Page 47 of The Duke of Scandal

“Your Grace, welcome to Erdington…” Simon began.

“Keep your welcome!” Edward barked. “I asked a question!”

“There is no need for rudeness,” Harriet protested. “You are a guest in another man’s house and…”

Edward stalked towards her, holding the paper ahead of him. “Read it.”

Harriet did not look away from his blazing eyes. She was angry that her cousin, and the Lord of Erdington, was being disregarded by Edward. The behavior was tantamount to bullying. Simon was a good man and did not deserve to be humiliated in front of family and household staff. Defiantly, Harriet refused to look at the newspapers but, instead, held out her hand to be given it. Edward pushed the paper into her hand but kept his fiery glare fixed on her.

Simon hurried over and then took the paper from Harriet, putting it under his arm.

“Your Grace, this is unacceptable. You are clearly angry, but that does not justify barging into my home uninvited and barking orders at us.”

Harriet directed a small smile at Simon, proud of him for standing up to Edward. The smile had melted away by the time she looked back at the Duke. For him, there was nothing but anger because of his behavior.

Whatever it is, there can be no justification for this.

Her growing feelings for him were pushed aside. Family was, at this moment, a stronger bond for her.

“I suggest we withdraw. To the library,” Harriet suggested, looking from Edward to Simon.

The two men were exchanging glares, neither willing to concede.

“This is most deplorable. I have never seen the like!” Lauren declared. “Am I not even to be introduced to His Grace?”

“Mother, this is not the time. His Grace is clearly upset about something and we must resolve this matter,” Harriet replied calmly.

“Direct me to the Library then,” Edward said shortly.

Simon stiffened, lifting his chin. “If you will follow me, Your Grace. Harriet, could you see that we are sent refreshments?”

“I’ll have none of that. Let us resolve this matter without tea and cake,” Edward replied brusquely.

“Nonetheless, I know our duties as hosts,” Harriet replied. “Of course, Simon. I will notify the kitchens.”

Simon ushered Edward towards the Library, following him, both men walking straight-backed and in silence. Lauren huffed and puffed her outrage at being ignored.

“What is our society coming to. What ever does it mean to be a Dowager Countess if that fact is not acknowledged? What a brute of a man! I almost regret…”

Harriet looked at her sharply at that moment and she clamped her mouth shut, biting back whatever she had been about to say.

“I will not be party to anything involving that man until I have received an apology. Nor should you. Come along, Harriet. We will go to the opposite end of the house while he is here.”

“No, mother. I will inform the kitchens that fresh tea is required. Then I shall join Simon and Ed…His Grace.” She stopped herself from using Edward’s name at the last moment.

“My own daughter rebels against my commands. It is a corruption of the current generation. Such things did not happen in my day.”

Lauren bustled away to put as much of Erdington between her and Edward as she could. Harriet decided to pass on the instructions personally to the kitchen. As she headed for the servants' staircase, she ran into Eleanor standing before the closed doors of the library, her head pressed against the door.

“Whatever are you doing, Eleanor?” Harriet asked in a whisper.

Eleanor jumped, saw that it was Harriet, and looked at her as though it was all her fault.

“Simon refused to allow me admittance,” she said petulantly. “I just wanted to know what has the Duke in such a dreadful taking.”

“As do we all. But he will not appreciate eavesdropping, nor will your brother,” Harriet told her.

“Whatever it is, it can be smoothed over, I am sure. Did you ask him to come here?” she asked.

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