She was saved from having to guess exactly which red books her sister was talking about by the footman, who had returned and announced, “Presenting His Grace, Duke Warren.”
A tall man strode through the door, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. He was easily a head taller than his brother, with longer, dark hair and piercing blue eyes.
Where Lord Baine’s face was soft and cherubic, this man’s face was all sharp lines and well-defined features. There was a hardness about him, a distance. Yet she could not look away.
“Forgive my delay, Duchess Emberly, Duchess Caden.” His voice was deep, richer than his cold tone deserved.
The colour of his voice, it reminds me of winter.Emily pictured a frozen lake surrounded by snow. He was the opposite of his brother in almost every way. Before Emily could think of anything to say, the man had cast about the room and then swept a low bow to Rose and Jane.
“Though it seems I am not the only one who is late.” Duke Warren frowned. “It is hardly a good sign that my brother’s intended has not yet arrived. Does she make a habit of being late to things?”
“Actually, brother- ” Lord Baine began, shooting Emily an apologetic look, but Duke Warren ignored him.
“I hope her tardiness is not an indication of other character defects.” Duke Warren said. “This match is rather important.”
“It is not an indication of any character defects.” Emily stepped towards the Duke, her anger making her find her voice. “Because I am not late. The only one who has kept us waiting is you, Your Grace.”
Duke Warren’s head snapped towards her, his eyes widening in surprise as he scanned her from head to toe. “Youare Miss Pembleton?”
This is going to be a disaster.
Chapter Two
“Youare Miss Pembleton?”
Luke Baine, Duke of Warren, did his best to keep the surprise from his voice, but suspected he had not been wildly successful.
“I am.” Miss Pembleton replied, a flash of anger in her amber eyes.
She was nothing like he had expected. From the rumours about her, he had expected some mannish, arrogant oaf who would be better suited to life away from high society.
Though she was taller than her sisters, she was by no means too tall. Her face was fine featured, and her posture was all elegant sophistication.
Her black hair was somewhat untidy, but it was not unkempt. If she was not vying to become the next Duchess of Warren,he would be tempted to say that the messiness was rather... charming.
And her eyes...they glowed with barely restrained emotion.
“Then I must apologise for my mistake. As well as my own lateness.” Luke said smoothly, inclining his head towards Miss Pembleton. “I hope my brother explained the reason for my delay.”
“He did.” Duchess Emberly answered, and Luke turned to face her.
“Excellent.” Luke nodded.
“Shall we have some tea, and perhaps we might get to know one another?” Miss Pembleton directed her words at his brother.
“I think that is an excellent idea, Miss Pembleton.” Luke replied before Rodger had a chance to say anything.
Luke moved towards one of the sofas and gestured to the seats around him. “I trust your sisters will be joining us.”
“Of course.” Duchess Caden took a seat across from him.
Luke watched Miss Pembleton as she took a seat, studying her.Elegant but not controlled.She caught him looking at her, andpaused with eyes locked on his before she turned and faced Rodger.
“So, Lord Baine. Why not tell me something of yourself? It seems prudent for us to get to know one another.” Miss Pembleton smiled encouragingly at Rodger.
Luke frowned. “That is a rather broad question, Miss Pembleton. How would one even begin to answer it?”
Miss Pembleton visibly leashed whatever comment she was about to say, instead replying with “Quite right, Your Grace. Allow me to clarify, Lord Baine,” she said pointedly before turning back to Rodger. “How do you like to pass your time, when you find you have some to spare?”
