“I suppose I’ll have to dance with her.” He detested dancing.
“You could promenade. I’m sure there will be plenty of activities. Perhaps you can go for a ride together.”
“That would be acceptable.” He would appreciate a wife who enjoyed riding. He imagined her touring the estate with him, speaking to the tenants, and offering assistance and support.
“I’m relieved to hear it.”
He shrugged. “Although, being a duke is likely enough to win the chit’s—or anyone else’s—hand.”
His mother stared at him, then took a long drink of madeira, nearly draining the glass. “If that’s what you think, you deserve a wife who only wants you for your title.”
It seemed the battle this evening would go to his mother.
“I am more than my title,” he said quietly, and not without a hint of irritation.
“Of course you are, and I hope you realize it. I also hope you find the woman who breaks through that rigid outer shell you wield so relentlessly. She won’t see your title at all, and she’ll warm to you, in spite of your efforts to keep her away.”
Dare blinked. “I won’t do that.”
“That’s all you do, my darling,” she said with a loving glow that slightly melted his hardened exterior. He did keep up a wall, and he liked it. Inside his fortress, things were orderly and expected. He hated mess and emotion and anything surprising. The woman for him would understand that and leave him be.
Perhaps his mother was right—he would hold his duchess apart. Was that so bad? “You are far too sentimental, Mother.”
The butler entered and announced that dinner was served. Dare finished his brandy, and his mother did the same with her madeira. After depositing their empty glasses on a table for the butler to sweep away, Dare helped the dowager to her feet and offered his arm.
She placed her hand on his sleeve, and they walked into the dining room as they did every night. Peace settled over him. Same.
“I love you, my boy,” she whispered just before taking her chair.
That was different. Dare was surprised that he didn’t mind.
Chapter 2
Juno blinked against the bright October sunlight as she departed the coach and lifted her face to the sky. When she turned her head, the façade of Blickton, a pale stone Palladian house constructed in the last century, greeted her with sparkling windows and a wide open door.
A pair of liveried footmen bustled forth, one to direct their luggage and another to escort them to the house where a third footman stood just inside the door and welcomed them to Blickton. While Juno and Lady Wetherby took in the grand entrance hall, Marina looked at the floor. Perhaps she found the marble particularly compelling.
The butler led them to where everyone was gathered in the drawing room. On the way, they passed a large, inviting library, its shelves overflowing with books. Marina stopped and lingered in the doorway, her gaze hungry as she looked eagerly inside.
“You are not spending time in the library,” Lady Wetherby said firmly. “I forbid it. If I so much as see you with a book, I’ll gather up all the ones you’ve hoarded at home and send them to a school.”
Marina sent her a mutinous scowl, and Juno could practically hear her mind screaming in objection. Not that Marina would ever voice it aloud.
As they continued to the drawing room, Juno fell back with Marina, walking closely beside her. “We’ll find a way to explore the library. Leave it to me,” she promised, sending her charge an encouraging smile.
“Thank you,” Marina murmured, her gaze meeting Juno’s for a brief but gratitude-filled moment.
“Our final guests have arrived!” Lady Cosford exclaimed as they entered the drawing room. “Welcome, Lady Wetherby, Lady Marina, and Mrs. Langton.”
Their hostess lowered her voice to address them personally. “I’m so pleased you could come.” She turned and beckoned to a dark-haired gentleman with warm hazel eyes. “Cosford, darling, come greet Lady Wetherby and her daughter. And Lady Marina’s companion.” Lady Cosford directed a smile toward Juno, and she was instantly struck by the unmistakable sensation that she’d met a kindred spirit. Someone with a positive outlook and a strong, determined nature. Juno hoped she was right.
After exchanging pleasantries, their host moved on while Lady Cosford remained. She chatted with Lady Wetherby about their trip, and Juno took the opportunity to scout the landscape.
Scanning the room, Juno immediately located the Duke of Warrington. At least, she was fairly certain that was him. When she’d learned of his attendance and, more importantly, of her employer’s desire that her daughter become his duchess, Juno had done what she could to recall his likeness and learn all she could about him.
He was not an exceptionally tall man, but he was muscular and fit, with a very attractive face. Rather, it would be if he weren’t scowling. He was in possession of two of the weightiest brows Juno had ever seen. Thick and dark, they commanded his expression, riding low and to the center as he surveyed the assembly. His eyes were also dark, as was his thick thatch of hair. All of him exuded a darkness and sobriety that instantly put Juno on guard. This was the man who was supposed to marry her charge?
“Come, let me introduce you to the duke,” Lady Cosford said.
She had either noticed Juno’s interest in him or was aware of Lady Wetherby’s hope for a match. Juno would find out which.
“Thank you,” Lady Wetherby responded, and they made their way to the corner, where a rain cloud seemed to be parked over the duke’s head.
On the way, Juno whispered into Marina’s ear, “Make eye contact with the duke and smile. I know it’s difficult since you don’t know him, but just remember that he doesn’t like social engagements either.” She’d focused a great deal on the latter in order to alleviate some of Marina’s anxiety.
Lady Cosford came to a halt and smiled into the abyss that was the Duke of Warrington. “Duke, allow me to introduce Lady Wetherby and her daughter, Lady Marina.” She pivoted toward Juno. “And this is Lady Marina’s companion, Mrs. Langton.”
The duke barely looked at Juno, which was fine by her, especially since his attention was entirely on Marina. But his features didn’t soften even the barest degree.
Marina dropped into a lovely curtsey, her eyes on the floor as usual. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Duke.”
The duke said nothing in response. He flicked a glance toward Lady Wetherby, who also curtsied. Then he did the same to Juno. Executing a flawless curtsey, Juno gave him her most disarming smile. “How wonderful to meet you, Your Grace. We’ve so been looking forward to it, haven’t we, Marina?” She edged closer to her charge, hoping her presence would give the young woman some much-needed courage.
“Yes.” Marina lifted her gaze, but not all the way to his face.
Lady Wetherby frowned slightly at her daughter, and Juno could hear the woman criticizing her later. Leaning close to Marina, Juno whispered more advice. “Mention the weather or our trip. Perhaps ask about his journey?”
Her fingers fidgeting together, Marina stared at the duke’s neck. “It’s a very fine day.”