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“Do you think a proposal is at hand?”
Most certainly, but again, Nora didn’t wish to discuss the particulars. Not until she wrapped her mind around falling in love with Titus and accepting that a future with him would never come to pass.
But why not?
Because he hadn’t once discussed a future or any intent to marry—either her or anyone else. And even if he had, could she really be his duchess? Over the past several days, she’d come to realize this life wasn’t really for her. She preferred the quiet of the country, the independence of living on her own terms, even if it meant she was lonely. But with someone like Dawson, she didn’t have to be lonely. No, with someone like Dawson, she could perhaps have everything she desired. Everything except love, or at least passion. And while she might not want to live without that, there were far worse things.
Lady Satterfield clasped her hands together. “Well, there is no denying it now, my dear, you are the toast! With both Markham and Dawson paying calls, I daresay your future is secure.”
Nora realized she’d never answered her question, but supposed it didn’t matter. Lady Satterfield was pleased and happy for Nora, and that made Nora happy.
Yes, her future was secure. The only question was whether it was the future she truly wanted.
Chapter Twelve
The following day, Titus went to his club for luncheon before the House of Lords session. His stepmother was hosting a tea that afternoon, but he didn’t have time to attend. Nora had been at the forefront of his thoughts, and he planned to see her soon. Perhaps he’d stop in tonight after the session finished.
As he walked through the dining room, he saw Mr. Jonathan Gasper, a horse breeder with excellent stock, sitting by himself. Seeing him here, Titus was struck with the rather spontaneous urge to speak with him about a horse for Nora. Before he could make his way to Gasper’s table, a footman approached him.
“Your Grace, I’ll have your usual luncheon sent up directly.”
Titus appreciated the footman’s care. “I’m going to speak with someone first. Do wait a bit.”
The footman hesitated the briefest moment before saying, “As you say, Your Grace.” He began to turn, but Titus stopped him.
“And I think I’d prefer mutton today.”
The footman’s nostrils flared. It was a slight thing, but Titus caught the reaction. “Indeed, Your Grace.”
Titus had known this particular footman for quite a while. He knew Titus’s habits and preferences, and Titus had just surprised him. Twice.
Absurdly, Titus was amused. He felt good. Yes, for the first time in a very long time, he feltgood.
He made his way to Gasper. “Afternoon, Gasper, I wonder if I might have a word.”
The gentleman looked up from his soup and blinked. “Kendal. Yes, yes, of course.” He gestured for Titus to sit. “Are you having luncheon?”
Why not eat it here instead of his private dining room? “Yes, do you mind if I join you?”
Gasper studied him for a moment. “Not at all.” It seemed he might say something more, but he took another spoonful of soup instead.
“I wanted to speak with you about acquiring a new mount—a gentle mare, something appropriate for a novice rider.” Titus signaled for the footman to come to the table.
“How may I be of service, Your Grace?”
“I’ll take my luncheon here, thank you.” He turned back to Gasper, effectively dismissing the footman, but not before registering that he’d surprised the man a third time.
Titus glanced at the footman’s departing back before returning his attention to Gasper. “I’m upsetting the order of things today.”
Gasper swallowed another spoonful of soup and set his utensil down. “Because you’re eating here?”
“It’s not expected, is it?”
Gasper blinked. “No.”
He seemed as hesitant and cautious as the footman had been. Was Titus so fearsome? No, but he’d created a wall around himself and preferred that no one breach it save his inner circle. Today, however, he felt like lowering that wall. Just a bit.
He turned the conversation back to horses, and after a while, the footman delivered his meal along with Gasper’s next course. They enjoyed a pleasant luncheon, and before Titus realized it, he needed to be on his way.
