“Will you be going down, then, for your supper, my lady, or having a tray sent up?”
“I have to go down there now that Lord Kirkston is here.” Merry pulled hairpins from her hair and started undoing her braid. “Serendipity and I have no choice but to join the men for dinner.” She turned for Jenny to get to her laces as she finished undoing her hair. “I know I have already changed once, but this dress simply will not do for this battle. And another wash, please. Is there any water left in the pitchers?”
“Yes, my lady. The maids refreshed everything while you were out.”
“Well, of course they did. All of you always take the very best care of me.” As she buzzed around her room, she wished her other sisters were here. Serendipity helped as much as she could, but six voices, while maddening at times, often helped sort the wheat from the chaff much faster.
As she dipped her hands in the cool water and washed her face, another thought occurred to her. Could it be that she was worried about nothing at all? What had she always told herself about the uselessness of worry? The irritating Lord Brixham would not playDuncan for a fool because Duncan was much smarter than that, and if anything, his presence might very well keep the viscount from becoming an even greater annoyance. Everything would be fine. She felt sure Duncan had met the viscount’s type before, and she had figured out the conniving cod’s head long ago. Chance still needed convincing when it came to Brixham, but he had matured immensely over the years since Papa’s death. So maybe there was some hope yet.
She forced herself to take a deep breath and see sense. Everything would be fine. With Serendipity’s help, she would see to it.
“Which dress shall it be, my lady?” Jenny waited in front of the wardrobe with both doors thrown open wide.
“The green silk with the gold embroidery.” Not only was it Merry’s favorite gown, but Duncan hadn’t seen her in it. Good heaven, she was thinking like one of those empty-headed, husband-hunting debutantes.
With a snort, she shooed away the silly notion. Wearing a favorite garment was like wearing the proper armor. It built upon one’s confidence. Likewise, she used her favorite lilac-scented soaps and oils. Breathing in the sweet florals not only calmed her but kept her head clear. And if she knew anything about the wily Lord Brixham, it was that he kept one on one’s toes.
“Will you be choosing a different necklace and earrings, my lady?”
She touched the locket at her throat. “No. My locket and pearl earrings will do just fine.” A glance at the small, ivory-faced clock on her nightstand encouraged her to move a bit slower. “We must take our time, Jenny. Seri and I do not wish to join the gentlemen until right before dinner.”
With a knowing smile, the maid picked up a hairbrush and waved it in the air. “Understood, my lady. Have a seat so I can brush your hair with the greatest of care. Then we shall dress you and brush it again.”
In nothing but her chemise, stays, and stockings, Merry perched onthe chair, nodding at her reflection in the dressing table mirror. “You understand me perfectly, Jenny…as always.”
*
In a differenttime and a different place, Duncan knew without a doubt that he would happily snap Lord Brixham’s neck with no remorse or concern about the consequences. The viscount was one of the most irritating bastards he had ever had the misfortune of meeting. How in the name of all that was holy could Broadmere ever consider such a man his friend?
“Any sign of my sisters yet?” the duke asked the footman when he came to remove the remnants of their tea.
“It is my understanding that both are upstairs preparing for dinner, Your Grace,” the servant said. “Mr. Fipps said they returned only a short time ago.”
The man was lying. Duncan could tell by the way his voice hit a higher pitch, and he kept glancing at the door. Why would the footman lie? What was at play here?
“You know how women are, old man.” Brixham’s smirk was most definitely insulting. He flicked a hand at Duncan. “They have two eligible bachelors cornered here in their home. They wish to impress us before the official start of the Season. Remember the adage:A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Duncan noted that the duke’s eyes narrowed the slightest bit. Good. Broadmere didn’t trust this wee bugger any more than he did.
“Since we only just arrived today,” Broadmere said, “I am sure the last thing on my sisters’ minds is impressing eligible bachelors. In fact, knowing those two, they are plotting some revenge for my inviting dinner guests on such short notice.”
“We should go, then.” Duncan shot a hard glare at the viscount, silently cutting him down before returning his focus to the duke. “’Twas rude enough that we called today and forced yer hand. Ye must forgive us, Yer Grace, and extend our apologies to the ladies.”
“Oh no, you mustn’t desert me now.” The duke shook a finger at him. “Especially if Merry already knows you are here. She will be furious if you leave without seeing her.”
“Oh?” The viscount’s tone dripped with predatory interest and a hint of jealousy.
Jutting his chin higher, Duncan gave the man an even harder scowl. “Aye, Lady Merry and I have grown quite close since our tumultuous first meeting.”
Lord Brixham shot back a scowl of his own and squared his shoulders. “I have known Lady Merry since we were children.”
“Aye, ye mentioned that already.”
Broadmere cocked his head toward the double doors leading to the hallway. He perked like a cat spotting a mouse. “I believe I hear them now.”
Not waiting for the doors to open, Duncan rose to his feet and waited. Broadmere stood beside him, but Lord Brixham remained seated. A sorrier type Duncan had never seen, but he forgot all about the insolent man as Merry swept into the room. The place brightened with her presence.
He stepped forward with a polite tip of his head. “Lady Merry, ’tis a grand thing to see ye again.”
