Page 55 of The Duke of Scandal

“With me,” Harriet said with determination.

“Agreed. Though I had thought that you might take on the mystery of the newspaper announcement? Play detective in Erdington while I do the same in Wrexham.”

“It can wait,” Harriet said. “I will not let you go so soon.”

CHAPTER 39

“Unhand my cousin, you cur!” Simon roared as Edward helped Harriet through the house.

The bump on her head was small, but she had become somewhat unsteady on her feet as they had begun the walk back to Erdington. As they reached the staircase that would lead Harriet to her bedchamber, an anxious-looking Simon came out of the Library and his eyes bulged. He rushed to Harriet’s side but Edward pushed him away with one hand.

“Get a hold of yourself, Erdington,” he snapped. “Harriet fell into a pool and cracked her head on the bridge on the way in. She is well but needs rest.”

“I am fine, Simon. Edward saved me actually,” Harriet protested weakly.

“Well, he has no place taking you to your bedchamber,” Simon said hotly. “A servant can help you up and the Duke can leave.”

“I am going nowhere until my betrothed is recovered. Then we will both return to Wrexham,” Edward said. “As to a servant helping her, keep your servants, I will see to her myself.”

“The devil you will! Step away!”

“Betrothed?” Eleanor asked, appearing at the top of the stairs.

She was helping the Dowager Countess, guiding her along by the arm.

“Betrothed?” Lauren echoed, looking around with wild eyes. “Who is he referring to Eleanor?”

“It is a cruel joke on us, I fear, Aunt Lauren,” Eleanor said.

“Aye, the cruelest. Why, I declare that you arranged that notice in the paper yourself, Wrexham!” Simon spat.

Edward rolled his eyes. “Harriet and I are engaged. We have decided to make a reality what someone penned as a fiction. I would have asked your consent but your foolishness precludes that.”

“Oh my! My dear Harriet, married to a Duke?” Lauren exclaimed, forgetting to lean on Eleanor for a moment in her surprise.

She stood unaided and then hurried, quite nimbly, down the stairs to her daughter’s side.

“Is it true, Harriet? Can you hear me? Do you understand? Oh my, that bump! Send for a doctor at once. A doctor I say!”

Edward gave an impatient snarl and stooped to sweep Harriet up into his arms. Then he proceeded to ascend the stairs, carrying her. Simon spluttered at the foot of the stairs and the Dowager Countess hovered like a twittering bird. Edward thought that she seemed to be too pleased at the announcement of the engagement. He briefly wondered ifshehad been the one to pen the announcement, but then dismissed the idea. From what he had seen of her, she was not capable of such a devious turn of mind. Eleanor watched him go by with silent reproachful eyes.

“Direct me, if you will, to Harriet’s rooms,” Edward said as he reached her.

Eleanor didn’t reply but stared at him resentfully. The Dowager Countess broke the moment.

“This way, Your Grace. This way.”

She led the way along the hall, any previous infirmity apparently forgotten. Edward followed, leaving Eleanor’s resentment and Simon’s anger behind him. After he had seen her safely ensconced in her bedchamber with her mother by her side, Edward left her to seek out Simon. He found Eleanor, lying in wait just outside.

“Excuse me, Miss Worthingham. I must find your brother,” Edward said with politeness he certainly did not feel.

“Am I to be dismissed then, like unwanted baggage?” Eleanor said accusingly.

Edward paused in the act of passing her, looking back over his shoulder.

What foolishness is this? I swear that every member of this family but Harriet is quite mad.

“I beg your pardon?”

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