Yet the main threat of this assignment lay with the duke himself. There was no denying the warmth that filled her chest when he spoke, the thrill she felt when his eyes met hers. The effect his proximity had on her was… concerning. But then, she wouldn’t have to spend time with him and proving a man a cheat was hardly difficult.
Be professional and stay away from His eminent Grace. How hard can it be?
She would have to find out, wouldn’t she? May took a steadying breath and set about writing a letter.
It was all too easy to gain Lady Justina’s permission for some time off. May had never lied to her friend before, but she held it together as she spun a tale of some of her father’s old belongings resurfacing in his old parish. Better invent a little story than stab at the already widening gap between Justina and her mother. Justina met the news with distracted but genuine enthusiasm—she had her hands too full with their sudden guest to see through May’s deception.
May wrote to the duke, and arrangements were made, down to the outfit May had to wear upon arrival.
Barely two weeks later, her hired carriage rolled to a stop at the enormous doors of Southam House. As May made her way up the marble steps to the entrance, she struggled to keep her legs steady. She was used to seeing all sorts of affluent residences in London and being Justina’s confidante hadbrought her to many a ballroom, but she’d seen nothing like this. It took centuries of meticulous care to establish such a residence, and in close proximity to central London, too. But May had no time to be intimidated—not when the duke had requested her presence with striking precision, down to this very chosen minute.
The doors swung open, and she stepped inside. The butler led her through to the sitting room, and May took stock of her surroundings as he announced her.
“Lady May Graceworth.”
She’d have to get used to the title the duke invented for her.
A man turned from the window at the announcement, and May found herself staring at a stranger who was just as startled as she.
“You are not my cousin,” said May, processing. Cousin or duke, they were one and the same, and he was neither.
“That I am not.” The man cleared his throat and offered a polite bow. “Blake Shaw, at your service. Would you care to sit?”
Well, I’ll be.His Grace certainly did not waste any time in putting her to use.
May settled onto the settee and stared at the man who was the unknowing reason behind her arrival. Blake Shaw, who was Lord Spencer, seemed perfectly polite and certainly easy on the eyes, with a broad-shouldered but taut stature like a hunter, ready to spring into action. His eyes were kind, however, and his face was open. She could hardly see the nefarious nature the duke suspected. But then again, if it were that easy, the duke would have no need of her.
“Well, I am glad not to be the only new addition. Is this a Northern accent I hear?”
“You have a keen ear. Indeed, I grew up close to Newcastle and spent many years stationed there until… well, now.”
“I can’t imagine you are too fond of London, then,” remarked May with a laugh.
“A big animal enclosure, to be bold. And yourself?”
May stifled a chuckle. “Well, I’ve only just arrived. I can’t say I’ve seen much of it.”
“Really? By hearing you talk, I’d say you’re a right Londoner.” Lord Spencer frowned.
Tarnation.May completely forgot one of the most important aspects of her part. May, the lady, was from Essex. She couldn’t believe she’d botched it right from the start. With an effort, she dredged up some semblance of the accent she’d carried in her youth.
“My late papa’s estate is in Essex; however, when I was younger, we were often in London, and I suppose, having been here a couple of nights now, I’ve slipped into old habits. I do apologize if my speech might sound odd.”
“Not at all.” He inclined his head politely. “It is I who must offer my apologies for being the only one in your welcome committee. I believe the duke was not informed of your arrival, as he and Lady Hannah have just departed for a stroll around the gardens. He would not have left, had he known.”
“Indeed.” May forced a smile. Her entrance was timed to the very second, but this was not something to be revealed. Only admired, for the good bit of puppeteering that it was. The duke pulled her strings all too deftly.
With impeccable timing, the door swung open, and a beautiful woman appeared, with the duke half a step behind her. There was a striking resemblance between them, but while both had dark hair and sharp features, his sister’s eyes were a soft, deep hazel, devoid of her brother’s cutting edge. She brought with her the subtle aroma of lavender.
May stood at once, and the sight of her brought the presumed Lady Hannah to a halt.
“What’s this? Elias, I thought you said Cousin May would not arrive until tomorrow?” She whirled toward her brother.
“Do not ask me, dear sister, for I am just as clueless as you on the subject,” the duke said smoothly, making his way to May’s side. “Dear cousin, what a delightful surprise. I trust you had a smooth journey?”
She offered him her hand in greeting, as was customary, and briefly lost herself as his lips pressed into her silk glove in a show of familial devotion.
“Very smooth, indeed.” She widened her smile. That wicked plotter of a man. “I do apologize for barging in unannounced. My business wrapped up somewhat unexpectedly, and I found my day wide open. You will not begrudge me this imposition?”
