“He did not choose me, his niece did.” Harriet pointed out.Do not disappoint me.
Theodore’s words filled her mind. She pictured his face, the hard set of his jaw, the way his eyes had darkened. For the merest second, she had thought she had seen something softer, moreurgent beneath his cool, pragmatism, but she knew she was mistaken.
“This is only a means to an end, for both of us.” Harriet shrugged.
“Well, be that as it may, if he treats you like anything less than the fabulous woman you are, he will have us to answer to.” Louisa growled.
“I will be fine, I am sure.” Harriet tried to give them all a reassuring smile, but it was difficult to do when she feared she might lose her breakfast at any moment. “I do not think I have anything to fear from Th- the Duke.”
She decided not to use Theodore’s Christian name with her friends. She knew they would read more into it than necessary and she did not want to get their hopes up.It is not a matter of intimacy, but of practicality.
Though if she was honest, a part of her had been surprised that he had agreed to her request.Harriet.The way he said her name was so at odds with so much about him. She realized that she was playing with her wedding ring again.
“Just be careful. I will admit, I had not appreciated how handsome the Duke was and though he has been generous… You have a kind heart, Hettie, and I do not want to see it taken advantage of.” Louisa’s voice tugged Harriet back to the present.
“I am not particularly worried about my heart, it is not that sort of arrangement.” Harriet fought to keep the sinking of her heart from her voice. “Which suits me perfectly, you know such things have never been particularly high on my list of priorities.”
“At the very least, he seems to respect me.” Harriet thought of the way he had looked at her in the church, of how he had managed to guess at her reason for wanting to embroider her dress. “He may not be the most effusive, but he is observant without judgement.”
You are nervous.She swallowed as she remembered him simply stating it as though he were discussing the weather. “Few women can claim that, even in a love match.”
“Catherine can.” Louisa pointed out. “And his respect is the very least he can give you.”
“He has been more than generous with me.” Harriet was not sure why she was defending Theodore.He certainly does not need my protection.
Louisa pursed her lips. “Just do not forget what you are worth.”
How much could I be worth?Harriet kept the thought to herself. “I will.”
“Good.” Louisa nodded.
Behind them, one of the horses by the carriage let out a shriek and Harriet gave a start. She whipped around and saw one of the horses that had been waiting patiently for them to depart rearing, which in turn was upsetting the others nearby.
“Where is the driver?” Harriet cursed and took a step towards the horses.
Before she could go further, Theodore appeared. The horse reared again, along with its companion. “Be careful!” Harriet’s heart thundered against her chest, panic filling her.He is going to get himself killed.
Theodore held up his hands, catching the reins of the horses deftly as several men shouted behind him. She could tell he was murmuring to the creature, too quietly to be heard over all of the commotion.
She watched as Theodore held up a hand signaling to the rushing crowd to hold their ground, never taking his eyes from the startled horses. The horses were still agitated, but all hooves were on the ground.
Harriet held her breath as Theodore continued his slow, soothing of the horses. He ran a strong hand across the horse’s neck. The creature settled, as did its companion.
“Wow.” Fiona breathed behind Harriet. “That was quite something.”
Harriet licked her lips, watching as Theodore signaled for the men to approach slowly, still stroking and calming the horse. She massaged her chest, wishing her heart would slow just a little.
She could see Theodore speaking to the driver. From the way Theodore’s muscles tensed and the driver hung his head. Harriet could tell he was getting a dressing down.
“It is lucky your husband is so good with horses.” Catherine nodded towards the scene. “Someone could have been hurt.”
“Indeed.” Harriet cleared her throat. “I suppose they are itching to go, they have been very patient until now.”
“Then it is time for us to say goodbye.” Fiona drew Harriet into a hug. “You look after yourself.”
“I will.” Harriet smiled at her. “And try not to cause too much trouble in my absence.”
Fiona laughed as Louisa grinned. “Do not worry, Hettie. I will make sure she is not too ridiculous.”
