Certainly, there was something about the Duke of Pendrake that elevated him above the others. Perhaps having fought in the war gave him thatgravitas, a dignity and solemnity of manner the other men lacked.
No one could question his bravery or valor.
He also had a protective nature.
Harriet melted every time he asked her how she was doing or whether she needed anything.
But she shook out of the thought and pressed on because Beatrice was obviously holding back something more.
“I am hoping to eventually make a love match for myself,” Harried remarked, “but circumstances might never allow for it. I am probably better off not wishing for love.”
Beatrice laughed softly as they resumed their walk, but her gentle trill was tinged with bitterness. “Oh, I do not wish love on you. Not when such a union would never be permitted. It can only lead to heartbreak.”
“Not permitted?” Had Beatrice been denied a love match? If so, Harriet truly felt sorry for this diamond. It had to be awful to be caught up in a love match that would never be fulfilled.
Harriet knew better than to ever allow herself to fall in love with such a man.
Was not the Duke of Pendrake just this man for her?
She would love him wholly and completely if she ever gave her heart free rein.
But she wouldn’t.
As for Beatrice, how cruel to find one’s true and perfect mate and then be denied him for the rest of one’s life. And would it not be the most terrible fate if the man who had won Beatrice’s heart worked for her father and she had to see him every day?
“Lady Beatrice, if you ever wish to talk or ever need a shoulder to cry upon, I am a willing listener. I assure you, it is no trick. I am not in contention as a marriage prospect for the duke and only wish to see him happily settled. He is a very good man and deserves to have a wife who will treat him with kindness and respect.”
Beatrice cast her a smile that was almost genuine, but not quite. “I fear that will rule me out, Miss Comeford. He does deserve such a wife, and I can never be that for him. In truth, I would be more inclined to pursue him if he were a hound such as Ware. My conscience would not bother me when betraying my marriage vows because Ware would never honor them himself.”
Oh, dear.
This was turning quite serious.
“Then you would refuse the Duke of Pendrake if he proposed to you?”
“He must not propose to me,” Beatrice said, now sounding a bit agitated.
“All right, understood.” Harriet frowned. “Do you wish me to convey your feelings to the duke?”
Beatrice cast her a cynical look. “Are you not going to do it anyway? Is this not why he has set you upon me?”
Harriet blushed. “I would not betray our conversation unless you wished me to do it.”
“Then I forbid you to tell him anything of our discussion.”
“As you wish.” The duke would not be pleased, but Harriet could quietly steer him toward another prospect without revealing Beatrice’s love for another man.
Beatrice’s eyes widened. “You surprise me, Miss Comeford. Would you not report this conversation to him the moment we are done walking?”
“I would never tell him anything unless I had your permission,” she reiterated.
She sighed. “Then you may tell him, but not before tomorrow night.”
Tomorrow night?
What was so important about that particular evening?
Dear heaven.
