The Duke clearly thought highly of the Pembletons and even seemed to admire their fighting spirit. But by the man’s own admission, he was hardly a usual sort of fellow. What would he understand of the importance of propriety?
Luke had no desire to cause offence, but Duke Emberly’s description of the Pembleton’s only served to prove that the match would be a disaster. The last thing the duchy needed was to be inherited by someone with a fiery temper who thought that order was unimportant.
They wanted everything to be perfect, and Rodger will be the one to ensure the standards my parents held will be achieved.
“He and Miss Pembleton seemed to enjoy one another’s company on the walk.” Duke Emberly pointed out.
“Enjoying one another’s company on a walk is one thing, but it is hardly the same as a lifetime together.” Luke replied.
“That is true.” Duke Emberly agreed pouring himself another measure of whiskey. “And I suppose you do know your brother best. But I know Miss Pembleton, and she may yet surprise you.”
That is what I am afraid of.He had no wish to be surprised. He did not want things to be unpredictable or disordered, and Miss Pembleton seemed to be both.
“Perhaps she will.” Luke said as diplomatically as he could.
“I have no doubt that you would not wish to stand in the way of your brother’s happiness,?” Duke Emberly mused.
“No.”Though I doubt Miss Pembleton would make him happy – no I imagine any husband she had would be miserable.
“All we can do is give them time. Trust me, the harder you try and control things, the worse it will be for you.” Duke Emberly said. “Once the Pembletons have decided on a match, there is very little that will stand in their way.”
“What do you mean?” Luke canted his head towards the other duke.
“Well, it was Rose’s mother who orchestrated our own match. Granted, she did so with the help of my own mother. But she alsoorchestrated my sister Olivia’s marriage.” Duke Emberly shook his head ruefully.
Luke nodded; he had heard rumours of the Viscountess of Cotswalts match making prowess.At least she is not here, I will not have to worry about her machinations.“And I assume it was she who arranged the match between Duke Caden and her daughter?”
“Actually, that was Emily. My mother-in-law was set quite firmly against the match, but Emily was determined to bring Jane and the Duke together.” Duke Emberly gave Luke a curious look
“Miss Pembleton was the one who orchestrated her sister’s match? And her sister had no objections?” Luke’s eyes widened.
Duke Emberly nodded. “In truth, her sister did not realise what Emily was doing until after the fact. She can be quite a subtle creature when the need arises.”
“How did she do it?” Luke asked, his curiosity piqued.
“She has quite a knack for understanding people, and was able to orchestrate several instances that brought Duke Caden and Jane together.” Duke Emberly’s brow furrowed as he tried to recall the details. “She used her musical skills to encourage them to dance together, contrived a way to make the two of them happen into each other’s path.”
“The most impressive thing about it, is the two of them fought like cats and dogs. Most people thought they disliked each other, but Emily saw through it.” Duke Emberly explained. “She took some time to get to know the Duke and she gently guided him and Jane to one another.”
“Like a puppet master pulling on the strings of a marionette.” Luke could not help the note of admiration that stole into his voice.
“You sound impressed.”
“I suppose I am.”She clearly has a mind for people, it is a pity she cannot apply that focus to propriety.Luke felt a prickle of unease stir within him.
The Pembletons were a family of matchmakers, and he was here with his brother to make a match with one of them. Miss Pembleton herself was clearly accomplished in that regard, would he be able to stop the match?
“You think I should give Miss Pembleton more time.” Luke said. “To see if this match will bloom into something.”
“Ultimately, it will be for your brother to decide. It is he who is looking for a wife, and not you.” Duke Emberly stood, and Luke followed suit. “What will be will be. The more you try to control things… Well, the more likely you are to bring in the unexpected.”
“I have no wish to control anything.” Luke said.
“Of course you do not.” Duke Emberly shook his head. “Well, I have some business to attend to, but I hope you will think on what I have said.”
“Of course, Sir.”
“Good.” Duke Emberly smiled at him. “I think you will be pleasantly surprised by your time here, Sir.”
