Tabitha smiled.“I hardly think an hour’s unsuccessful visit at the age of six constitutes a friendship.You and Ralph know my views on Lily’s marriage.They have not changed.”
“But he is a duke!”
“And when he dies there will be no dukedom.”
“There will be children,” Portia said.“Besides, I don’t believe his grace is quite at death’s door yet!According to Lord Hazlett, his grace’s guardian, who has been corresponding with Sark, the duke is in considerably better health.In fact, he proposes to call on Lily at our convenience.”
Tabitha closed her mouth on the retort she had been about to make.She glanced at Lily.
“I suppose,” Portia said with heavy sarcasm, “you have no objection to his grace’s calling?”
“None whatsoever.If Lily likes him and wishes to marry him, I shall, of course, reconsider my veto.”
The light of battle in Portia’s face faded into something of an anti-climax.She had expected more of a fight.However, tossing her head with a hint of triumph, she stretched her luck.
“So, you see, you must not take Lily to Lady Hawthorn’s with you.It would be so insulting to his grace to find her gone when he came all that way to see her.”
“On the contrary, Lily must keep her engagements.That is a basic requirement of good manners.The duke may wait here for her return or join us there.She cannot sit at home like some supplicant just in case he chooses to call.”
Colour began to stain Portia’s cheeks.“You misunderstand.His grace is not a sociable man.And only think how awkward it will be for them to meet with so many people observing their every word and action.”
“It has always been quite normal for young people to meet in public,” Tabitha said tartly.“If his grace does not wish it, he may postpone his visit for three weeks, or a month.When does he propose to come?”
Portia almost wriggled.“We are not quite sure.Lord Hazlett was a little vague, but he did say it would be very soon.Sark is convinced he will be here any day.”
“Then be so good as to give me his lordship’s direction—along with his grace’s—and I shall write informing them of our convenience.”
Portia’s face was positively mottled.“That would be unforgivably rude when Sark has already written that we have no engagements and that his grace is welcome at any time!”
“Hardly.On the contrary, it will give you and Ralph time to entertain the man alone and form a true opinion of his suitability.We will, of course, take that into consideration.”
“Oh, for goodness sake, Tabitha!”Portia burst out.“Anyone would think you did not want this honour, this brilliant match for our Lily!”
“I’m not sure that I do,” Tabitha replied.“We can discuss it further when Lily has met him and got to know him a little.There is no rush, Portia, especially not since you tell me his grace has taken his foot out of the grave.”
“There is no need to be vulgar.”
“I beg your pardon for my inappropriate humour.”
Portia met her gaze.“You are in her way, Tabitha,” she said deliberately.“You can be removed, you know.”
“You can try that,” Tabitha said pleasantly, “but be aware the courts move very slowly —and expensively—especially with challenges.And I understand Ralph still has not received his Writ of Summons from the Lord Chancellor.Perhaps there is a challenge there, too.”
She threw the barb out largely to annoy Portia, and from the countess’s angry flush, she had struck closer to home than she had imagined.Ralph had already adopted the title of earl and no one Tabitha knew had truly doubted the succession.But if there truly was a doubt, then that would also explain Ralph’s rush to ally with a ducal family who would support his claim.Not that she could truly imagine such a scenario.Ralph just wanted all the acceptance he could grasp.
“Do you know,” Tabitha drawled, “I am tired after my journey?I believe I must ask you to bid Ralph good night on our behalf.Thank you for your kind hospitality, Portia.”
Lily jumped up with alacrity, and they were already out of the door before Portia could ring for them to be shown out.
Lily giggled.“As if we do not know the way!You were splendid, Tabbie.”
“It’s not the end of it,” Tabitha warned.“We need to see whatever legal contract there is.”
***
AS SHE HAD HOPED, RALPHproduced a document the following morning, having trotted down from the big house apparently with that sole purpose.Tabitha glimpsed him from her morning room window.
Of course, he did not trot once he was indoors.He progressed into the room in a stately manner, ignoring her butler who had barely announced him.Tabitha rose civilly from her desk, where she had been writing letters, and invited him to sit.
