Page 66 of Dukes for Dessert

The Rigid Duke

Darcy Burke

1

September 1802

“Marina has made a great deal of progress this summer.” Mrs. Juno Langton smiled brightly at her employer, Lady Wetherby. “I daresay she could attempt a short stint in York this fall.”

With a wide, furrowed brow and pursed lips, Lady Wetherby didn’t appear convinced. But why should she? Her daughter, Marina, was a social disaster. Was. Juno’s job was to fix that, and she had made some progress. However, perhaps describing it as “a great deal” was a slight exaggeration.

“In what specific ways has she improved?” the countess asked from the opposite chair in her private sitting room, where they met weekly to discuss Marina.

“Her dancing.” Because they practiced over an hour every day. “Her ease at conversation.” Also because they practiced over an hour every day. And Juno wasn’t shortsighted about it—she knew Marina’s comfort had increased with her, but would take some finessing once they got to London. Or York, which would be an excellent rehearsal for London.

“What about smiling?” Lady Wetherby asked. “I haven’t seen her smile any more than she did before. Which was hardly at all.” She gave her head a tiny shake.

“That is also improving.” Again, Juno had found success with Marina, but couldn’t be certain her charge would smile with other people. At least not at first. That was the problem. Until Marina got to know someone, she was completely uncomfortable in their presence. She didn’t make eye contact, she fidgeted, and she barely said a word. Juno could well imagine how it was that no gentleman danced with her a second time—not at a single ball but during the entire Season.

“I’m not seeing it, but then I think Marina takes pleasure in behaving in an especially surly manner with me.” Lady Wetherby’s lips pursed even more. Juno wondered if they might shrivel up and disappear.

“I don’t believe that’s true, my lady,” Juno said with a reassuring smile. “I think, with respect, that Marina wants to please you and knows she hasn’t.”

Lady Wetherby’s nostrils flared. “Are you saying it’s my fault she’s cold and awkward?”

“Not at all.” Though she wasn’t terribly wrong… “Perhaps if you gave her more encouragement, you might be rewarded with her demonstrating the progress she’s made.” Juno offered her widest smile, which typically thawed even the most frigid people. Not that Lady Wetherby was frigid. Well, perhaps she was when it came to her eldest child. Juno had seen the countess with her younger children, and she seemed far more relaxed.

“I’ll do that,” Lady Wetherby said before exhaling a rather beleaguered sigh. “I’m sure you’re right that she is making progress. That is the reason we hired you after departing London early.”

Juno had finished her prior contract of employment sooner than she’d planned when her former charge had snared an earl. The family had been overjoyed with Juno’s tutelage, and Juno had been thrilled to take some time for herself, adjourning to Bath, where she’d spent a lovely fortnight in the strong arms of a charming captain. It might have been longer except she’d received the offer from the Wetherbys to attend their daughter, who was in dire need of refinement after a disastrous first Season. Unable to resist the challenge—or the pay—Juno had left her captain and traveled north to Yorkshire.

“I do fear she is destined for spinsterhood,” Lady Wetherby said with a frown, drawing Juno back to the present.

“I am confident we can avoid that. The right husband is out there for Marina. We just have to find him. I do think a short stint to York may be just the thing.” Juno wanted Marina to be able to practice her newfound skills in social settings outside the bustle and pressure of the Season.

“I agree,” Lady Wetherby said, clasping her hands in her lap. “Not about York, but that the right husband is out there. To that end, we’ve been invited to a house party next month. The Duke of Warrington will be in attendance. He is rumored to detest the Marriage Mart, but is also in need of a wife. It’s the perfect opportunity to secure a match between him and Marina.” Her blue eyes positively glowed with anticipation and confidence. As if the betrothal between Marina and the duke were a fait accompli.

Juno was only vaguely aware of the duke. He did not seem to be a social sort, which made it easy to believe that he didn’t care for the Marriage Mart. Matching someone like him with someone like Marina would be…challenging.

Juno absolutely loved a challenge. That was how she’d embarked on this career of helping young ladies bring their natural confidence and charm to the fore following the death of her husband. Dashing Bernard Langton had swept a naïve young Juno into a mad love affair and marriage, shocking her parents and prompting them to disassociate from their only daughter.

After less than a year, Bernard had died, leaving Juno without family or funds. She’d leapt at the chance to be companion to an elderly lady. When she’d helped that lady’s granddaughter secure an upwardly mobile marriage, Juno’s career as a companion, or more accurately “refinement tutor,” had been born.

“Shall I summon Marina to join us?” Juno suggested, hoping her charge would be up to the task of gaining her mother’s approval. That was, unfortunately, no small feat.

“I asked Dale to send her in after a while.” Lady Wetherby directed her gaze to the doorway, which was behind Juno. “Here she is.”

Juno turned her head to see Marina walk cautiously into the sitting room. Dressed in a simple pale blue day gown, Marina fidgeted with her fingers as she approached, her blue eyes downcast.

“Look up, dear,” Lady Wetherby said with a bit of snap to her tone.

“Come and join us, Marina.” Juno stood and moved to a settee so Marina could sit beside her.

Marina’s gaze lifted to briefly meet Juno’s before she moved to the settee. Once seated, she plucked at the skirt of her gown.

“Do stop that.” Lady Wetherby frowned at her daughter.

Juno edged closer to Marina, hoping her presence would be a comforting influence. “We have exciting news to share.”