Page 20 of The Wedding-Crashing Duchess

Matilda’s eyes widened, and Augusta was immediately nervous.

He’s finally arrived.

Charity rose immediately. “Where is my husband?”

“In his study, Your Grace. He has been informed.”

“Tell the Duke of Ravenhill that Lady Augusta will join them shortly.”

The butler bowed and withdrew.

Matilda looked at Augusta. “Do you think he has come to have you arrested?”

Augusta pushed back her chair. “He has come because Duncan promised to repay the injury.”

Charity’s expression tightened. “Whatever Ravenhill demands, you are not obliged to agree merely because you feel guilty.”

“I should at least hear him.”

“Yes,” Charity said. “But you will remember that Duncan is your brother-in-law, not your keeper. He cannot offer anything on your behalf without your consent.”

“I’ll find out.”

“I am coming with you,” Charity said.

“The duke asked for Duncan and me,” Augusta said, glancing at her sister. “You need not defend me from every unpleasant conversation.”

“Hush,” she said, and followed her out of the room. Duncan’s study door stood open. The duke waited near the fireplace, one hand resting upon his cane.

He turned as Augusta entered. His expression revealed nothing, but his gaze remained upon her for several seconds before moving to Charity.

“Ronan Parsons, the Duke of Ravenhill,” he introduced himself with ease. “I requested an audience with Blackford and Lady Augusta.”

“Yes, we were made aware of your request. However, Your Grace, I am the older sister, and I cannot sit idle either,” Charity closed the door behind her. “My sister should not be expected to face this conversation without me.”

“Very well,” he said, opting not to argue further. Augusta thought that this was odd. She didn’t take the duke to be someone who conceded easily.

Augusta took the chair nearest Duncan’s desk. Charity remained beside her rather than sitting, while Duncan looked toward Ronan.

“You said at the church that you would visit when you had decided what repayment you required,” Duncan began. “I assume that is why you are here.”

“It is,” Ronan replied.

Duncan’s voice remained controlled. “Before you name it, I wish to repeat my apology. What Augusta did was reckless, and the consequences to your reputation were considerable. I will do what I reasonably can to repair the damage.”

Ronan’s eyes shifted to Augusta. “Do you agree with his assessment? That you falsely accused me.”

Augusta held his gaze. “I spoke with the constable this morning. He confirmed that you were seen throughout the engagement party. I accept that you were not the man I saw.”

“And do you regret what you said in the church?”

“I regret the damage to your name,” she sighed.

Duncan stepped around the desk. “Name your compensation, there is no need to make her apologize like this.”

Ronan turned toward him.

“I require a bride. You offered repayment for the injury caused by Lady Augusta’s accusation,” Ronan said. “The most significant injury was the loss of my marriage.”