He took that last step and crossed the threshold into the drawing room.
The duke and duchess were sitting next to one another on the settee, their heads tilted toward each other. The duchess must have just said something amusing because Clarington laughed. It was obvious to everyone who saw the pair together that they were still very much in love despite the fact they’d been married for thirteen years.
Lucy was seated in an armchair and was also smiling at what the duchess had said. Holbrook tried not to wonder if she’d been sharing ideas about how to torture him tonight.
As one, their heads swiveled in his direction and Holbrook bowed.
“Your Graces, my lady. I was honored to receive your dinner invitation.”
The women stood and dropped into polite curtsies. Clarington unfolded himself at a more leisurely pace, the weight of his full attention now on Holbrook.
“I’m pleased at your promptness,” Clarington said. “I detest a late dinner guest.”
Holbrook made some innocent remark by way of reply, but he couldn’t say what it was. His attention had settled on Lucy, and there was something in the way she was looking at him that spoke louder than any words. She was desperate to speak to him.
But before she could say a word, Clarington clapped him on the shoulder. “Come.”
Holbrook obeyed, of course. He wanted Clarington’s good opinion if he was to gain his approval to court Lucy. Despite the fact the duke’s sister was of age and free to spend time with whomever she wished, Clarington had the power to make things difficult.
He’d heard rumors of Clarington’s displeasure at the way his brother-in-law treated his sister. Some even speculated about how he’d made a deal with the devil to bring about that final duel that had resulted in Mansfield’s death, but Holbrook dismissed that as idle gossip. It had only been a matter of time, after all, before Lucy’s husband slept with the wrong man’s wife.
Neither spoke until they’d reached Clarington’s study. Holbrook closed the door behind him since it was clear the man wanted privacy for this conversation.
“Have a seat,” Clarington said as he settled into one of the two burgundy armchairs tucked into a corner of the room.
Holbrook sank into the chair. Perversely, this private conversation helped to settle his nerves. He’d much rather get straight to the reason he was here tonight instead of worrying all evening about what Clarington was thinking.
“I was glad to receive your invitation,” Holbrook said, steepling his fingers at his waist. “It saved me the trouble of petitioning for an audience.”
Clarington didn’t reply right away. His arms were folded across his chest, his eyes narrowed as he examined Holbrook. He had the uncanny certainty that the duke was trying to see into his very soul.
Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Clarington spoke. “You know why you’re here.”
Holbrook nodded. “Because of my interest in your sister.”
“I’ve been told you’re courting her.”
Holbrook settled his hands on the arms of the chair. “I assure you that my intentions are honorable.”
To his surprise, Clarington winced. “That’s going to be difficult. I’m sure you’re aware that my sister has no intention of marrying again.”
“She told me so herself.”
“Is she aware you’re courting her?”
Holbrook let out a wry chuckle. “Yes.”
Clarington raised one brow. “And you’ve received her consent to do so?”
He smiled, remembering every detail of the wager he’d made with Lucy. “It wasn’t easy, but yes, I’ve received her consent to court her. Not that she thinks there’s any point to the endeavor.”
Clarington shook his head and let out a low humph. “I don’t know how you managed that. And quite frankly, I don’t think I want to know.”
Holbrook was thankful for that. The last thing he needed was to be called out by Lucy’s brother.
“I’ve been told you’re a good man,” Clarington continued. “There are many among my acquaintance who are quite fond of you.”
Holbrook shrugged. “I find it easier to court friendships than to behave in a manner that would make many my enemy.”
