She searched for her handkerchief and could not find it.
“Here,” the duke said, and withdrew his own to hand to her. “Take your time, Miss Comeford. We needn’t speak of George if it proves too difficult for you.”
“I’ll be all right in a moment. It’s just that I’ve been keeping my grief buried inside for a while now. I did not mean to have it erupt like this.”
“It is quite understandable. You must have been worried that I would refuse to see you after you traveled all this way.”
She nodded. “But you’ve been so kind in welcoming me into your home. Of course, I realize that I cannot impose on you. Your allowing me to stay the night is generous.”
“It is no imposition at all,” he assured her.
She let out a ragged breath. “I am hardly a guest. But I would be most grateful for your assistance in…in…would it be terribly presumptuous of me to ask for your help in finding a position for me? I am willing to work as a companion to an elderly lady or as a governess. I am quite good with children.”
He frowned. “Are your circumstances that dire?”
She winced. “I had some savings, but spent all of it caring for my brother. I taught at a convent school, St. Mary’s in Gloucester, but had to give up my position and return to our home in Yorkshire when George’s health failed. The abbess has since filled my position.”
“So you came here?”
“Yes.” She felt truly embarrassed. “George insisted on it. I am here because I promised him that I would come to see you. I could not renege on a deathbed promise. Even so, I hesitated.”
“Why?”
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.
