Page 69 of Courting the Wrong Duke

“It does.”

“The baron allows it?”

“He does. On one condition.”

William waited.

“She manages his correspondence, much of his household, and his personal affairs. Apparently he trusts only family with such responsibilities and has no wish to lose her.”

“I begin to understand why marriage holds so little appeal.”

“So do I.” Gabriel looked positively miserable. “She is admirable.”

William raised an eyebrow. “I believe the word you're searching for is 'beautiful.'”

“That as well.” A moment later Gabriel brightened considerably. “You're seeing Lady Rosalind this afternoon.”

“I am.”

“Excellent.”

William regarded him with immediate suspicion. “That expression rarely precedes anything sensible.”

“I ask only one small favor.”

“I hesitate already.”

“Find out where Miss Hartwell takes her painting lessons.”

William blinked. “You intend to learn to paint?”

“If necessary.”

“You cannot paint.”

“Then I shall become exceedingly bad at it.”

“That seems the most likely outcome.”

Gabriel grinned. “I appreciate your confidence.”

Their lesson concluded not long afterward. William had only just returned his foil to the instructor when one of the academy servants approached with a sealed letter resting upon a silver tray.

“My lord?”

William recognized the seal immediately.

Harding & Sons.

The auction house.

A flicker of anticipation stirred inside him as he broke the seal and unfolded the single sheet.

It vanished almost as quickly as it had come.

Gabriel noticed the change at once. “What is it?”

William read the letter a second time before lowering it slowly. “The clerk.”