Saved by a Viscount: Scoundrels and Redemption Book Four by Alec Joyce

Author:Alec, Joyce
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-09-09T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

“So, what has the Duke done now?”

Miss Kelling’s practical voice and expression lightened the mood just a little, and Gregory smiled at her, grateful for her presence.

“The Duke of Claverhouse has made it plain that he intends to seek Lord Arrington’s permission to court his daughter,” he replied, gesturing towards Lady Mary. “He has not done so as yet, however.”

“No,” Lady Mary agreed softly, no longer looking at him. “He has not arrived at my father’s house, much to his disappointment.” A small, sad smile pulled at her mouth. “But I am certain it will not be long. Thereafter, my father has every intention of accepting his request for courtship also.”

Gregory blinked, a little surprised at this. Shrugging, he told himself that this was to be expected, given that the other potential beau for Lady Mary was the Duke of Claverhouse.

“I am hopeful that you are not unhappy with my behavior,” Gregory continued softly. “I was present last evening when the Duke made his statement, and I could not simply permit his desires to go ahead without stepping in. I know a little of what the Duke’s character is like and have recently been informed of his…current financial state.” He cleared his throat, feeling a little awkward given the look now shared between Lady Mary and Miss Kelling.

Lady Mary pressed her lips together. “Might I ask then, Lord Yates, your reasons for speaking to my father about a supposed courtship?” she asked, sounding all the more tentative.

“There is no ‘supposed’ about it, Lady Mary,” Gregory replied, smiling at her but seeing that uncertainty still burning in her eyes. “I have every intention of courting you, should you be glad to accept.”

Her frown lingered. “But why seek out such a thing?” she asked, making it quite plain that he had not answered her question. “We are not particularly well acquainted, and you have no responsibility for me in any way. Why should it concern you if the Duke of Claverhouse seeks to court me?”

Gregory cleared his throat, finding it suddenly difficult to make any sort of explanation. Looking out of the carriage window, he tried to think of the right way to phrase his reasons for doing such a thing, only to find the words sticking in his throat and causing him all manner of difficulties. He was certain now that he was looking rather red, for the curious expression that now crossed Miss Kelling’s face was one of both interest and a slow-growing understanding. Her eyes rounded, and a small smile played about her mouth—but still, Gregory did not speak.

“You do not wish to tell me, Lord Yates?”

His eyes swung to where Lady Mary sat, seeing no smile on her features, however. Instead, she appeared to be dissatisfied, her frown marring her loveliness and her eyes now a little narrowed.

“It is not that I do not wish to, but rather that I struggle to know how to explain it,” he told her, seeing the lines in her forehead soften.

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