Page 4 of If Not for the Duke

“How kind. Do let me know when you settle on a date, and I’ll see if I’m available.”

“How is your husband’s museum?” Sterling asked. The marquess, a fellow member of the Society, though he rarely attended meetings, had opened a museum with the artifacts his uncle had collected.

“Fabulous,” Bernie answered for her. “You simply must go, Sterling. It contains the Oak Island exhibit. Remember me telling you about it?”

“Oh, yes.” He vaguely remembered, though his sister tended to wax poetic about each and every discovery she made about the island. It all blended in his mind. “The display gives one the chance to step into the shoes of a treasure hunter if I remember correctly.”

Bernie patted her chest, sending a twinge of alarm through Sterling. But it took only a moment to realize it was from excitement, not from the irregular heart rhythm that occasionally plagued her. “It is positively brilliant. I intend to go again soon, though Aunt Edith didn’t find it quite as stimulating as I did.”

Lady Vanbridge smiled. “I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. Vanbridge will be happy to learn it as well.” The lady leaned closer to Bernie as if to impart a secret. “It is remarkably similar to an actual shaft. The exhibit gave me chills when I first saw it.”

“You were in one of the shafts?” The awe in Bernie’s tone nearly had Sterling smiling.

She showed more excitement over a dirt shaft than a new gown. Was it any wonder she had so few friends?

Miss Wright smiled. “Norah and I both were, along with our sister. Many times. Once they were deep, Mother wouldn’t permit us to go with Father any longer, as it was too dangerous.”

Bernie rubbed her upper arms as if suddenly chilled. “I simply must hear more about your experiences. Are you available for tea tomorrow?”

To Sterling’s surprise, Miss Wright looked at him before answering. As if his reaction to his sister’s invitation mattered. No doubt she would prefer to avoid agreeing because she wanted to avoid him. He clenched his jaw. That simply wouldn’t do. It was important to him that Bernie was happy. If that meant having Miss Wright over for tea, then so be it.

“I do hope you can join Bernie,” he said. “Though I must warn you.” He paused for dramatic effect.

“Warn me?” Miss Wright’s blue eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“Sterling!” Bernie protested and swatted his arm. “You are a tease.”

Miss Wright’s eyes widened at that claim, and one brow lifted in surprise. Did she think him incapable of teasing?

“I must warn you that my sister’s questions about Oak Island will be endless.”

The lady’s gaze shifted to Bernie. Her genuine smile caused the oddest sensation in Sterling’s chest. He suddenly wanted her to look at him and offer that same smile. The unexpected wish had him frowning. Perhaps he shouldn’t encourage her to be friends with his sister. Not until he knew more about her and what her motive might be.

But his sister’s delight as they confirmed a time for tea made him realize it was too late. His best hope was to make certain he was at the tea as well.

Chapter Two

Lena studied theimpressive façade of Renwick House, uncertain why she felt so hesitant to step out of the carriage. She supposed it was because she knew furthering her association with Lady Bernice meant seeing Renwick again. Obviously, somewhere deep inside, she wasn’t certain that was wise.

When she’d mentioned the invitation for tea to her grandfather that morning at breakfast after they’d returned from an early morning ride, he’d been surprised.

“Renwick’s sister? I’d nearly forgotten he had one.”

“It sounds as if this is her first Season. Do you know Renwick well? I don’t recall you mentioning him.” Lena didn’t know what possessed her to ask him when her grandfather never indulged in gossip. But she couldn’t help herself. Renwick might be gruff, but he also caught her interest. She was only curious, she told herself. His concern for his sister suggested he might have a softer side even if he kept it hidden.

“I knew his father, of course. Not a friendly man. Quite serious and consumed with duty. From what little I know of the current duke, he’s much like him.”

Though tempted to share her nickname for Renwick, His Grumpiness, she refrained, uncertain whether her grandfather would find it amusing. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much else to say about the man.

Would she see the duke this afternoon?

“Miss?” James, the footman who had seen her and her sisters through more than a few difficult times, held the carriage door, clearly perplexed as to why she hadn’t moved.

No doubt Nancy, her maid, had the same puzzled expression.

With a sigh, Lena took his offered hand and descended to the pavement, followed by Nancy. The day was cool and overcast with no hint of the sun in sight. Tea and conversation would be a pleasant way to spend an hour. At least, that was her hope.

She liked Lady Bernice thus far, which was more than she could say for some of the young ladies she’d met since arriving in London. Many treated her as competition rather than a potential friend. Lena wanted to tell them the likelihood of her marrying was nil. Not with her gift. Therefore, she was no threat to their marriage prospects, though she certainly couldn’t share any of that.

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