Page 30

There were more meaningful glances exchanged, but nobody hurried to answer her question.

She glanced around and spoke again. “The article in the scandal sheet called him cursed, too. What curse? What’s going on?”

Octavia sighed heavily and opened her mouth to speak. But she was interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hallway.

The door opened without ado, and a pair of servants bearing tea trays strode in. They were followed by the Duke of Thornbridge.

Daphne could see at once that he’d tidied himself up, brushing his hair, straightening his collar, and throwing on a better jacket. A cravat pin glimmered at his throat now, the cravat folds done in a simple yet gentlemanly style.

In short, he looked every inch the Duke. He didn’t even appear to be put off by the glares he received.

“Lady St. Maur,” he said, bowing to Octavia. “Duke, Duchess. Miss Emily Belmont. It’s a pleasure to have you here. I’m only sorry we aren’t meeting under better circumstances.”

“So am I,” Octavia managed, at last. “As you can see, my daughter is the Duchess of Langdon, and my son-in-law is the Duke of Langdon. Daphne is not alone, or friendless, or penniless. If you think you can take advantage?—”

He held up a hand, and to Daphne’s amazement, her mother fell silent.

I really must learn that trick.

“I’m not sure what Miss Belmont has told you,” he said, holding Octavia’s gaze steadily, “but I believe she’s informed you of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this incident. We were both put in an impossible situation—she needed shelter, and I was obliged to offer it—but nothing would have come of it without that article. There’s no sense in wishing things were otherwise.”

“Agreed,” Anna said, taking a step forward. Her eyes were narrowed, and she took in every detail. The Duke didn’t seem put off by her stare and returned it blatantly. “I’m sure you must realize that there is only one solution. You and Daphne must wed.”

He inclined his head. “You are correct.”

“The scandal sheet claimed that a source close to you revealed the story,” Emily suddenly spoke up. She was standing close to her twin as if for comfort, and her hand clutched Daphne’s tightly. She was nervous, clearly. “Who could it be?”

The Duke pursed his lips. “I can’t think. My household is extremely loyal, and I know they care about my son. I can’t imagine that any of them would betray me. Either way, it will be my responsibility to work out, I think.”

Emily inclined her head. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“So, about this marriage,” Octavia spoke up, her eyes narrowed. “Youwillmarry my daughter?”

“Of course, Lady St. Maur. As I said before, my reputation is destroyed, too. Can you imagine what the scandal sheets would say about me if I were perceived to have ruined a lady and then refused to marry her?” He gave a short, mirthless laugh. “They already call mebeastly. You’d be surprised, Miss Belmont, to see how quickly they begin calling you an innocent girl ruined by a villain. Not that your reputation would ever be restored, of course.”

“I’m familiar with the contradictions of Society,” Daphne heard herself say. “I’ve already agreed to marry you, so I suppose we should get it over with.”

The Duke’s eyebrow rose at that, but he gave no sign of being amused or offended by what she’d said. He was showing admirable composure, and Daphne couldn’t help but feel baffled.

Where had this cool, lofty composure been earlier when he was speaking to her? Why was he only playing the gentleman now?

“I’ll apply for a special license to allow us to marry quickly,” the Duke said, turning to face the family again. It was as if he’d forgotten about Daphne already. “We should do things properly, to avoid further scandal and more gossip. The special license will take time, but it will doubtless not be denied. I will host the wedding here. Miss Belmont will, of course, have to stay—she can hardly go back to London now—but you may all stay with her if you wish.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Octavia managed. “Iwouldprefer to stay with my daughter.”

He inclined his head. “You can all stay. Rooms are being prepared as we speak. I can’t imagine you brought your things, so my footmen will be sent back to your homes to collect them. My stepmother will stay here, too. Things must proceed with absolute propriety from now on. I’m sure you all understand.”

“It’s rather too late for that, don’t you think?” Theo remarked, earning himself a chilly glare from the Duke.

“Nothing has happened between us,” the Duke answered crisply. “Miss Belmont will confirm that, I’m sure. This unfortunate circumstance is simply bad luck.”

Theo tilted his head, pursing his lips. “Bad luck, you say? Bad luck for whom? For Daphne or yourself?”

The Duke’s glare intensified. “For both of us.”

Theo shrugged, rolling onto his back again, making himself comfortable on thechaise longue. “If you say so. You’re getting a rather lovely wife out of all this, though, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t want a wife,” the Duke snapped back.