“I’m well.” She blushed fiercely, which brightened her beautiful eyes. “I slept soundly. It was a very restful night.” She flashed a coquettish smile that stirred his blood.
Not that it took much to stir it. He’d want her even if she’d made a comment on the weather.
Ernest cleared his throat. “Shall we start?”
Reluctantly, Hector turned towards the solicitor. “I’d like to apologise for what happened in the park.”
Ernest put down his cup of tea. “It was unfortunate and tragic for Maddie and Verity, and a complete disaster for our plan to make everyone believe you aren’t a savage. Lord Quentin sent me a letter from his chosen physician.” He showed the document. “The physician, Dr. Trevor Smith, declared you incapable of normal thinking thus unsuitable to hold the title.”
Hector took the letter and read it. “But no one visited me.”
Ernest spread his hands in a ‘what did I tell you’ gesture.
“What can I do?” Hector asked.
If he was going to be honest, he hadn’t the foggiest idea of how he could restore his reputation. He could build a shelter in a matter of hours, catch fish in minutes, and fend off rabid monkeys with only a stick. But convincing society he was a civilised person? Not a clue.
“You must make an appearance at another party to quench the rumours.” Ernest shook his fist as if he gave a speech to a demoralised cricket team. “The boat trip was a disaster from every point of view. Pardon my bluntness. The ladies are shocked, Lord Quentin spreads the rumour the Savage Duke is deranged, and even the prime minister expressed his concern.”
Hector slouched his posture. The last few days had been filled with strong emotions—the fear of facing the water again, his first, and hopefully not last, night with Maddie, and now the disappointment of having ruined all the hard work Maddie, Verity, and Ernest had done.
“And it can’t be just a party,” Ernest continued. “But an event organised by a well-respected member of the ton. Someone whose word means something to the peers. Thankfully, we finally have a bit of luck.” He turned his attention to Maddie.
“Lord Naylor is hosting a charity lunch in his house this week,” Maddie said. “His daughter Frances convinced him to invite you.”
“Frances?” Hector rubbed his forehead. “She couldn’t even glance at me when we had tea at Dr. Landon’s.”
“Yes,” Ernest said, “but I think she appreciated your silence and by asking her father to invite you, she’s returning the favour. I guess not having involved her turned out to be the right thing to do.” He gave a quick smile.
The idea of another party didn’t thrill Hector, but after all the damage he’d caused, he could only nod and do his best. “I’ll do exactly what you ask me to do.”
Ernest didn’t seem pleased. Since the incident, he regarded him with coldness, and Hector understood his concern.
Maddie smoothed a wrinkle on her skirt. “Ernest, would you mind if I have a word with Hector?”
“Of course not.” Ernest stood up and bowed. “I have to see how Verity is faring. Good day.”
The moment he was out of the room, Maddie sprang up and wrapped her arms around Hector’s neck. He closed his eyes for a moment, welcoming her soft body and scented skin.
“I’m so sorry.” She tilted her head up, her emerald eyes shining with tears. “Quentin isn’t only a terrible duke, but an awful person.”
He caressed her dark curls. “That’s why he’s going to lose his title.”
She hugged him tightly and rested her head on his chest. “I’ve missed you today. I kept thinking about you.”
“So did I. Are you sore?”
“A little.” She giggled, and the sound was like that of the angels singing for him. “But I feel wonderful.”
“I’m not going to leave you. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“I mean it.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. He opened his mouth to tell her again he wanted to be with her no matter what, but she gazed up at him and placed her chin on his chest.
“I want to sketch some of those plants and animals you saw on the island.”
“Do you want to illustrate the book?” That was his opportunity to make amends.
