It was such a kind offer that she beamed up at him. “You are going above and beyond to find me a husband,” she murmured, and she was embarrassed to realize her eyes had filled with tears. “It means more to me than I could ever say. Thank you, Your Grace.”
He grinned at her, although for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something else behind his eyes. “Well, I’m just eager to make sure I don’t have to marry you,” he said in a low voice, so her sisters couldn’t hear.
She laughed, then grew more serious. “So who is here to see me? Any serious prospects?”
“Lord Trembley is a promising candidate,” he said thoughtfully. “Come, let’s get you to the parlor, and then you can see for yourself.”
There were, in fact, six gentlemen waiting for her in the parlor. Six! Leah couldn’t quite believe it. And they were all sizing each other up in a way that made Leah want to laugh and also die of embarrassment. All this for her? It was almost impossible to believe after the lackluster Season she’d had.
And it was all thanks to the Duke’s lessons--and his attention. She had a feeling that a rake’s interest in her had done more than just one lesson in how to make conversation. But she planned to change that today. Today, she would make such interesting conversation with each gentleman that they would be begging for her hand.
“Good luck,” the Duke murmured, as he pushed her forward to greet the gentlemen. When she glanced up at her, he winked.
But it turned out she didn’t need luck--or to make interesting conversation. With six men vying for her time and attention, Leah felt as if she were being buffeted back and forth between them all, with barely a moment to think, let alone overthink what she was saying.
All the gentlemen had a million questions for her, all of them were eager to get to know her better, and all of them very much liked to talk about themselves--even when unprompted.
And it wasn’t just these six. Because as the day progressed, more and more gentlemen began to arrive. As a few would leave, more would come to replace them, bearing bouquets of flowers and books and other trinkets. Leah didn’t get a single moment to herself all day, except for the few times she had to excuse herself just so she could go catch a breath of fresh air outside.
It was overwhelming. And although she was grateful for how her fortunes had changed so swiftly, it also threatened to completely unmoor her. How was she supposed to know which of these men to marry, when she could barely keep track of them?
In the early evening, the river of callers had dried up to a trickle, and Leah felt comfortable excusing herself once again to have a few moments to herself. The moment she left the parlor, she felt her heart rate slow down. She was hot--sweating from nerves and from the effort of smiling and talking--and she needed a place where she could cool down. After a short hesitation, she made her way down the hall to the library. It would be empty and cool.
But when she pushed open the door to the library, she was surprised to find that it wasn’t empty. Nottington was inside, reading a book on the sofa with his feet up on the tea table.
She paused in the doorway, and Nottington looked up. He smiled when he saw her and set down his book, then stood and bowed.
“My Lady,” he said. “How are you?”
She laughed and shrugged. “It has been a trying day.”
“But a good day, surely?”
“Yes, very good,” she agreed. “Just tiring.”
“Good, I’m glad it was rewarding.” He sat back down on the sofa and indicated she should sit across from him. She was amused that he was inviting her to sit in her own home, but she did anyway, smoothing out her skirts. It was very quiet in thelibrary, and cool, and she suddenly became very aware of how alone they were together.
“So are they all gone?” he asked.
“No, there are still a few here,” she admitted.
“Then what are you doing here?” he asked, tilting his head to the side in that characteristic way he did when he was puzzled or teasing her. “Shouldn’t you be back in there trying to woo your future husband?”
“I just needed a moment alone,” she said. “I’ve been smiling and nodding and pretending to care about gentlemen’s estates all day.”
The Duke raised an eyebrow. “I see what this is. You’re hiding from them.”
Leah sat back on the sofa and crossed her arms. “Perhaps I am. Would that be so bad?”
“Just as long as you aren’t forgetting how urgent it is that you find a husband.”
“I wouldn’t forget that,” she said, slightly annoyed. “I’m the one who would be forced to marry Lord Dubois.”
“And do you like any of your potential suitors? What did you think of Lord Trembley?”
“He was alright,” Leah said as she tried to remember him specifically. “A bit arrogant. But then, so are you, and I still like you.”
The Duke smiled slowly. “Comparing all your suitors to me, are you? Tut tut, that isn’t good. They will all be found wanting in that case.”
