He stared at her, the creases in his brow, which Juno would wager were ever present, deepening. “I suppose.”
How on earth were these two going to make a match? Juno felt an unfamiliar sensation—a thick knot of agitation in her chest.
“It’s lovely for October,” Lady Cosford said, as if the conversation between the duke and Marina weren’t the most awkward thing to have ever occurred. “I’m so pleased as I’ve planned a picnic for tomorrow. Just down by the lake. It will be splendid!”
Juno very much appreciated the woman’s enthusiasm and clear understanding of the situation—these two people needed help. “Oh yes, that will be most delightful,” she agreed. “What else do you have planned?”
“I’m sure we’ll find out later,” the duke cut in, giving Juno a look of savage irritation.
Biting her tongue, Juno redoubled her efforts to win the man over—not for her, for Marina. “Certainly. And I look forward to it.”
“Excuse me.” The duke took a step to the side and walked around them, making sure not to come too close to Juno. He went to where a footman was dispensing beverages.
“He’s quite surly,” Marina noted, surprising Juno.
“That’s a bit rich coming from you,” Lady Wetherby responded, thankfully with humor and not malice.
“Might I have a drink, Mother?” Marina asked, glancing toward a different footman with a tray.
“I could do with some wine or whatever is available.” Lady Wetherby linked her arm through her daughter’s and they departed, leaving Juno with their hostess.
Juno decided not to mince words. “I take it you are aware of Lady Wetherby’s plan for her daughter to become betrothed to the duke?”
“Yes, I had suspected as much and thought I would do what I could to ensure the match.” Lady Cosford’s sherry-colored gaze moved first to the duke and then to Marina. “They are well suited, don’t you think?”
“I, ah, perhaps.” Juno should just have agreed, but she couldn’t see her sweet charge with someone like the duke. Not that others viewed Marina as “sweet.” She appeared aloof and distracted, even sullen. Juno had thought so too when they’d first met, but after a few days, she’d come to know the true Marina. She was inquisitive and intellectual. She just didn’t like being around people.
Juno ought not judge the duke too harshly. Perhaps he was the same, and in time, they’d all see that it was indeed an excellent match. Thankfully, they had nearly a week to make that determination.
“I propose we join forces,” Lady Cosford said quietly, tipping her head toward Juno’s. “The duke has come to find a wife, and Lady Marina is the only unmarried young lady.”
“Lady Cosford, did you construct the guest list so that His Grace and Lady Marina are the only ones who can make a match?” Juno again saw her potential alignment with Lady Cosford as not only friends but coconspirators.
Lady Cosford let out a gentle laugh. “I may have.” She winked at Juno, the fine lines around her eye crinkling. Juno estimated the woman’s age to be in her mid to late thirties based on the age of her children, but thought she seemed younger. Perhaps that was due to her buoyant disposition.
“Well, if the duke is here to find a wife, he may want to improve his demeanor,” Juno said wryly.
“I understand that is your area of expertise.” Lady Cosford looked toward the duke, who was still glowering at everything and everyone. “Perhaps you can coax out the duke’s…warmer side.”
“If he has one. He’s awfully stiff.” Juno’s mind began to work. She was suddenly invigorated to try to find the duke’s gentler nature. And if he didn’t have one, well, it was better she discover that now and prevent Marina from making a mistake. “I have an idea that will encourage engagement.” She leaned close to Lady Cosford and laid out her plan.
“Marvelous. Let’s commence immediately.” She started to turn, then paused. “I think you must call me Cecilia. I do believe we’re going to be great friends.”
Juno could never have too many of those. “Then you must call me Juno. I look forward to our alliance.” She wriggled her brows before adopting a more serious tone. “I need to maneuver myself next to the rigid duke.”
“Oh, that name might stick,” Cecilia said with a sly smile. “Follow me.”
Hopefully, Marina would do her part when it came her turn, because Juno wasn’t sure she could position herself next to both people who needed her guidance. Goodness, this was going to be a busy and probably taxing house party. She was quite looking forward to the extra payment she would earn for ensuring this match. She’d be able to take a nice long break between positions, which meant enjoying the holidays in Bath and potentially finding a nice gentleman to keep her warm for the winter. Yes, it would all be worth it.
But first, she had to achieve the impossible.
Dare wanted to crawl out of his skin. There were too many bloody people crammed into this drawing room, spacious as it might be. The extensive parkland visible from the wide windows beckoned him outside, where he could escape conversation. And that especially annoying companion whose overwrought charm made him want to leave the house party altogether.
But no. He’d come a great distance to find a wife. At least his potential bride wasn’t irritating. She was quiet and seemed as uncomfortable as he felt. This could very well be the perfect match.
He sipped his sherry, thinking it was time to excuse himself from the gathering, when Lady Cosford moved to the center of the room with her husband. Cosford tapped his glass to gain everyone’s attention.
A lovely floral scent tinged with orange swirled around him. Turning his head, he realized the vexing companion had moved to stand at his side. She smiled up at him, revealing even, white teeth. Her eyes, green like sage, sparkled as if seeing him were the most wonderful thing that had happened to her all day. Did she look at everyone like that? It was more than disarming. It was thoroughly disconcerting.
“Welcome, everyone,” Lord Cosford intoned before glancing at his wife, who stood at his side. “Lady Cosford has a charming activity for us to begin the festivities.”
She gave her husband a bright smile. Watching them together made Dare want to roll his eyes. He glanced toward the companion—what was her name?—to find her watching him with interest. He wished she’d go somewhere else.
“Thank you,” Lady Cosford said to her husband before addressing the room. “I thought it would be amusing to begin with introductions. We’ll go around the room and introduce ourselves, then share something interesting. For example, I would say I’m Lady Cosford and that I enjoy lemon rosemary ices. Let us form a circle around the room—quickly if we can, please.”
She bustled toward the doorway with her husband, effectively blocking an escape unless Dare wanted to throw himself through one of the windows. The idea held astonishing appeal. He didn’t want to stand in a circle, nor did he want to share a bloody thing.
“Let’s just move over here,” the companion said cheerily, effectively steering him into the infernal circle without even touching him. How did she do that?