A Duke by Default: Dangerous Dukes Vol 3 by Soliman Wendy

Author:Soliman, Wendy [Soliman, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2018-07-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Marc and Giles were breaking their fast when Harriet entered the dining parlour the following morning. She gave every appearance of composure but the dark shadows beneath her eyes told a very different story, causing Marc a momentary pang of guilt. It had not been his intention to make her unhappy by leaving her so abruptly. It was obvious she had expected him to stay and that she had questions. Marc was surprised at just how much he would have preferred to stay, but knew it was important to set boundaries if only to ensure her wellbeing.

‘Did you sleep well?’ Marc asked.

‘Perfectly so.’ Harriet helped herself to a small plate of food from the selection available on the sideboard and joined them at the table. It must have been obvious to Giles that there was tension between them, but before the situation became too embarrassing Lady Calder entered the room. Marc suggested the ladies spend the day with the housekeeper so that Harriet could get to grips with her new responsibilities. He was conscious of Giles and his aunt looking at him askance, both presumably having expected him to want to keep Harriet to himself. He pretended not to notice and calmly changed the subject.

With breakfast out of the way Marc invited Giles to join him in the library, barely waiting for the door to close behind his friend before broaching the subject that was plaguing his mind.

‘When do you think to return to town, Giles?’

‘What, you want rid of me already?’

‘No, I thought I might accompany you.’

Giles beetled his brows. ‘You would leave your lovely bride already?’

‘My lovely bride returns to her duties at Matlock House tomorrow,’ he reminded his friend. ‘She won’t notice I am gone, and I have business to transact in town.’

‘I thought the duchess looked a little out of sorts at breakfast. This must all be a little strange for her. I’m not telling you your own business, but are you sure you ought to leave?’

‘You misunderstand,’ Marc replied coldly. ‘My arrangement with my bride is of a purely practical nature. I can assure you, the less she sees of me the happier she will feel.’

‘Well, just so long as you’re sure,’ Giles said, sounding anything but sure himself.

‘You are aware of my reasons for marrying. Discovering Harriet was fortuitous in that it saved me from the inconvenience of making a selection elsewhere. Nothing else has changed.’

‘Except you didn’t want a beautiful bride,’ Giles reminded him.

‘That is unfortunate, I grant you, but she is suitable in all other respects. Besides,’ he added, with the ghost of a smile, ‘Harriet doesn’t appreciate how attractive she actually is so I shall endeavour to overlook her handsomeness and make the best of the situation.’

Giles chuckled. ‘What business can you possibly have that draws you to the capital so soon after quitting it?’

‘I wish to make enquiries in respect of one James Jessup.’

Giles frowned. ‘Who the devil is James Jessup?’

‘He’s a local landowner and also an amateur art collector.

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