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She took a moment to dry her tears. “This is actually humiliating for me. I am a stranger to you. And here I am, dropping in uninvited at an obviously inopportune time for you, and begging a favor.”

“You are the sister of a friend.”

“And the first thing out of my mouth was to ask for your help.” She shook her head, silently berating herself. “That was very rude of me.”

“Hardly,” he muttered. “And it is no imposition at all to assist you in this modest request. Is there anything else you need?”

“No,” she said, her eyes widening in surprise at the question. “The abbess quite thoughtfully provided me with a letter of recommendation when I left the school, and I know there are agencies that specialize in providing companions and governesses. I thought I would try those, but I have no idea which ones are reputable and which ones are not.”

The duke leaned forward, his gaze intent on her. “I have a house full of guests at the moment and will not have time to give proper attention to your situation this week. Here is what I propose…”

She nodded, eager to hear him out.

“You’ll stay on as my guest for the week, and we shall deal with getting you hired in a respectable household once the house party is over. How does that sound?”

“Exceedingly generous.”

He regarded her thoughtfully. “It also helps me out.”

“How so?” It seemed he was giving her every benefit and asking nothing in return.

“It will be nice to chat with someone who is not looking to trap me into marriage. I hate these bothersome summer parties. It is bad enough I am chased around London during the Season, but to be chased in my own home…well, that is the final insult.”

She studied him, confused. “Your Grace, this is your home. You are the duke. If you do not like these parties, then why hold them?”

“Because I have a meddlesome grandmother who is determined to see me married.”

He was grinning, and spoke with such affection, that Harriet could not help but smile in return. “You are fortunate to have someone who cares so much about you.”

He nodded. “I’ll introduce you to the dowager duchess at supper. She breathes fire like a dragon, but she is really a lamb. Ridiculously sentimental and soft-hearted. You’ll join us, of course.”

Harriet tensed. “No, it isn’t possible. You see, I…I don’t have anything suitable to wear. I would embarrass you, and mostly myself. Please do not feel obligated to include me in any of your activities. But do let me know if I can make myself useful to you and your family in any way.”

The duke remained silent for a long while, no doubt contemplating what he should do with her. In truth, she did not mind being put to work for her room and board.

His generosity was most surprising.

“I’ll have Mrs. Watkins deliver supper to your room this evening,” he said with a slap to his muscled thighs as he came to a decision. “You must be tired from your travels anyway. But first thing tomorrow, I’ll put my grandmother to the task of finding suitable clothes for you to wear.”

“A uniform?” She nodded, believing he might put her to work as a maid since he had a full house and his regular staff would be run ragged.

“No, Miss Comeford. Have I not made myself clear that you are to be my guest? George and I saved each other countless times on the battlefield. I do not know if those who have never fought in a war can understand the bond of friendship that forms between soldiers under these circumstances. Of all the men in my regiment, George was the most capable. Smart, sensible, able to keep his wits in the face of enemy fire. I was so impressed, I offered him a position on my estate. But he never wrote to me or followed up after the war ended.”

“He told me of your kindness. However, by the time the war ended and he made his way home, he knew he was dying. He enjoyed serving under your command and always held you in the highest regard. In truth, he admired you tremendously. I know he wanted very badly to take you up on the offer, but he could hardly crawl out of bed on his own by the time he returned to England.”

The duke’s expression was all seriousness. “So this is why he did not come to me? I wish I had known. I would have done what I could to help you. He was promoted out of my regiment about two months before the battle of Waterloo. He had a stubborn cough by that time. Was this the start of his illness?”

She nodded. “Consumption is what killed him. It ravaged his body.”

The duke raked a hand through his hair. “I wish he had told me.”

“He did not want you to see him in his weakened condition. At times, he did not want me to see him, either. But he was too ill to care for himself, so I ignored his demands and took him to the best doctors in the hope of a cure. He seemed to be on the mend, but it is a wicked disease and finally claimed him.”

They said no more as Flint rolled in a cart laden with cakes, fruit, and sandwiches of every variety. With it was a tall pitcher of lemonade that looked delightfully refreshing.

To her surprise, the duke dismissed his butler, and then went about the task of serving her himself.

She watched him, wide-eyed as he piled a cake, a sandwich, and some fruit on her plate before handing it to her. “You are an unusual man, Your Grace.”

“Why? Because I can actually cut a slice of cake and pour you a glass of lemonade?”

She laughed. “Yes, something like that. I see you like doing things for yourself, but obviously feel constrained by the expectations of your rank.”

He handed her the lemonade and then poured a glass for himself. “Tell me about yourself, Harry. Sorry, that just slipped out. George always called you that when he spoke of you. Do you mind if I do the same?”

“Not at all. Please do. It takes me back to happier times in our youth when George and I used to tease each other. I was Harry or Hairy or Scary Hairy, but never just Harriet.”

He took a bite of his cucumber sandwich. “My name is Maximilian. You can call me Max.”

She had just taken a sip of her lemonade and now coughed as it went down the wrong pipe. “I think I had better refer to you as Your Grace.”

“All right, you’ll be the one to decide when you are comfortable enough around me to call me Max. But I am still going to call you Harry whenever it pleases me to do so. Frankly, the name suits you. Why did he call you Hairy or Scary Hairy?”

She laughed softly. “Because of my hair. It was quite thick and curly when I was younger, and also a most unfashionable ginger color back then. It has darkened to a warmer shade of cinnamon now, but still remains unfashionable. Whenever I let my hair down, it springs out wide and practically swallows my face.”

She made a silly face to emphasize her point.

He threw his head back and chuckled heartily. “There is something earnestly charming about you, Harry. That’s what George always said, and I see that he is right.”

When they finished their light repast, he rose and tugged on the bell pull to signal the end of their conversation. “It is time for me to attend to my guests. Mrs. Watkins will show you up to your quarters now. Do not hesitate to ask her for anything you need. Promise me that you will, Harry.”

She nodded. “Very well, but must I point out again that you are being exceedingly generous?”

He grinned. “Nonsense, it is the least I can do. George told me how he always used to tug on your pigtails to tease you. He said you were such a sweet girl, and never got angry with him even when he was goading you. I see that sweetness in your smile and the brightness of your eyes. If you had pigtails, I would be pulling on them, too. Childish, I know. But you are a refreshing change from these ton diamonds with their tiresome airs and perfectly styled facades. One never knows what is real and what is not. I need you to promise me one thing.”

She nodded without hesitation. “Yes, anything.”

“I want you always to tell me the truth.”

He was confusing her again. “Should I not always do this? Why would I ever lie to you?”

His laughter was curt and more than a little bitter. “Because everyone lies to me.”

She tried not to look appalled, but was this not a horrible way to live? “Your Grace, I had no idea you were so cynical. I give you my word of honor, you shall always have the truth from me.”

“And not hold anything back?” he asked.

“Nothing held back.” She nodded. “Even if it not something you wish to hear. However, I do not want to say something that might hurt or insult you.”

“But this is precisely what I hope you will do. An honest opinion can never be an insult, Harry. Do not remain silent out of politeness or tact. Tell me exactly what is on your mind. I need that. Everyone else only tells me what they think I want to hear. Will you be my eyes and ears during this party?”

Now she understood. “You want me to spy on the young ladies who hope to marry you? That is awful. I would feel like a rat.”

“I phrased it badly. Not spying. But you will be in their company and might hear things they would never tell me to my face. Marriage is a dangerous business. Am I a fool for wishing to find a wife who has a good and compassionate heart? Who actually likes me? Hopefully, who will grow to love me?”

“Your Grace, may I be truthful starting now?”

He nodded.

“You are an extremely handsome man. It cannot have escaped your notice how eagerly women respond to you. You have only to look in the mirror to see how exceptional you are.”

He laughed. “You think I am handsome?”

“Heavens, yes,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “But more important, you have fine qualities. Of course, this is only a first impression since I have just met you today. However, I also know what George has told me.”

“I’m curious,” he said, crossing muscular arms over his chest. “What are my fine qualities?”

Other than his exquisite good looks?

She had already made a cake of herself by revealing her thoughts.

Why would he care about her opinion of him when she had already proven herself to be a goose, just as silly as all the other women who swooned over him? But she gave thought to what George had told her. “You are compassionate, so I understand why you would seek a wife with that same quality. Especially when you have so many people who work for you relying on your goodness. You know how to be a true friend. You are scholarly.” She motioned to the books that filled his mahogany bookshelves. “Your estate seems to be well run, which means you are also clever and have business acumen. There are many lords out there who may have good looks but are fools.”

“Too many of them,” he muttered.

“You are not among that lot. These ladies, and I am sure every last one of them feels as I do, will genuinely fall in love with you. I cannot imagine how they could not. You have only to choose the one you like best.”

He looked dangerously appealing as he arched an eyebrow in response to her statement. “You truly believe it will be that easy for me?”

“Yes,” she said with a slight shake of her head.

He cast her a wry smile. “No, Harry. You know very little about the ton . Here’s a word of warning for you. Do not fall prey to any of the lords who might show interest in you, for they would only take you on as their mistress, never as a wife.”

She gasped.

“Forgive my bluntness, but it is necessary if I am to protect you while you are in my care. They are all here for one thing, to marry a title or a healthy bank account, or both if they are fortunate enough to attain that golden pinnacle of a titled heiress.”

It all sounded quite mercenary to her. “I doubt anyone will notice me, so I ought to be safe enough.”

They were both now standing, and his face was so close that their breaths mingled. “Here’s where you are wrong, Harry.”

“What do you mean?”

He traced his hand lightly along the line of her jaw. “Do you have any idea how pretty you are?”