“As you wish, Your Grace.”
“Shall we dispense with ‘Your Grace’? You have my permission to call me Faircliffe.”
Miss York studied the base of the clock without saying anything at all.
Lawrence tried not to be frustrated. This was no love match; therefore, he could not expect passion. He’d just hoped for…more.
Like him, Miss York was an only child. The only hope for a large, happy family would be to pray for many healthy children. Lawrence would be as devoted to them as he would be to his wife.
Was Miss York hesitant because he’d given her cause to doubt his intentions? His neck heated. He should not have allowed his gaze to wander toward Miss Wynchester. And he should do his best to dispel any fears that he’d fallen victim to any of the other guests’ overeager charms.
“If you’ve noticed others making flirtatious comments to me, I want you know I am not interested in any of those young ladies.”
“They’re lovely young ladies.” Miss York glared at him. “That’s why they’re my friends.”
“Er…yes. I didn’t mean…” Good God, this conversation was going worse than he’d feared. “Let me be honest, Miss York. Perhaps it is gauche to be forthcoming about my motives, but I dislike prevarication and cannot countenance any sort of relationship built on lies.”
“Do we have any sort of relationship?”
“I am working on it.” His spine was rigid. “I’m working on many things. I’ve spent a lifetime elevating my reputation above my father’s. I keep a town house and an entailed country estate in the best condition my limited finances can provide. An investment opportunity in June will further secure the dukedom, if I have the means to take advantage of it. My greatest advantage is my rank, which I will share with my wife and pass along to future generations.”
“It sounds like you have everything.”
“I haven’t a duchess.” Making such a bald statement was a risk, but he needed her to understand what he was offering and asking. A dowry for a duchy, so to speak. “I hope that over the next few weeks you may wish to take that role.”
Her brow creased. “Why wait weeks? All you need is a moment alone with my father. He’s itching to sign a marriage contract.”
“That may be.” Indeed, Lawrencehopedit was true. “But I will not ask you or your father to agree to a union that goes against your will. If he signs a marriage contract, it must be because both you and I wish to wed.”
She tilted her head. “You are an odd duke. I think I like you more than I thought I did.”
Not quite theYes, yes, please let me be your duchessa man of his status might expect, but a step in the right direction. He could certainly appreciate candor.
Perhaps one day it could blossom into something resembling love.
A movement on the opposite side of the crowded room caught his eye. Miss Wynchester cradled Tiglet in her lap and was stroking his soft fur. Anyone would purr to be touched as sweetly and as adoringly as that.
“A friend of yours?” Miss York asked.
“No.” He thought it over. Were they? “No, definitely not.”
Miss York pursed her lips.
Clearly this required more explanation. Lawrence straightened. There was no reason to hide his association with Miss Wynchester; indeed, the terms of their agreement would make it public knowledge. Besides, if all went well, Miss York would be right there at Lawrence’s side when he…
“I’ve promised to acknowledge her a few times this Season,” he explained. “As a personal favor to improve her standing.”
“Astonishing.” Miss York’s gaze was flat and her tone sardonic. “You will valiantly refrain from publicly humiliating a young lady with a direct cut, at least for the moment. How generous.”
He shifted his weight. “Er…”
“Wait.” Miss York tilted her head. “Youareaware she’s a Wynchester?”
“Wereyouaware?” he countered. “To be frank, I never dreamed your mother would open her doors to—”
“She did not.” Miss York’s smile was brittle. “Mother remains the pinnacle of respectability you dreamed she would be. There was apparently some confusion with the guest list.”
“There’s always confusion where the Wynchesters are concerned.” His gaze flicked back across the room. “That’s why I stay away.”
