Page 37 of The Duke Meets His Match

Henry’s brown furrowed. “The orphan is ill? Perhaps you shouldn’t see her. You could contract her illness.”

“It’s not like that. No one who has cared for her has become ill.”

“Still, I worry for you. I admire your charitable activities, but there are plenty of healthy orphans who could benefit from a lady’s visit. I suggest you visit others.”

Annoyance prickled her spine. Didn’t he realize how much Emily meant to her? They shared a bond and Chloe wasn’t about to let anyone dissuade her from seeing the child.

If she married Henry, he’d have a say in all her activities. He could prohibit her from visiting Emily. He may mean well, but she couldn’t imagine not seeing Emily. Her hands twisted in her skirts.

Henry’s expression grew serious. “I couldn’t stop thinking of you after last night at Vauxhall Gardens. Our time alone was too limited.”

His complexion was pale, not tanned from spending hours marching outside with fellow soldiers. His skin was smooth, without the distinguished fine lines around his eyes that came from worldly experience. He was pretty, not strong or virile or ruggedly handsome, and she knew that she could only think of him as a friend, never a lover.

Not for the first time, she wondered what Henry would think of her if he knew the truth about her past. Surely he would cease his pursuit. He’d think she was just like her father, the infamous forger and thief. He wouldn’t be wrong, would he? She’d often feared the tainted blood that ran through her veins.

What would Michael do if he knew the truth…the entire truth? She hadn’t just stolen trinkets and handed them to Mr. Allenson at the apothecary. She’d had to go elsewhere for the coin the chemist had required.

After hearing Michael’s story and learning the extent of his tragedy and that his best friend gave his life to save his, she believed he’d react differently to her past.

Either way, she knew what she had to do. She may be unsure about her future, but she couldn’t lie to Henry. He deserved better than to believe there could be a future between them.

Henry took her hand. “Chloe, you must know how I feel about you, and I sense you feel the same about me.”

Her mouth felt like old paper, dry and dusty. She needed to tell him…had to tell him that things had changed for her. “Henry, I must tell you—”

He placed a finger to her lips. “Shh. I know.”

She blinked. “You do?”

“I know you feel the same, and I plan on speaking privately with Huntingdon.”

There was only one reason for Henry to speak privately with her brother-in-law: he planned to ask for her hand in marriage. Even though she was over the age of consent, without her father’s presence, Henry thought to act honorably by speaking with Huntingdon.

Her stomach dropped. “No! That’s not what I wanted to say. There’s someone—”

Just then the door to the drawing room opened and Eliza stood in the doorway. “Lord Sefton! What a wonderful surprise. We were just speaking of you.”

Chloe chewed on her lower lip. Of all the rotten timing.

“I hope it was in a positive light,” Henry said.

“Of course,” Eliza said, her green gaze glittering with excitement. “Huntingdon and I are hosting a small dinner party Friday evening and would love for you and the duke to attend. A few other guests will be present as well.”

Henry clasped a hand to his chest. “I’d be honored.”

“Splendid,” Eliza said. “Now I’m afraid I must take Chloe with me for an appointment to Madame Adalene.”

Chloe stared. “Madame Adalene? The dressmakers?”

“Of course. Tell me you haven’t forgotten?” Eliza said. “We need new ball dresses for Lady Rosewood’s upcoming ball.”

It had been the last thing on Chloe’s mind.

Henry’s eyes bathed Chloe in admiration as he bowed. “I know better than to keep a lady from her modiste. Until Friday then.”

This couldn’t go on. Henry mustn’t speak with Eliza and Huntingdon. Somehow she’d have to find a way to speak with him privately and explain.

Chloe forced a smile as she looked up at him with an effort. “I shall look forward to it.”