Page 12 of The Duke and his Muse (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #32)

It was decided that Graham would attempt to finish the manuscript for the book in a fortnight. If Jane was happy with his work, she would send the book on to her publisher in London after their next, and last, meeting.

“And will your name be listed as the author?” his mother asked when they were all again assembled in the parlor.

He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “My involvement might take away the attention Miss Hayward and her father deserve.”

“There is still time to decide on an author name,” Miss Hayward replied. “Or you could be listed as ‘a gentleman’ as Jane Austen was for a time.”

“That is an excellent idea,” he answered, nodding.

Maisie had brought cinnamon buns and ginger biscuits along from home and that was how Graham distracted Daniel so Jane could leave Bartlett House without the boy having a sulk.

“There are treats from the forest for you in the nursery,” Graham told his son. “Nurse will take you up for your tea.”

As Jane made to leave the parlor, he said, “If your publisher won’t print the book, I will take it upon myself to do so.” Lost for words, Jane merely nodded, relieved when the nurse stepped forward to check on her charge’s well-being after his fall.

The duke turned his attention to Daniel and she felt as if she’d been released from a spell. Dear heaven, had she fallen in love with a duke?

Jane mumbled a goodbye to the dowager and exited the parlor. Donning her bonnet and pelisse once again, she hurried down the front steps of the house, eager to get away from prying eyes. She knew very well her emotions were often reflected on her face.

Maisie waited in the carriage, looking out of one of the uncovered windows. “I hope you enjoyed your visit, Miss.”

“It was very productive,” Jane replied softly as she took a seat on the velvet squabs across from her maid. She kept her face averted as the carriage lurched forward.

A few moments later she heard Maisie sigh, “Oh Miss! You’re in love with the man.”

* * * * *

Graham couldn’t be sure, but he thought Miss Hayward liked him. Her face when they parted- He’d seen irritation, pride and contentment in her expression before. Now he was sure he’d glimpsed affection for him on her face.

“Finish the book and go to London,” his mother said from her place on a settee.

“Perhaps you are merely interested in the girl because you have been thrown together of late. Go to Town and mix amongst the ton . If you find the bustle of London does not divert you from your affections, I have no objection to your pursuing the young woman.”

He thought a moment and decided he owed it to himself and to Miss Hayward to be absolutely sure before he declared. “I agree to your terms.”

“Thank goodness for that,” the dowager replied dryly. “I can be as reasonable as Iris the blackbird.”

Graham chuckled before excusing himself for his study. He had a fortnight to finish the shy hedgehog’s story, and he was eager to write.

Seated behind his father’s oak desk, he thought about the years he’d spent away from Bartlett House. He’d missed seeing Daniel’s birth, the day he walked, his first words.

He couldn’t completely blame Caroline for not notifying him about the child. He’d left her only a terse note to say he was going and wasn’t sure if he’d be back again. They had both behaved badly.

Attending house parties and shooting parties with the other dukes in the alliance had passed the time, but he hadn’t been happy. Working on this book with Miss Hayward had brought him satisfaction and contentment. Two things he’d been in short supply of.

He didn’t expect his feelings or desires to change one whit after a visit to London. It would be nice to take Daniel to Town and visit the museums and perhaps a menagerie.

It was settled. He would take Daniel to London. Mrs. Blight would accompany them, and perhaps the dowager.

Satisfied with Graham pulled a piece of vellum form a stack in a desk drawer and put pen to paper.