few days ago, but now could not.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Do you think I’m stupid? My money was and is always on my person.”
Now,hefelt foolish. “Very sensible. I don’t think you’re stupid at all. I’m impressed by your resolve in the face of adversity.”
