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“Andrew was content to make his own way, live by his own rules. Now he must conform to the role of a duke. He has responsibilities he cannot run away from.”
Just like her, Andrew was stuck in a societal role that he had no choice but to play. It made her heart ache for him, and she wanted to tell him he didn’t have to be alone, that she understood what it felt like to be forced into a position not of one’s choosing.
“Of course, this fiasco concerning these absurd rumors about William’s death does not help things.” Lady Holcombe leaned forward in her chair. “I can assure you, the rumors are unfounded. I don’t even know who started that preposterous lie about Andrew having a hand in his brother’s death. He and William had been at odds for years. It is true, but there was never any malice. Unfortunately, it took William’s illness to bring them back together. I blame Miranda for this.”
“Who is Miranda?”
“The former Duchess, William’s widow. She is a mean, spiteful creature who is doing this no doubt because of the will. She received a meager allowance as William’s widow, and any money she brought to the marriage was returned. Miranda was not pleased.”
“But I heard he was having an affair...” Tabitha said, but her hostess waved her hand dismissively.
“Poppycock! I had been living at the estate the year before William passed, and I would have known if Andrew and Miranda were having an affair. Andrew despises Miranda, always has. She was pregnant when William died. Even had the audacity to say it was William’s. No, no. That woman is trying to cover up her own mistakes with lies. It is impossible that child was William’s. He was too ill to get out of bed, let alone perform his marital duties. There is someone else behind all of this, and I want to find out just as much as Andrew does.”
It was just as the duke had said—she needed all the facts, and Tabitha doubted the dowager duchess would lie for her grandson. Now she wanted to see Andrew more than ever. Even though she had apologized for her accusations in the garden, Tabitha felt there was more to say. Her thoughts were miles away, and she missed the beginning of her hostess’s statement.
“... and it may be a good way for the two of you to see one another again.”
Tabitha politely smiled and responded. “I must apologize, madam, I was woolgathering. I did not hear you.”
“I was saying, perhaps you would like to accompany me to the ducal estate in Essex for a visit. It’s only half a day’s journey from here. You could come as my guest. We would only stay for a few days, then return to London. I’m sure your aunt could spare you.”
The woman didn’t miss a thing. She had missed her calling—she should be working as a detective. But that was beside the fact.
“Will His Grace be informed that I am accompanying you? It feels wrong not to tell him.”
“I will send a message ahead that I am bringing a guest. That is all he needs to know.
Tabitha contemplated the proposal. She yearned to see Andrew one last time before she sealed her fate with Lord Vance. But at the same time, she did not want to incur the duke’s anger by coming to his home unbeknownst to him.
“Thank you for the kind offer, but if His Grace has any feelings for me, then I think it best I not impose on his home. He may feel we have duped him and get angry.”
“Very well, Miss Crestwood, if that is your decision. I will be leaving on Tuesday. If you change your mind, please let me know.”
They spent the remainder of the visit talking about everything from the latest gossip to theater, and even political affairs overseas. Lady Holcombe was very knowledgeable, which Tabitha found fascinating.
At last, it was time for Tabitha to take her leave. “Thank you for a wonderful afternoon, madam.” She curtsied.
“The pleasure was all mine, my dear. Please reconsider my invitation. It stands open until I leave.”
“I will, madam.”
Tabitha went to the waiting carriage. The dowager duchess had been a gracious hostess and had given Tabitha the insight she needed to see that Andrew definitely was not the man society had painted him to be.
The urge to see him again was strong. One last time before she had to confront Lord Vance.
Andrew would help me.
No. She’d done enough by dragging him into her harebrained scheme two years ago. The man had enough burdens without having to worry about her. Tabitha recalled his concerned expression when he’d asked again if something had been amiss at the ball. Andrew was quick, and he missed little. If Tabitha saw him again, she’d have to do a better job of hiding her emotions. Although it might prove difficult. Every time she was around him, Tabitha was sure Andrew could see what she was thinking, especially when it came to the devilishly handsome duke himself.
The next two days were filled with shopping with Fiona for her wedding trousseau. Tabitha couldn’t help but join in her friend’s excitement. When Fiona tried on her wedding gown, Tabitha felt a slight pang of jealousy. An image of Andrew popped into her head. Really, she had to stop thinking of him. It was most unbecoming.
It was bad enough that the last two nights she’d woken up from dreams which prominently featured the duke. Both times her skin had been covered in sweat, her breasts aching and a deliciously sinful throb between her legs.
Mayhap she should accept the dowager duchess’s invitation. A brief respite in the country couldn’t hurt. Perhaps one last kiss with Andrew before her meeting with Lord Vance. Would a kiss be enough? No, not after what she’d experienced in the park. An entire night with the man would probably only gloss over the surface.
Gradually, the stirring of an idea took root in Tabitha’s mind. What if she had one night of passion with Andrew? Some pleasant memories in case her plan for drugging Lord Vance did not work. Andrew certainly would not protest. At least, Tabitha doubted it, if their last encounter was anything to go by.
Could she seduce him? Tabitha wasn’t accomplished at flirting and didn’t know the first thing about how to get a man’s attention. But something told Tabitha it wouldn’t be hard to grab Andrew’s noticed, based on their last encounter.
