“Who is Iris?” Lydia tried to recall if Archer had mentioned the name before, her mind seizing on the fact that the girl was still so young.
“My niece.” Archer stiffened.
Lydia’s brow furrowed. “I thought both your sisters were unmarried.”
“They are.” The Duke looked away from her, his eyes going distant. “Katherine, my older sister, was Iris’ mother. She died giving birth.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Lydia found herself reaching forwards and hastily closed her fingers, putting her hand in her lap instead.
“It was a long time ago.” Archer’s face hardened. “Hardly the sort of thing one should speak of on their wedding day.”
Lydia swallowed the questions bubbling up within her. How had he ended up with his sister’s daughter? Did her father not want her? She understood that Archer would not discuss the matter any further, and for all his charm, she could not help but remember the coldness of his anger. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Archer canted his head towards her. “You are a duchess now; you do not need to call me ‘Your Grace’.”
Lydia’s cheeks flushed. “Well, what am I supposed to call you? Husband dearest?”
To her surprise, Archer let out an amused bark of laughter and shook his head. The sound was like rich chocolate on a summer’s day. “Only if you wish for me to call you my darling wife.”
“I would prefer Lydia.” The sound of his laughter still echoed in her mind.
He arched an eyebrow at her, his smile teasing. “How terribly intimate of you.”
“I can hardly have you call me Baine or Dashings—that makes it sound like I am one of your Eton chums.” She gave a shudder.
“I suppose not. Very well, Lydia.” The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine, her skin suddenly hot. “You may call me, Archer.”
Before Lydia could say another word, the carriage jolted to a stop. The door opened, and Archer stepped out, offering her a hand for assistance. She took it without thinking, smiling at him.
A warmth settled over her, and she felt something small ignite in her chest as they walked side by side to the house.Perhaps this marriage will not be so bad after all.Archer gestured in front of them. “Welcome to Dashings Manor. I suspect the others will be some time in arriving; the carriage goes more slowly when Iris is onboard.”
They stepped through the front door, and several servants greeted them, sweeping into low bows. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. I am Mr. Lyall, the steward.”
“And you, Mr. Lyall.” Lydia glanced around at the portraits on the wall of numerous well-dressed women, her eyes catching sight of one with Archer’s same black hair and amber eyes.
Mr. Lyall followed her gaze and gave her an ingratiating smile. “It is customary for the Duchesses of old to be laid out to greet the new Duchess when she is first brought home.”
“How thoughtful.” Lydia smiled at the man.
“I will leave you in Mr. Lyall’s capable hands.” Archer’s voice had lost the easy warmth of the carriage ride, and Lydia turned to him in surprise. “He will see you have everything you need introduce you to the rest of the servants. I will see you at dinner.”
Archer’s gaze flitted to the portraits of the Duchess’, and then he left without another word, leaving Lydia standing alone and confused.
Chapter Five
“It seems Her Grace has a headache and will not be joining us,” Archer explained as he sat down at the dinner table for his wedding dinner.
“Oh, should we send for a physician?” Juliet asked.
“I do not think that will be necessary.” Archer gestured for everyone else to take their seats. “But if she is still poorly in the morning, I will have Mr. Lyall send for a doctor.”
“Not the most fortuitous start to your marriage, Dash.” Cora sat on his left with Juliet and Iris on his right.
“Sickness cannot be helped.” Archer shrugged. “She would hardly be the first Baine to miss an important dinner, would she, sister?”
Cora blushed and opened her mouth, but Juliet interjected, “I think she is probably just as disappointed as we are, Cora. After all, who wants to miss their wedding dinner?”
His sisters exchanged looks, but Archer quelled their next words with a slightly arched eyebrow.Later.They understood his meaning perfectly. Iris, unfortunately, did not. “But I wanted to meet my new Auntie. She looked so pretty in her dress!”
