Page 48 of If the Duke Dares
He didn’t remember the last time he’d been so upset. So angry.
Yes, he did. And it was recently. When that brigand had attacked Persey. He had an overwhelming urge to return to Gloucester, hunt the man down, and drag him to the magistrate. He was quite furious with himself for not doing so. He’d just wanted to keep Persey safe, and that meant staying with her.
He didn’t have that excuse now.
He could leave first thing tomorrow and find Bane. Then he’d force the blackguard to do the right thing.
So now he agreed with his sisters that Bane was a blackguard? How quickly he’d changed his mind when the young woman he’d ruined was someone he knew. Someone he cared about. Someone who deserved far better than to be tossed aside.
Cecily leaned toward Francesca and whispered, “Is he rethinking his position?”
Though she spoke softly, Acton could hear her and was certain she’d meant him to. “I am,” he responded slowly. “You must excuse me. I am sorry to have troubled you this evening. I know this is awkward…being together.”
Francesca clasped her hands in her lap. “That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. We should have been more welcoming.”
Acton nodded vaguely. “I should have sent word ahead that I was coming.”
“You didn’t know we were here,” Cecily said. “And if you had—known we were here and sent a note—we would have told you to come.” She glanced toward Francesca, who gave a slight nod.
Well, that was nice, he supposed. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them. He just didn’t know them. And when his father had died, they were both already wed, living their own lives. While his mother had attempted to form a relationship with him, nothing had transpired between him and his sisters. Perhaps they ought to remedy that.
“As it happens, I may want to stay another day.” That way, he could visit Persey tomorrow and find out what had actually happened. Then he could go in search of Bane. “If that would be all right with you.”
The sisters exchanged looks, and Cecily spoke first. “That would be nice. You can show us how you are not a rake.” She smiled, and Acton relaxed slightly. He really hoped they had senses of humor.
“Doubtful he can do that in a day,” Francesca added wryly.
“I suppose that’s true,” Cecily said in agreement. “But it’s a good start.”
Yes, it was. “I’ll see you in the morning, then.” He gave them a courtly bow before departing.
He made his way upstairs to the room the butler had directed him to. Upon entering, he was struck with how much he liked it. Green was his favorite color, and the room was decorated in several hues. He felt welcome and at home. Indeed, the bedclothes reminded him of his room at Loxley Court.
There was a desk and a bookshelf in one of the corners, along with a cozy, dark green chair. He imagined sitting there reading, the nearby window offering a view of the lawn and trees in the center of the square.
Moving to the bookcase, he pulled out a few books. They were among his favorites. There was also a carved cat. He picked it up and stroked the smooth black stone. The action triggered a memory of a black cat, of stroking its soft fur. He had dark yellow eyes. And his name had been Domino. What had ever happened to him? Acton realized the memory was from before his mother had left. Perhaps she’d taken the cat with her.
Pensive, he set the cat down and turned to survey the rest of the room. There was an armoire, a hearth with a low fire, another chair, the bed, a side table, and a dresser with all its drawers. But did they stick?
A smile would have come as he recalled his banter with Persey, but thinking of her made him agitated. He considered going back to the Crescent right now to see her.
It was too late, though, and she could very well have retired after their day of travel. Not to mention how early they’d arisen due to the rat situation.
How long ago that suddenly felt.
Tomorrow would have to be soon enough to speak with her. He would try not to arrive too early.
Persephone did not look back toward Acton until the door to Aunt Lucinda’s house was closed. Then she cast a glance toward the portal and thought of Acton on the other side, climbing into the coach and traveling the short distance to St. James’s Square. He was so close, and yet he might as well have been in London.
Shaking her head as if she needed to clear cobwebs away, she handed her valise to the footman who’d answered the door. “Thank you, Davis. Are my aunt and sister still awake?”
“Certainly, miss. They’re in the drawing room.”
“Wonderful.” She gave him a warm smile before going upstairs. Having stayed with Aunt Lucinda multiple times each year for as long as she could remember, Persephone knew the house as well as Radstock Hall. In many ways, it was dearer to her. She and Pandora had shared a good deal of happy times with their aunt, who had no children of her own.
She paused at the threshold of the drawing room and smiled. Pandora lounged on a settee reading a book, and Aunt Lucinda was seated next to a lantern perusing a newspaper.
Stepping inside, Persephone gave a little cough. “Good evening.”
