Maddie shifted on the chair and grimaced at the awful painting.
He should be a proper host. “Would you like a cup of tea?” He went to stand up, but she waved him down.
“I’m all right, thank you.” She paused, fiddling with her reticule.
“What did you want to talk about?”
“Ernest, Mr. Merriweather, visited me and told me about the possibility you might claim the title of Duke of Blackburn.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Do you want to be the duke?”
The muscles in his neck tensed. “Why did he visit you?”
“Because he’s my future brother-in-law and believes you might need help to find a champion.”
“Help? A champion? I don’t understand.”
She sighed and tugged at her gloves. “May I be honest?”
“I want nothing but honesty, especially from you.”
“Ernest asked me to help you get acquainted again with the rules of society and good manners, so you have more chances of regaining the title.” She lowered her gaze. “You’ll need a medical certificate attesting to your good health, especially, er, your mental one, and a lord ready to champion your cause with the queen. It’s quite a lot.”
“I see.” He gripped the armrests, a constricting sensation tightening his chest.
He’d barely returned from eight years of constant fighting for survival, and people already wanted to drop something as complicated as a dukedom on his shoulders. But it was Robert’s last wish that he takes up the title...a voice whispered in his head. Could he ignore that?
“Personally, I don’t think you need to change anything about you.” She raised her gaze again.
What had he said about the constricting sensation? Well, it was gone, thanks to her trust in him.
He released his grip on the armrest. “I’m not sure I want to be a duke. I don’t think I’ll be a good one.”
“I guessed that would be your disposition, but Ernest strongly believes you’ll be a great duke. So do I.”
He whipped his head up. “You think I’ll be a good duke?”
She nodded with energy. “I don’t have any doubts. Besides, Ernest hinted at something that might persuade you to change your mind when it comes to pursuing the title.” She glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. “That’s why he should be waiting for us outside. He said he wanted to show something, take you somewhere.”
Hell. Everything was happening too quickly. “Where?”
“I’m not sure.” She regarded him again. “But you’ll need shoes and a jacket. It’s cold, and it’s probably going to rain.”
“Do you think I should go?” He hated burdening her with his problems, but she knew London’s society better than he did, and he trusted her opinion.
“I do. He didn’t tell me everything about why he wants you to take the title.” She let out a quick chuckle. “To be honest, I’m curious. He was rather mysterious. But aside from that, I think you should consider what he has to say.”
“Are you coming as well?”
“If you wish so.”
Oh, yes. He nodded. “Then I’ll put some shoes on.”
seventeen
HECTOR COULDN’T STOP fiddling with the collar of his starched shirt buttoned all the way up and tied by a cravat.
The constant motion of the carriage reminded him of the raft where he’d spent a couple of weeks, and he wasn’t sure he liked it. If it weren’t for Maddie sitting in front of him, he would have removed his clothes and climbed back to his tree, forgetting about the whole affair.
Mr. Merriweather regarded him with suspicion as if he hadn’t decided yet if he could trust Hector or not. “With regard to your mother,” the solicitor started.
