Page 103 of The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons 2)

“I’m well aware of what you want, little shrub. But I’ve donesomething,and I wish to show you. I think you’ll be pleased.”

“More renovations?” She took full measure of the very sparse, masculine décor of the drawing room.

“I suppose you could say that. But not the furnishings. You know much more about what sort of damask my bottom should be on than I.” He stood and pulled her up to stand beside him. “Come.”

The door opened to reveal Lady Molsin, another woman, and a lad of no more than sixteen or seventeen. Romy smiled at the trio, her eyes running over Granby’s guests, waiting to be properly introduced.

The woman was about Lady Molsin’s age. The silver of her hair was bundled in a graceful chignon at the base of her neck, her dark eyes warm as she took in Romy with a shy smile on her lips.

Romy felt as if she knew her. Possibly she’d come into Madame Dupree’s.

The young man at her side shifted, drawing attention to his feet. They were enormous.

“How lovely to see you again, Lady Andromeda.” Granby’s aunt came toward her, even as she locked eyes with Granby and waved at the pair behind her.

“Andromeda.” The rumble of his voice grew hesitant as if the words were hard for him. “I wish to introduce you to my mother, Emelia Kinkaid.”

Romy’s mouth popped open.

“I’ve finally managed to render you speechless,” he said curtly. “A momentous occasion.”

She recovered quickly. “Mrs. Kinkaid, a pleasure.”

“You must call me Emelia. This is my son, Renwick.”

“Ren, my lady,” Renwick greeted her. He made the mistake of gazing at her a bit too intently, and a soft growl left Granby.

Ren stepped back immediately, though he didn’t look the least ashamed to have been caught admiring her. And not at all impressed with being threatened by the Duke of Granby.

This was Granby’s brother. Hisbastardbrother. Looking between them, Romy could see the similarities in their build. They both possessed their mother’s eyes, though Ren’s hair was a shade lighter than Granby’s.

I’ve been working on my own imperfections.

Romy slipped her hand into Granby’s, feeling his big fingers close over hers.

A sigh of contentment left him.

He’d left to forgive his mother and give his acceptance to the brother he hadn’t wanted to acknowledge. That was why he’d been gone so long. What must it cost him to have done so? Her heart swelled with love for him.

“Is this what you wanted to show me?” she whispered.

“Yes.” He looked down at her, a trace of ice shadowing his eyes. “I didn’t only do it for you.”

“I know.” This was hard for him. Excruciating, even. But so important. She squeezed his hand and brought it closer to her, nearly into the folds of her skirts.

“But I approve all the same, Your Grace. With all my heart.”

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