Page 34 of Never Beguile a Duke

“Mr. Hollingsworth,” she said, stepping toward him. “He’s an acquaintance of Winifred’s.”

The Duke of Beaufort tilted his head, his unreadable gaze sliding to Winifred. “I heard they were engaged.”

“Previously but not currently,” Nora replied, folding her hands together.

“I’ll accompany you into town this morning.” The Duke of Beaufort flicked his eyes toward the Duke of Roxburghe. “We need a physician to examine Mrs. Webb to ensure there are no untreated injuries.”

The Duke of Roxburghe nodded, embraced Nora again, then crossed the floor and paused beside the Duke of Beaufort long enough to murmur, “We’re taking my coach. Meet me downstairs in five minutes.”

“Miss Webb,” the Duke of Beaufort said, stepping into the room. “While I’m away, I hope I may delegate an extremely important task to you and your sister.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Nora said, grasping Winifred’s arm and yanking her forward. “How can we assist you?”

The Duke of Beaufort opened his mouth, paused, spun around, and closed the door with a soft click. Then he escorted Nora and Winifred to the center of the room.

“Swear you will not repeat what I’m about to reveal.” His green eyes blazed.

“I swear,” Nora and Winifred said simultaneously.

Winifred glared over her shoulder at her mother until she—begrudgingly—made the same promise.

As she returned her attention to the Duke of Beaufort, he blurted out, “Juliette barricaded herself in her chamber and refuses to leave.”

Winifred snorted, clamped her hand over her mouth, and twisted away, struggling to maintain her composure. Nora poked Winifred in the side, expressing her silent disapproval of Winifred’s ill-timed amusement.

Swallowing her mirth, Winifred turned back and raised her gaze to his. “We will route out your daughter, Your Grace.”

The tension straining his features vanished. “Name your reward and you shall have it.”

Nora slid in front of Winifred. “There’s no need to thank us, Your Grace. After hosting this weeklong celebration for my engagement?—”

“Not just you,” Winifred murmured. “This event is also for Miss Braddock and Miss Philbert.”

“I’m aware,” Nora replied, shooting a scowl at Winifred. “I merely wanted to relieve the Duke of Beaufort of any obligation to us.”

“I appreciate the kindness,” the Duke of Beaufort said, adding a stiff bow. “If you would excuse me, I’m keeping Roxburghe waiting.”

He exited, his body moving jerkily as though he were a marionette.

Darting around Nora, Winifred chased him into the corridor and caught him before he descended the staircase. “There’s no need for our interactions to be uncomfortable.”

The Duke of Beaufort set his foot back down on the landing and turned around, a slight frown wrinkling his forehead. “Pardon?”

“A kiss isn’t a marriage proposal.” She wound her fingers together in front of her waist. “Therefore, one kiss between us shouldn’t result in our friendship souring.”

“Has it soured?” He tilted his head. “I’m leaving to rescue your fiancé from prison.”

“I didn’t agree to wed Mr. Hollingsworth yet.”

The Duke of Beaufort exhaled a heavy sigh. “I hope that hesitation is not due to me.”

Yes.

“No.” Winifred folded her arms. “I’m not certain I want to marry. A sentiment that I know you share.”

He inclined his head. “I admit, I did enjoy our kiss, and I considered situations to bring it about again. However, I didn’t want to encourage any false hope. It appears I am the fool, as you have none regarding any future with me.”

“Only your daughter is intent on our union.”