Page 6 of A Kiss from the Marquess

Not long ago, this door had remained firmly closed with Davies, the butler, guarding it whenever her grandfather was within. The Duke of Rothwood had gone to great lengths to keep Norah and her sisters away from him—out of his study and out of his heart.

Bless Ella for her persistence in wearing him down. It had taken months before he’d had a true conversation with the three sisters and even more time for him to come to care for them.

“Grandfather?” She hated to interrupt him. In fact, she still felt a pang of nerves when she did, as she remembered all too well the scowl he used to wear if they so much as looked at him when they’d first arrived.

“Good afternoon, Norah.” He gestured for her to come forward. His white hair was combed neatly to the side, his fine wool suit coat fit perfectly, and his tie was knotted precisely. He appeared every inch a duke. “Where are you off to this afternoon?”

“I’m going to the Museum of Antiquities.”

He frowned. “Didn’t you do that yesterday?”

“Yes, but today the Marquess of Vanbridge is meeting me to discuss a possible exhibit.” Norah held her breath, knowing he wouldn’t be pleased. While she rarely mentioned her father, she hadn’t wanted to hide her idea for an exhibit from the duke. She knew he’d hoped the topic was over and done given her lack of success with her previous attempts.

“I see.” His frown made his disapproval clear. “I can’t think Vanbridge will be of much help. He knows little about pirate treasure.”

“Yes, but the exhibit would be one of a kind in his museum. And I like the stories he tells with his displays.”

“Hmm. He’s a different sort of gentleman, always keeping to himself. Though he’s a member of the Royal Geological Society, he rarely attends any meetings or lectures. I would caution you from placing too much faith in him.”

“I will certainly keep that in mind.”

“Who is accompanying you?”

“James and Dorothy,” Norah said. He was a stickler about safety after the events involving the theft of their father’s journal the previous year. Thank goodness, they’d recovered it.

“Are you working on anything exciting?” she asked, hoping to distract him. His tidy desk held only a handful of papers. It looked far different than Vanbridge’s with its papers, drawings, and books stacked here and there, not to mention a rock or two.

“I’m reviewing proposed legislation to amend the poor law.” He scowled. “It doesn’t do enough, in my opinion.”

His words made Norah smile and reminded her that he was a good man. Unable to resist, she rounded the corner of his desk and pressed a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for caring. More needs to be done to aid the less fortunate.”

He stiffened for a moment at her gesture before a small smile came over his expression. He patted her hand, which rested on his shoulder. “Indeed, it does. We should consider more charitable activities, as that is certainly easier than trying to amend laws to aid them.”

“Excellent idea. In fact, if Vanbridge is agreeable to an exhibit, perhaps we could make the unveiling a charitable endeavor. Special tickets could be sold to unveil it. The proceeds could go to The City of London’s Orphanage.” The charity was one of several her grandfather generously supported.

“I suppose that is possible.” Despite the lack of enthusiasm in his tone, his expression suggested he liked the idea.

“I shall keep you apprised of the situation.” Norah bid him goodbye and took her leave.

In a short while, she was climbing to the offices on the fourth floor of the museum once more with her servants, hoping Vanbridge remembered the appointment this time. At least she was managing a lot of exercise with all the stairs she’d gone up and down this week.

As per usual, Mr. Stockton sat at his desk on the landing with several papers before him and a pen at the ready.

Norah would’ve thought he’d spend more time among the exhibits. Then again, she knew little about running a museum. No doubt there was a tremendous amount of paperwork involved.

The director’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her, and he slowly stood. “Miss Wright. What a pleasant surprise. You’ve changed your mind about leaving the artifacts with me, eh?” He rubbed his hands together as if he already knew that to be the case.

“Actually, I’m meeting the marquess.” Yet her stomach sank. It was obvious from Mr. Stockton’s reaction that Vanbridge wasn’t there. Now, what did she do? Venture to his residence again and show him the artifacts there? She feared he might put them in a drawer and forget them.

“I’m terribly sorry. His lordship isn’t here.” He glanced over his shoulder at a door to one side, suggesting that was where the marquess’s office was located. “Nor do I expect him today. He always advises me when he’s coming, you see.”

“Does he?” Norah sighed. She’d had high hopes he would keep their appointment this time. That he’d felt the same connection she had when they’d spoken. Apparently, it had been one-sided. How disappointing.

“Always.” Mr. Stockton eyed her reticule. “Perhaps it would be best if you left the items with me. I’ll be sure to share them with the marquess when he comes in.”

“No need. I’m here now.” The deep voice had Norah spinning to see Vanbridge had indeed arrived.

How he wasn’t breathless after climbing all those stairs, she didn’t know. His broad shoulders filled out his suit coat nicely. The wave in his hair suggested it was freshly washed. His scent drifted toward her, a mix of bergamot and the woods, and was very appealing.

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