Page 18 of Secrets of a Duke's Daughter (The Duchess's Investigative Society 1)

“Just one word?” Aunt Sarah cupped the cat’s face and gave it a nuzzle. “Simon and I would rather it were several words. Likewill you marry mefor example?”

Luke nearly choked on his next breath. He’d been friends with the family long enough to be used to Aunt Sarah’s eccentricities but where she had gained that idea from he did not know.

“I have little intention of saying such words, Aunt Sarah, as you most likely well know. Your niece is a duke’s daughter—”

“Yes, yes.” She exhaled dramatically. “And if Anton has his way, she shall be married to that dull Duke of Marsbeck.”

An ice-cold shiver ran down his spine. “The Duke of Marsbeck has offered for her hand?”

“There is some murmur of negotiations starting. Poor Cassie has no idea. But she is young and beautiful with a hefty dowry. I have no doubt the duke will take her. Anton has to get at least one of his sisters married off and she is most eligible.” She cocked her head. “And troublesome, apparently.”

Jaw tense, he forced himself to unfurl a fist when he saw Cassie’s aunt take notice. He conjured a smile. “And I have no doubt she shall be happy indeed. The life of a duchess is no less than she deserves.”

Aunt Sarah released an inelegant snort. “She deserves much, much more, as we both know. I have hopes something much, much better will come along.” She winked.

What on earth Aunt Sarah considered better than the top of the pile, he did not know, but he certainly wasn’t going to ask. It was hard enough witnessing men fawning over her at every ball, despite it being some time since she was out in society. There was nary a Season when someone did not offer for her hand and he didn’t like to admit it, but he always found himself somewhat more relaxed when he heard Cassie had declined said offer.

None of this news changed anything, though. Eventually Cassie would marry and now it seemed she would be engaged to a duke no less. Another excellent reason to avoid the woman.

Unfortunately, he had the blasted promise to Anton to fulfill first. It was simple really. He’d find out what she’d been up to, give her a scolding worthy of a big brother then do his best to avoid her for the rest of the Season.

Simple indeed.

Chapter Seven

Cassie tugged open her reticule and breathed a sigh of relief as the housekeeper escorted her into the drawing room. Where the slip of paper might have vanished to from her person, she did not know, but with the morning she’d suffered, Cassie was determined to anticipate everything. First she’d spilled tea on her gown and then she’d smeared newspaper print on her forehead and not realized it until the groom looked at her oddly when disembarking from the carriage. The man promised she removed it all but who could trust a man’s eye really?

Jane appeared more fragile than ever. Her mourning clothes brought out the sickly pallor of her skin. A pang speared through Cassie’s chest. Though Anton drove her utterly mad with his insistence she needed watching over like some child still in ribbons, she could scarcely imagine how she might feel should she lose him in such a manner.

Or appear to lose him at all. Now she had seen the will, she believed Jane’s version of events even more. Theodore was not dead or at the very least, that body had not been his.

“How are you doing?” Cassie gestured for Jane to remain where she was, nestled into an armchair by the fire.

Heat suffused the room, making Cassie’s skin prick under her garments. By the looks of Jane, she needed the heat, despite the weather having improved and become warm once again.

She sat opposite her and leaned over to squeeze her friend’s hand. Jane offered a tight smile. “I will be better if you have news for me.”

Cassie nodded, tugged out the will from her reticule and unfolded it before handing it over. “We know what happened to your house.”

Frowning, Jane snatched spectacles from the tiny table nearby and peered through them, not bothering to unfold the wire arms. Jane gasped. “But why would he leave the house to some...company?”

“Have you ever heard of the company?”

She shook her head and peered more closely at the will. “Never, but that is not surprising.” Jane shrugged. “I hardly had a hand in Teddy’s business dealings.” She set the glasses aside. “I still cannot fathom him doing such a thing. He promised me that house and you know Teddy—his honor meant everything.”

“I know,” Cassie said softly.

If there were a more honor-driven man, she did not know of them. He’d been caught dueling no less than three times. Whilst Cassie did not approve of the barbaric practice, she understood Theodore had not partaken in them lightly.

“Now I am left relying on the charity of my cousin.” Jane made a face. “What charity he will bestow upon me anyway. He does not disguise that he finds me a burden.”

“I will find out what happened to your house, Jane. I will not rest until it is restored to you.” Cassie winced.

Eleanor would tell her never to promise things she could not guarantee but how else was she to comfort her friend?

Cassie nodded toward the will. “Is that Teddy’s signature?”

Jane lifted her spectacles again and peered closely. “It looks correct, to be certain.”

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