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“I have no reason not to believe his word.”

The Duke continued to walk, and she noticed a little swagger to his step.

“Just out of curiosity, what do you know of the Viscount?”

Graynor’s eyes remained forward. “I know enough. Who are your other prospects?”

Eleanor sighed. “He is my only prospect.”

Graynor turned to her. “How is he your only prospect?”

Eleanor lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “He’s the only one who I felt comfortable with.”

Derek clenched his jaw as his eyes zeroed in on hers. “Something has been bothering me about your situation, Eleanor.”

Eleanor chewed on her inner cheek. What would she give to go back for him being busy with business and not talking to her?

“How is someone as well-spoken and intelligent as you, someone who is well-liked in society, not married? Your mother sings your praises to anyone she meets and rightfully so. So, what is the reasoning? You should have been snatched up during your first season.”

Eleanor took a deep breath. “I already told you, there were no compatible matches.”

Graynor pointed a finger at her. “That’s an excuse. What’s the real reason Eleanor?”

“It is impolite to point, especially in public.” She sniffed.

The Duke snarled and took a step closer. “Stop evading the question, Eleanor. Why is it you are not married?”

Eleanor looked back to her mother and Sarah, who had fallen a little further behind them, both still caught up in their own conversation.

“There is no other reason.” She shrugged, hoping against all hope he would drop this conversation.

Derek looked down at her skeptically. “Eleanor, how am I to help you find someone if I don’t know what the problem is?”

Eleanor’s cheeks reddened. “There is no problem.”

“Eleanor.” The way his voice dipped in warning made her see red.

“What?” Her voice sang out amongst the trees. “I told you I found no one of interest.” Eleanor looked around to see curious faces staring back at her and cringed.Blast this man and his questions.

She took a step closer towards the Duke. “This is a highly inappropriate conversation to have out in public, Your Grace. You shouldn’t pry into personal matters,” her voice rushed out in a harsh whisper.

The Duke’s eyes focused on hers before he tilted his head in apology.

Eleanor’s throat ran dry, and it hurt to swallow. She looked ahead and blinked quickly to help stem the flow of tears she was fighting back. Never had she been so embarrassed on a promenade before. What must people think of her for her outburst with the Duke of all people?

She heard a soft cough from behind her.

Both turned to see her mother standing behind them. Sarah and Beatrice were a little further back, looking on curiously.

“I feel the heat from the summer sun is getting the best of me. Is it all right with His Grace if we turn back now?” Charlotte stepped up in between them. She gave her daughter a pointed look as she slipped her hand through the Duke’s arm.

Graynor accepted Charlotte’s hand without qualm.

“Excellent idea, Charlotte. I should be getting back to some business waiting for me.”

Eleanor let her mother walk ahead with the Duke.

“What was that about?” Sarah whispered to Eleanor.