That her smile lightened his heart and her body made him ache in places…
Best left at that.
He needed to figure out what game Lady Beatrice was playing.
Once again, he studied the missive in his hand. “Harriet, this is not open for discussion. You are to stay here and I shall have Mrs. Watkins sit with you until I return from this supposed meeting.”
“Then take a footman with you, especially if you think something nefarious is going on. In fact, take two.”
“It is not necessary.”
“This is not open for discussion, Your Grace,” she said, frowning at him as she tossed his words back at him. “You are taking those men with you for your protection.”
“Are you giving me orders, Harry?”
She tipped her chin up, looking quite defiant. “I would never presume to order you around. No, this is purely concern for your safety.”
He placed a hand over his heart. “I am touched. Or is it that you are just protecting your investment?”
“What do you mean?”
“You need me to get you settled in a secure position, do you not?” And what would be more secure than as his wife? Too soon to make mention of it, he once again reminded himself.
Harriet was on her feet with her hands curled into fists at her sides. “How could you think I would be so heartless as to worry for your safety only for that reason? It is not a consideration for me at all. I am worried about your safety because I want you to besafe.”
She held out her hand. “Give me that note.”
He tucked it in the breast pocket of his jacket.
She gasped. “Your Grace, it is mine and I want it back.”
“No.”
He noticed the rise and fall of her nicely shaped bosom as she grew irritated with him. What would she do if he kissed her now?
Gad, no.
What was he thinking?
Well, he was obviously thinking that she had the sweetest lips he ached to taste and an even sweeter body that he would very much like to explore.
But exploring the reason for this note came first.
“Harriet, I’m going to do a little investigating beforehand, talk to Ware and Folkstone to see if one of them received a missive they believed came from you.”
“And if they deny receiving anything?”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t really matter. I’ll bring them to the stable with me for protection whether they received a note or not. They are trusted friends and good fighters. I can count on them to watch my back. This is what we do for each other.”
“Some unwritten duke code? Or secret club that only wayward dukes may join? I noticed the three of you have similar signet rings. Is this by purposeful design?”
He smiled. “Something like that.”
“All right. That is acceptable.”
He gave an exaggerated bow. “I am glad to have Her Highness’s permission.”
She let out a breath. “Please, Your Grace. Do be careful. I shall never forgive myself if you come to harm.”
