Page 51 of The Devil to Pay

“She’s a neighbour of Ashburton’s,” he said carefully. “I won’t go into the circumstances of our meeting, but they were inauspicious. I couldn’t stand her, nor she me.”

“Oh, Robert,” she said, reaching for his father’s hand, her eyes sparkling. “How perfectly romantic.”

His father met Jules’ eyes and his lips twitched, which reassured Jules enough to let go some of the anxiety singing through his blood.

“Anyway, we ended up spending some time together, and I discovered my first impression of her was entirely accurate. She’s the bossiest, most managing female I’ve ever met in my life, and it turns out… I don’t think I can bear the thought of living without her.”

The duchess sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes whilst his father silently handed her his handkerchief. She took it and gave her nose a vigorous blow.

“When can we meet her?” she demanded eagerly.

“Soon, I hope,” Jules replied, praying the sense of foreboding that plagued him was just his nerves working overtime.

“Does she know you are about to be named in a crimcon of the sort that will drag your name through the dirt for weeks?”

Jules felt a blush scald his cheek and cleared his throat uncertainly. “Not precisely, but I have warned her that something of the sort is coming. I did not give her a false idea of how bad it will be, however.”

“And she still wishes you to pay your addresses to her?”

Jules took a deep breath. “No, actually. Though she hasn’t refused me because of the scandal, but because she does not think me serious. She believes her position is not elevated enough to be my wife, which is absolute nonsense.”

“Jules, if you have fallen in love with an opera dancer, I swear to God…” his father began.

Jules stood abruptly. “I know I have behaved shockingly these past years, sir, but please give me a little credit. Her name is Miss Selina Davenport. Her father is General Davenport. It is by no means a grand nor an illustrious connection, but certainly respectable.”

His father’s gaze bore into him, a considering look in his eyes.

“Selina Davenport,” his mother, who seemed to keep a catalogue of every person she had ever met in that startling brain of hers. “That rings a bell. Let me see… Oh, yes, I remember. A tall girl, red hair.”

“Yes, Mama.”

A slow smile curved his mother’s lips. “Not your usual type at all, Jules. A handsome girl, to be sure, but not a beauty precisely. I should say more, a woman of substance. I liked her, as I remember, though I don’t think we were ever introduced. She carried herself well, though, with dignity, although she was scared to death, if I remember correctly. But she had so few connections.”

“You are entirely correct, as always, Mama.”

“General Davenport is a conceited oaf and a boor of the kind I cannot stomach,” his father said decisively. “However, if your mama thinks well of her, I’m sure I shall, too. You say she refused you? Surely, she must be aware of the extraordinary advantages of such a match? The last I heard, Davenport and that popinjay of a son of his were at low tide.”

Jules nodded. “They live the highlife in town, whilst Dav—Miss Davenport raises the children, works as unpaid housekeeper, and generally keeps everything running. She’s… She’s remarkable,” he said, unable to keep the admiration from his voice. “And her brothers and sisters are very amiable, though they drive her distracted, for they are all very demanding in their own way. Her youngest brother is only three, though. A dear little lad.”

“The father has no hand in their upbringing?” the duke asked.

Jules shook his head.

“Then, you realise, if you were to marry, you would not only have a bride, but a readymade family that was not even your own to contend with.”

“Yes, sir. I know it.”

The duke let out a breath of laughter and shook his head. “Good God,” he said quietly. “I knew the day would come, but I confess I had feared I would not live to see it. You’ve grown up at last.”

Jules shifted uncomfortably, relieved that his father approved, but aware that growing up was something he ought to have done many years ago.

“Then you’ll give me your blessing?”

“Of course, we will!” his mother exclaimed. “How could you think otherwise? Won’t we Robert?”

His father looked down at her and smiled, before bending and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Of course we will, love. If you approve of the girl, then I have nothing more to say on the matter.”

Jules let out an unsteady breath of relief. “Thank you. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. It’s only, Davenport was so certain you’d disapprove of her and, what with the mess I’m in currently—”