Page 96 of Song of the Caged Duchess

He furrowed his brow, then turned to the butler. “Please go in and tell Lord Walton that our offer is rescinded,” he said. “Thank him for his time and see him out.”

Then he turned back to Hugh. “Perhaps we had better go into the dining room and talk,” he said.

Esther felt light as a feather as she followed her father and Hugh into the dining room. She took a seat at the table between Hugh and Eugenia. A moment later, her mother joined them, looking very confused. Her eyes widened when she saw their guest.

“Your Grace,” she stammered. “You’ve really come?”

“I’ve come to seek Lady Esther’s forgiveness,” Hugh said.

“You’re forgiven,” Esther said. “Of course.”

“And have you come for any other reason?” Esther’s mother asked.

Esther knew what her mother was driving at and wished she wouldn’t.

He’ll ask for my hand if he wants to. We can’t push him into it.

But she was almost sure, as Hugh opened his mouth, that that was what he was about to say.

It’s finally happening.

Just then, however, they were interrupted once more by a commotion coming from out in the foyer.

Chapter 35

“What the devil—?” Esther’s father began, turning toward the sound.

Esther didn’t know what to think of it, either. She could hear loud voices, as if someone was arguing, and they were drawing closer. A part of her wanted to rise from her seat, to go and investigate the situation. But leaving Hugh was too difficult right now. She had just gotten him back. She didn’t want to move from his side.

The dining room door burst open and Aunt Tabitha rushed in. She looked half out of her mind. Her hair was in disarray and one of her boot laces had come undone. The hem of her skirt was splattered with mud.

“Mother!” Eugenia cried, aghast. “What’s happened to you?”

“Tabitha!” Esther’s father said. “Did you come with Eugenia? She didn’t mention you were with her.”

“She wasn’t with me,” Eugenia said. “I didn’t know—she must have followed me here. Oh, Esther, I had no idea she was behind me, or I would have warned you.”

“I’m here to speak to my niece,” Aunt Tabitha said, her voice tight.

“Speak to me about what?” Esther demanded. “Didn’t you say your fill when we were back at your home, Aunt Tabitha? What more could you have to say to me now? You very nearly ruined my chances with the gentleman I love. Haven’t you said enough?”

“Here you are!” Aunt Tabitha said, and pushed right past Eugenia. She grabbed Esther by the arm and pulled her to her feet. “You shameful trollop!”

“Lady Harcourt!” Hugh objected, rising alongside her. “Let go of her. I insist!”

“Don’t worry,” Esther said quickly. “Sit down, Hugh, please.” The last thing she wanted was for him to get into any further conflict with her aunt. Aunt Tabitha had already come close to ruining things for Esther once. Esther just wanted her as far away from Hugh as possible.

Hugh didn’t subside. He came to Esther’s side and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Let her go.”

Esther’s arm throbbed where her aunt held her. But at the same time, Hugh’s hands on her shoulders were incredibly calming. The combination of pain and pleasure was confusing, and she felt dizzy.

“Tabitha, what are you doing here?” Esther’s father asked.

“What ismy daughterdoing here?” Aunt Tabitha countered.

“I told you that I was coming with the Duke, Mother,” Eugenia said. “Did you follow us? Is that what this is?”

“Eugenia, go out into the foyer,” her mother said. “We’re going home. You may wait for me there until I’m finished speaking to your cousin.”