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“It is not a retreat,” she objected. “My father has informed me I must marry before the year is out. Once I have done so, managing the daily operations of this place will no longer be feasible.”
“That’s not why you’re leaving.”
“It is part of the reason—the greater part,” she insisted, uncomfortable in the extreme. “I admit the situation between us has influenced me to do it sooner than I had originally planned, but it is not the sole cause. Again, I must respectfully remind Your Grace that the entire universe does not look to you as its center.”
Bending, he picked up the lamp and moved toward her with it. She shrank back a bit as he held it up. His eyes appeared almost black as he peered at her, searching her.
“I, too, did some thinking last night, if you want to know,” he murmured. “I have been unfair to you. I admit I did not like the idea of your being here and I have done my best to run you off.”
He swallowed, seeming to struggle for a moment before continuing. “William’s death, as I am sure you are aware, was quite painful for me. And you were—are, through no fault of your own—a potent reminder of it. It is no excuse for my regrettable conduct, including last night, but it is at least some explanation. Though it is much belated, I hope you will accept my apologies for the many offenses I have committed against you. Please forgive me.”
There was no hint whatsoever of sarcasm or levity in either his face or tone. Surreptitiously, Harriett pinched herself to make sure she was indeed awake. This was the second time a man had apologized to her since yesterday morning. Nothing changed, however, so she had to assume she was not dreaming.
“Of course I forgive you,” she answered, stunned at how quickly she’d said it. A weight she hadn’t even known was there lifted from her heart, leaving her strangely light.
“For that, I thank you,” he said, seeming relieved as well. “Perhaps now you and I can start anew. I—I should like to end the war between us.”
This was difficult for him, she realized. Very difficult. He was not a man accustomed to apologizing to anyone. “I have never wished us enemies, Your Grace.”
“Neither have I, which is why I’m asking you to stay,” he said in a rush. “I understand your obligation to your family, but please, just for a little while longer.”
She blinked, confused. He ought to have jumped at the opportunity to be rid of her. It had been his sole ambition since finding her here. “Why?”
“Because I want to help you.”
He seemed earnest, but suspicion tightened her gut. “Help me? How?”
“You said you need to marry. I would like to try and help you achieve that end.”
Her heart stopped. He cannot possibly mean—
“Though you may find it doubtful, I am friends with several eligible men of excellent character. I would be happy to make the introductions.”
Shock suffused her. He offers this? After last night? “I’m not quite sure I understand,” she said, searching his face. “Are you—are you offering to play matchmaker on my behalf?”
After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “I know it sounds odd after what happened last night, but I do believe I can be of great help to you in this regard.” He held up the hand which bore the ducal signet. “I can certainly nudge things in the right direction with whichever man you choose.”
The absurdity of what he was saying struck her all at once, and a mad giggle welled up from her chest.
His brows collided. “I’m being perfectly sincere. I may have been out of circulation a bit, but my connections are still superb. And...since I am William’s brother, none would think it inappropriate for me to make the introductions. You and I were almost family, after all.”
This last was said with a curious, awkward sort of reluctance that caused her to again stare at him in consternation. He appeared quite sincere, but after last night she simply could not believe his intent was so noble. Mama had often said the devil that wore white was to be most feared.
No. It was too much to believe after everything that had happened between them. “I appreciate your good intentions, Your Grace, and while I will gladly remain to assist you in finding an appropriate replacement, I must decline your other...offer.”
“But why?” He moved a little closer, again frowning. “Surely you wouldn’t let pride stand in your way?”
“It has nothing to do with pride,” she said. “Think how it will look if you suddenly begin trying to marry me off. People will wonder.”
“Why on earth should they? Again, I remind you that I was very nearly your brother-in-law.”
The strange quality of his voice as he said it again struck her. She reached into her pocket, glad now that she’d tucked this morning’s incriminating paper into it. “Because of this.”
Moving the lamp closer so that it illuminated the paper she held up, he stared at it blankly until she, letting out an exasperated sigh, tipped the sheet down and pointed out the pertinent text.
“This means nothing,” he said after a moment.
“I beg to differ,” Harriett replied. “It means a great deal. I will be frank with you. My circumstances are not the most favorable. The fact is they are in all actuality quite dire.”
