Page 36 of Desperately Seeking Seduction

“Wonderful, though I am sorry the duke will not have your company tomorrow. I’m also sorry to say he is away from the estate, and I’ve no idea exactly when he might return.”

“Yes, your cousin said he left the estate unexpectedly.”

“Not unexpected at all. A meeting with local merchants was arranged last week for this very morning,” Stratford promised, making sure the man had the correct information rather than Cousin George’s lies.

Aston’s expression grew thoughtful, and he said no more.

Since Aston did not seem inclined to converse, and requested the newssheet, Stratford excused himself to lead Amity from the room. As they crossed the threshold, he overheard Aston strike up a conversation with Crawford, asking where the duke had gone that morning.

Since Crawford likely did not know the exact particulars of the duke’s schedule, he wouldn’t get much out of Stratford’s friend.

Amity walked with him through the gardens, taking him a good distance away from the palace before she spoke. “I am so glad to be married to your friend,” she whispered, even though no one was around to hear them. “George is angry and has glared daggers at me since our arrival but my husband glares right back. George doesn’t dare say anything too unkind, though I know too well what things he’s likely thinking about our surprise marriage. But I am married and beyond his reach, or the brunt of his anger.”

“I dare say it’s Crawford’s untapped bank account and the duke’s public support that have stilled his tongue for now,” Stratford replied.

“Speaking of tongues, what is going on with you?”

“Nothing.”

“You know exactly what I mean. There was a lady in your chambers last night. Promise me you’re not secretly courting one of our cousins.”

He nearly choked. “Good God, no. That would be utterly revolting.” He shuddered. “Imagine. No!”

“I know what I heard, Stratford. You had a giggling woman in your chambers last night. I’ve never known you to corrupt a maid, so it must be someone in the family. There is no one else here for you to seduce.” She wet her lips. “And then this morning, I saw you with a woman out on the grounds, too.”

Stratford’s knees nearly buckled. Amity had seen him with a woman. Not a man. Not a servant. Just a woman. There’d be no scandal if he played this right.

“I certainly have not done so, nor ever will seduce a maid or cousin,” he promised. “Oh, but my valet was there in my rooms last night, so I suppose you might have heard him laughing at one of my jests.”

Amity leaned a little closer. “Cuthbert’s laugh is not that high.”

“I have a replacement. A young fellow who I suspect has lied about his age now. You mustn’t have heard Cuthbert was injured on the way home.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“There’s of course no woman here I would invite into my chambers,” he assured Amity. “I plan to be a bachelor forever, Mrs. Crawford.”

“That’s what my husband said too once,” she murmured. “His heart and soul belong to me now, or so he claims.”

“I should certainly hope so,” he grinned.

It relieved him no end that Amity might have been too far away to discern what Winston had been wearing this morning. They had been rolling around on the ground at the time Winston had mentioned seeing the rider. “If I were meeting with a woman, and I am not saying I was, she wouldn’t be anyone you need to worry yourself about.”

Amity gave him a long hard look, and Stratford faced her scrutiny unflinching. He might still be tempted to seduce his current valet, but he would be more circumspect about how he went about it in the future.

However, that would only happen if Win wanted to make love again. They had not had a chance to discuss where their affair was headed. They had parted in a panic. But a woman living as a man might not care to continue an affair with him at all.

It was obvious she had never been kissed before. Stratford had certainly surprised himself by doing so that morning. Then, when offered the chance, he’d acted on instinct to make love out in the open.

Yet, having kissed Winston once, he was looking forward to another opportunity should it come his way again.

Amity linked her arm through his suddenly. “Then what is the reason for the tension I feel between you and your brothers? Always whispering, circling each other about the rooms. That is not at all usual. You’re all so serious now, when I know for a fact that deep down you must all be glad Algernon is the duke. Believe me, I am. You should be overjoyed, but you all look worried when around each other. I am certain George has caught the scent of a potential secret in the air, too.” She looked at him suddenly, and her eyes widened. “He’s not ill, is he? Algernon, I mean.”

As much as he liked Amity, there were things he didn’t have leave to speak of openly. To do so might bring disaster down on his brothers’ hastily made plans. Amity was better off not knowing the details yet, but of course, the secret couldn’t be kept forever.

“My brothers are all in the best of health, and if any were ill, you know Nash would have us locked inside our chambers, insisting we’re bled and forcing us to sip broth instead of the late duke’s wine. There is, of course, a great deal of discussion about the future going on between us brothers. When to end our mourning, returning to London and the season. He needs an heir one day, but Algernon has no real wish to marry,” he said, giving the only possible explanation that would not raise more questions. “You know his nature.”

“I thought I did, but he’s been full of surprises of late. Look, Roman might not seem family to you yet, but he was your friend before we married. If you’ve gotten yourself into some sort of trouble, he would want to know and would certainly offer his help.”