Page 44 of The Duke Meets His Match

But she was coming to realize that it also meant that she would be less able to changehermind too. And that suddenly had become terrifying.

For Susan had gotten tired of smiling and chatting about nothing and being fawned over and whispered about and receiving sideways glances from everyone with whom she came in contact, whereas the duke had merely continued on like everything was business as usual.

She didn’t like it.

So upon their return from taking tea with the Duchess of Atherton, she excused herself from Aunt Margaret, claiming the need to rest.

“I completely understand, my dear,” Aunt Margaret said. “A nap will be just the thing. I believe I shall do the same. We have beensobusy the past few days, and it has beensuchfun, but I think I understand that it must also be tiring for you. It’s rather a Cinderella story, isn’t it? You and Aylesham?”

More like Beatrice and Benedick than Cinderella, Susan thought joylessly, even if Aunt Margaret were her fairy godmother. She excused herself and went to her room and then sat at her escritoire and wrote a simple note to the duke:

G, I have concluded that our agreement is flawed, if the past few days are any indication, and I am reconsidering. Please advise. Yours, SJ

She sealed the letter and then slipped quietly out of her room in search of Foster. She eventually found him in his office near the kitchen. “Will you see that the duke receives this?” She held out the letter to him.

Foster glanced down at the note she held and then looked her gravely. “I hope you will forgive me, miss, but I’m not sure that I should, judging by the expression on your face.”

“I am merely tired, Foster,” Susan said.

“That is why I’m concerned,” he said kindly.

“You are a good man,” she said. “Lady Walmsley is fortunate to have you at her side, and I am grateful for your concern. Nonetheless, I wish this note to be delivered to the duke this afternoon, if you please.”

“If you insist,” he said, although it was obvious he was reluctant.

“Thank you,” she said.

She returned to her room and sat at the small escritoire, staring out the windowwhile her mind went around and around in circles over all she’d experienced since arriving in London and dreading the anxiety that the days that lay before herwould bring.

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