No Dukes Need Apply by Gemma Blackwood

Author:Gemma Blackwood
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-06-05T23:00:00+00:00

12

T he following morning brought clear skies, colour in Ursula’s cheeks, and a carriage filled with three welcome visitors: Isobel, Anthea, and George.

Selina was more relieved than she cared to admit to see Isobel descend from the carriage armed with a stack of Aunt Ursula’s favourite books and a bottle of sherry that she must have clutched in her lap all the way from London. Isobel’s patience and gentleness made her the ideal companion for their crotchety old aunt, and she knew how to soothe Ursula’s discomforts as no one else could.

“Poor Selina,” she said, rising up on tiptoe to kiss Selina fondly. “What a fright you must have had!”

“There is no serious harm done, thank goodness,” said Selina. “I am almost sorry I sent for you. Aunt Ursula is much better this morning.”

Isobel pressed her lips together to hide a smile. “I would not dream of leaving you to sit with our dear aunt while she lies in bed all day. You would surely drive each other to distraction. Oh!” This exclamation as Malcolm stepped forward and bowed in greeting. “Your Grace. I did not expect to see you here.”

“The dear duke has been so helpful to us poor ladies in our hour of need!” effused Lady Aldershot. “I am almost grateful to the potholes in the London road that ruined his carriage yesterday!” She turned to George and Anthea, who had descended the carriage behind Isobel. “Lord and Lady Streatham! What a pleasure to see you both. My dear friend Ursula is so fortunate to have such a loving family.”

George gave a smile some might have called rueful. “There’s nobody better than the Balfour sisters to call on in a crisis, my lady.” His eyes lingered a little too long on Malcolm. “Good morning, Caversham.”

Malcolm extended his hand, and after an almost imperceptible pause, George shook it. “Good morning, Streatham. I trust your journey was not too tiresome.”

“We managed to avoid all those potholes,” George answered drily, with such a light of impudence in his eyes that Selina began to think she had imagined his hesitation.

“Ladies, let me take you upstairs to see your aunt at once,” said Lady Aldershot, ushering Isobel and Anthea into the house. “I am sure you will raise her spirits.”

As Selina made to follow them, a light cough drew her attention back to George. He took her hand and tucked it into his arm companionably. “May I have a moment, dear sister? Perhaps you can show me around Lady Aldershot’s grounds. I have a great desire to stretch my legs after that long journey.”

It was an invitation that clearly excluded Malcolm. Selina glanced at the duke, half-afraid he would take offence, but his charming smile was firmly fixed in place. He bowed again to George. “Do excuse me, Streatham. I ought to go and see what progress Lady Aldershot’s men have made with my wounded phaeton.” His eyes cut to Selina. “I hope we can take that drive we spoke of before I return to London, my lady.

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