But with the plans the Ashton men had laid out earlier this morning, Michael knew his life was in transition once again. Society, at least for a bit, would take a back seat to business.
Returning Copper to the stable, Michael stayed for a bit, helping one of the boys groom the horse. Then he headed inside, intending to stop by the duke’s study, which he found empty. His father must have returned to his wife’s side. Michael turned toward the stairs but heard soft voices from his mother’s sitting room. Michael scowled. That room went empty most days. His sister had departed, and his mother was bedridden. Rose did not usually entertain callers except on household business, and she met them in Emalyn’s office.So who could be—?Michael moved closer to the partially open door, his steps padded by the thick hall carpet.
“The duke has not been active in Society much since his wife died—not much even before his marriage, as I recall. I can make inquiries, but I’m not sure—”
Rose, obviously. With a friend. Michael turned to move on.
“Any information would be helpful.”
Michael froze.Clara?He pivoted, leaning closer to the doorframe.
“Are you sure this is the direction you wish to pursue?”
Clara’s voice sounded firm and clear. “I am. If I am to play their game until the last moment—”
“I do not think they are playing a game.”
“No.” Clara’s voice grew somber. “No, they are not. They mean for me to marry him and will brook no objection from me. They have made it clear that my opinion is irrelevant.”
“Clara, I’m sure—”
“I understand it, even if I do not know the reason behind it. They will not tell me. But if I continue to protest, they will always be on their guard. I must find ways to reassure them, all of them, including the duke and his mother, that all is well and I am the perfect and contented match for Wykeham. However it galls me, they must not suspect my true feelings.”
Michael’s teeth ground together.Clara, darling, what are you up to? What are you plotting?
“So what is it you wish me to find?”
“Something—anything—that will convince my father that the duke is not a good match for me.”
“You do realize that the Duke of Wykeham is considered aboveboard.”
“That’s because they have not seen his gambling debts at Campion’s.”
The voice in Michael’s ear was soft but startling, and Michael gave a low bark of surprise. He whirled to face his brother.
Robert’s eyes were wide with innocence. “On whom are we eavesdropping?”
The door swung open, and Rose stood there, a fierce scowl creasing her face. “What, pray tell, are you two doing here?”
“Exactly my question.” Robert’s wounded face twisted into a grin, and he pushed pass Rose and Michael and into the room. Spotting Clara, he paused and executed a precise bow. “Lady Clara.”
On one of the two settees in the room, Clara sat as stiff as a March wind, and her glare at Robert, then Michael, was just as chilly. “It is impolite to eavesdrop on a lady’s conversation.”
Robert nodded at Rose. “True, but I had only just arrived and was about to scold Michael on that point—”
“Robert!” Michael hissed.
“When I heard Wykeham’s name and something about him being above reproach. Which is, of course, not true.”
Rose and Clara looked at each other, and silence reigned a few moments as each woman came to her own conclusions.
Michael hung in the doorway. He had never liked this room, the smallest of the Ashton House receiving rooms. Its very size made him feel cramped, and the overly feminine décor—with its numerous fringes, artfully draped throws, and overstuffed cushions in bright pinks, yellows, and greens—suggested that men had no place here. The two settees and several chairs formed a three-quarters circle around the fireplace and a low table, a reminder that his mother often entertained in this room. Rose and Clara occupied the settees that faced each other. Radcliff, Clara’s maid, stood near the fireplace, her expression as condemning as that of her mistress. Several pieces of foolscap were spread across the table, which was odd, but Michael did not have time to consider why they were there.
Rose motioned to two of the remaining chairs. “Gentlemen.”
Robert dropped into the one nearest Clara. Michael hesitated, remaining in the doorway until Rose glowered at him. “Please come in and shut the door.”
He did, perching on the edge of a chair near Rose as she turned to Robert. “Please explain your comment.”
