His generosity was most surprising.
“I’ll have Mrs. Watkins deliver supper to your room this evening,” he said with a slap to his muscled thighs as he came to a decision. “You must be tired from your travels anyway. But first thing tomorrow, I’ll put my grandmother to the task of finding suitable clothes for you to wear.”
“A uniform?” She nodded, believing he might put her to work as a maid since he had a full house and his regular staff would be run ragged.
“No, Miss Comeford. Have I not made myself clear that you are to be my guest? George and I saved each other countless times on the battlefield. I do not know if those who have never fought in a war can understand the bond of friendship that forms between soldiers under these circumstances. Of all the men in my regiment, George was the most capable. Smart, sensible, able to keep his wits in the face of enemy fire. I was so impressed, I offered him a position on my estate. But he never wrote to me or followed up after the war ended.”
“He told me of your kindness. However, by the time the war ended and he made his way home, he knew he was dying. He enjoyed serving under your command and always held you in the highest regard. In truth, he admired you tremendously. I know he wanted very badly to take you up on the offer, but he could hardly crawl out of bed on his own by the time he returned to England.”
The duke’s expression was all seriousness. “So this is why he did not come to me? I wish I had known. I would have done what I could to help you. He was promoted out of my regiment about two months before the battle of Waterloo. He had a stubborn cough by that time. Was this the start of his illness?”
She nodded. “Consumption is what killed him. It ravaged his body.”
The duke raked a hand through his hair. “I wish he had told me.”
“He did not want you to see him in his weakened condition. At times, he did not want me to see him, either. But he was too ill to care for himself, so I ignored his demands and took him to the best doctors in the hope of a cure. He seemed to be on the mend, but it is a wicked disease and finally claimed him.”
They said no more as Flint rolled in a cart laden with cakes, fruit, and sandwiches of every variety. With it was a tall pitcher of lemonade that looked delightfully refreshing.
To her surprise, the duke dismissed his butler, and then went about the task of serving her himself.
She watched him, wide-eyed as he piled a cake, a sandwich, and some fruit on her plate before handing it to her. “You are an unusual man, Your Grace.”
“Why? Because I can actually cut a slice of cake and pour you a glass of lemonade?”
She laughed. “Yes, something like that. I see you like doing things for yourself, but obviously feel constrained by the expectations of your rank.”
He handed her the lemonade and then poured a glass for himself. “Tell me about yourself, Harry. Sorry, that just slipped out. George always called you that when he spoke of you. Do you mind if I do the same?”
“Not at all. Please do. It takes me back to happier times in our youth when George and I used to tease each other. I was Harry or Hairy or Scary Hairy, but never just Harriet.”
He took a bite of his cucumber sandwich. “My name is Maximilian. You can call me Max.”
She had just taken a sip of her lemonade and now coughed as it went down the wrong pipe. “I think I had better refer to you as Your Grace.”
“All right, you’ll be the one to decide when you are comfortable enough around me to call me Max. But I am still going to call you Harry whenever it pleases me to do so. Frankly, the name suits you. Why did he call you Hairy or Scary Hairy?”
She laughed softly. “Because of my hair. It was quite thick and curly when I was younger, and also a most unfashionable ginger color back then. It has darkened to a warmer shade of cinnamon now, but still remains unfashionable. Whenever I let my hair down, it springs out wide and practically swallows my face.”
She made a silly face to emphasize her point.
He threw his head back and chuckled heartily. “There is something earnestly charming about you, Harry. That’s what George always said, and I see that he is right.”
When they finished their light repast, he rose and tugged on the bell pull to signal the end of their conversation. “It is time for me to attend to my guests. Mrs. Watkins will show you up to your quarters now. Do not hesitate to ask her for anything you need. Promise me that you will, Harry.”
She nodded. “Very well, but must I point out again that you are being exceedingly generous?”
He grinned. “Nonsense, it is the least I can do. George told me how he always used to tug on your pigtails to tease you. He said you were such a sweet girl, and never got angry with him even when he was goading you. I see that sweetness in your smile and the brightness of your eyes. If you had pigtails, I would be pulling on them, too. Childish, I know. But you are a refreshing change from thesetondiamonds with their tiresome airs and perfectly styled facades. One never knows what is real and what is not. I need you to promise me one thing.”
She nodded without hesitation. “Yes, anything.”
“I want you always to tell me the truth.”
He was confusing her again. “Should I not always do this? Why would I ever lie to you?”
His laughter was curt and more than a little bitter. “Because everyone lies to me.”
She tried not to look appalled, but was this not a horrible way to live? “Your Grace, I had no idea you were so cynical. I give you my word of honor, you shall always have the truth from me.”
