“I suppose, but I still feel we failed in our endeavors.” Juno frowned at her madeira before taking another sip.
“Perhaps we should have expected it,” Cecilia lamented. “There just wasn’t anything between them, not even a kernel of curiosity.”
“Plenty of people wed without so much as spending any meaningful time together.” Juno shook her head. “Which is terrible. I confess I am not disappointed for Marina. She didn’t like him.”
“Did she even give him a chance?” Cecilia blinked. “It doesn’t matter now.”
Juno grimaced. “I’m not entirely sure she did. However, the duke did seem to try, today at least.” Until Juno had ruined it by kissing him. Had she provoked him to speak with Lady Wetherby? Had her impulsive behavior cost her this position? Of course it had. She was quite furious with herself.
“He must have come to the conclusion that it was a lost cause,” Cecilia went on. “I understand he explicitly informed the countess that he wasn’t going to offer for Lady Marina.”
Flinching inwardly, Juno said, “Yes, that’s precisely what he did.”
“Perhaps Lady Marina is better off,” Cecilia suggested. “The duke is so very rigid and aloof.”
“I did have doubts as to whether she would have been happy,” Juno admitted. “Indeed, I think I may pity the woman who becomes his duchess.”
“He seemed more relaxed at dinner this evening.”
Juno sat up with interest. “Did he?”
Cecilia nodded. “He actually spoke with those around him and remained engaged throughout the meal. It was a far cry from the night before, when he abruptly left.”
Indeed. “How extraordinary.”
“He didn’t so much as flinch when Lady Bentham asked if he was going to leave too since his prospective bride is departing early.”
Juno bit back a giggle, briefly pressing her hand to her lips. “My goodness, what did he say?”
“He responded with a succinct ‘no.’ I did wonder if his behavior tonight is further proof that the match would not have worked. Without the pressure of having to determine if he and Lady Marina would suit, he was able to be more of his true self.”
Juno snorted. “Doubtful. He’s far too guarded to allow that. I’m just so shocked that he plans to stay when he hates house parties. What could possibly keep him here?” She cocked her head. “Perhaps it’s your stables. He does seem to enjoy his morning rides.”
“You’ve come to know the duke rather well. Likely due to your efforts to match him with Lady Marina.”
“Yes.”
Or was it something else?
“I wish you would stay too,” Cecilia said. “Why not enjoy the house party as a guest?”
“I’m not sure your other guests would appreciate that. I’m not—”
Cecilia held up her hand. “Don’t say you aren’t one of us. I know your grandfather was a baron. Is a baron. I do believe he’s still breathing.”
“You are frighteningly well informed,” Juno said good-naturedly.
“My mother ensured I committed DeBrett’s to memory. It’s settled, then. You’ll stay.” Cecilia didn’t ask and likely wouldn’t accept Juno’s refusal.
“I shouldn’t.”
“But you will because we are now dear friends, and I’ll be bereft if you leave.” She pouted for good measure, but ended up grinning instead.
The giggle finally escaped Juno before she could press her fingers to her lips. “Fine. I’ll stay. But I wager the duke will end up leaving. Again, what possible reason could he have to stay?”
Cecilia shrugged. “As you said, perhaps he likes the stables. Whatever the reason, clearly something at Blickton has captured his attention.”
Dare leaned against the wall just down from the room Juno shared with Lady Marina and crossed his arms. Perhaps he should stand here all night so that he could catch Juno in the morning before she left. He couldn’t let her leave without seeing her again.
And what did he expect would happen?
His former potential bride, Lady Marina, could very well come out first, and then what would he say? “Pardon me, but I must speak with your companion.”
He dropped his arms to his sides and squirmed, feeling awkward just at the thought. If it actually happened, he’d probably leap out of his skin.
Then what was he doing here?
He couldn’t seem to make himself leave. He’d likely never see Juno again if he did.
Just what will you do if you happen to see her?
He had no bloody idea. Exhaling, he pushed away from the wall. But before he could turn and leave, he caught sight of her. She was coming right toward him.
Garbed in a simple but elegant gown of dark pink and pale green, with her blonde hair styled exquisitely atop her head, she looked like a sugary confection. Certainly good enough to eat.
She walked past her door, slowing as she neared him. “Good evening, Your Grace. Have you come to tell Lady Marina that you’ve changed your mind? That you’re a blockhead?” She smiled sweetly—definitely good enough to eat, even when she was insulting him.
She wasn’t wrong.
“I am a blockhead. However, I have not changed my mind about Lady Marina. I came to see you.”
That silenced her for a moment. “Oh. Why?”
“I didn’t want you to leave before I said goodbye.”
“You’re loitering outside my room to say goodbye?” She snorted, and he found the sound absurdly attractive. A lady had never done that in his presence. But she was no ordinary woman.
“Is that so strange?”
“For you? Yes.”
“You think you know me so well.”
“Don’t you start with that half smile again.” She took a step back. “You’ve said goodbye. Now you should go to bed.”
How he wished that was an invitation. Bed sounded very inviting, especially if she were in it. “Actually, I didn’t.” He couldn’t bring himself to do it. Saying goodbye would make it real. Final.
She exhaled and put a hand on her hip. “It doesn’t matter, because I’m not leaving with Lady Wetherby and Lady Marina.”
A giddy thrill tripped through him. “You’re not?”
“My goodness, you actually look and sound quite relieved.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “What’s gotten into you? In fact, why aren’t you leaving tomorrow?”
“I’d planned to be here for the duration of the party. I don’t like to change plans.”
She blinked at him. “Even if it means staying at a house party when you loathe house parties?”
“I don’t loathe this one.”
“Why?” She sounded incredibly skeptical.
“Because I met you. Now that I know you aren’t leaving, I’m particularly keen to stay so that I may get to know you better.”
She stared at him and repeated, “Why?”
“I should think it was obvious. We kissed earlier. It was quite nice.” He scowled and shook his head. “It was bloody brilliant.”
“How charming of you to curse in reference to my kissing ability,” she murmured. “It was a horrendous mistake. Anyway, I’m leaving day after tomorrow. I wanted to be on my way tomorrow, but Cecilia convinced me to stay.”