The duke drummed his fingers against the desktop, hesitating as if contemplating how to proceed. “As you may be aware,” he said eventually, “my grandson Julian Beckford is in residence with his wife and young son. They intend to stay until Julian’s wife delivers her second child. My grandson’s sister-in-law has accompanied them, as would be expected of a lovely young woman in need of a gentleman’s protection. Dr. Halliday died when the poor dear was a girl. To lose a parent at a young age is tragic. I would not wish it upon any child.”
Colin’s wariness blossomed, and a weight settled in his gut. His own mother had died soon after his youngest brother was born. He didn’t care for the sense of commonality he suddenly felt with the young woman.
“Miss Halliday is concerned about becoming a burden to my grandson,” Danby said. “She is a reasonable sort, although it is impossible to consider such a charming young lady could be a burden to anyone. I believe you will find her quite impressive. She has mastered many subjects one would not expect the fairer sex to study, in addition to those tasks required of a lady. I am sure you will find her manners are well refined. I feel confident in saying Meredith Halliday would be an asset to any household of import.”
“Undoubtedly,” Colin drawled, his mouth hitching up on one side. He hadn’t expected the duke’s machinations to be quite so transparent. Colin had given him more credit than Danby deserved. “Miss Halliday sounds lovely, but—”
“Qualified,” the duke cut in.
“Er... Qualified?”
“Correct. Miss Halliday is lovely, as you say, but most importantly, she is highlyqualified.”
Colin gaped. Granted, marriages were often a business arrangement, but Danby made the institution sound decidedly unromantic—not that Colin had ever entertained the thought of making a love match. If anyone asked, he would be forced to admit he hadn’t considered marriage at all. Had his older brother lived out his full life, Colin’s bachelorhood never would have come into question.
“I wouldn’t be recommending her otherwise,” the duke continued, tactfully averting his gaze as if he didn’t notice Colin’s slack jaw. “Miss Halliday will make a fine governess for your nieces. I assume the position has not been filled since the advertisement continues to be printed in the newssheet.”
Colin snapped his mouth closed. “You want me to hire her for a governess position?”
“I do.”
That did make more sense than asking Colin to marry below his station, but he didn’t quite trust that the duke was being forthcoming. “Is thatallyou want from me?”
Danby’s forehead creased. “Would you like me to ask for something more?”
“Not particularly, no.” Colin hesitated when the duke flashed one of his mysterious grins. Danby was masterminding something, but damned if Colin could determine his hidden agenda.
“Very well. I am pleased with the proposal.” The duke planted his hands on the desk and pushed to his feet. “Do we have an agreement?” He rounded the desk to seal their deal with a handshake.
Colin eased from the chair, eyeing the other man’s hand as if it were a serpent. He reached to finalize the agreement, noting the gleam in Danby’s eyes. Colin jerked his hand back before he made contact and dropped it by his side. “You are scheming. I see it in your demeanor.”
The duke scoffed. “Paranoia seems to be a MacBride family trait.”
“We have learned the hard way that blindly trusting the Danbys is unwise. If my great great-grandfather hadn’t put faith in your great-grandfather—”
“Must you revive old grudges?” Danby asked with a beleaguered sigh. “I’ve granted permission to use the land, and all I ask in return is for you to hire Miss Halliday. It should be no hardship, especially when I expect her to tender her resignation within the first week.”
“You expect her to quit.” Colin couldn’t have heard him correctly. “Why the bloody hell are you recommending her if you expect her to resign?”
“Meri is not meant to become a governess. I have other plans for her, but first she must come to realize a position in service is not her calling.” The duke paused, his shrewd gaze sweeping over Colin. “I am fond of the girl and desire her happiness. I want to see her well-settled in marriage.”
Just as Colin had suspected, the duke was trying to play matchmaker. His lips twitched with a barely contained smile. He was enjoying matching wits with Danby, and coming out the victor. Not many gentlemen were successful at avoiding the man’s well-laid traps.
Colin inclined his head, offering him due respect. “May your search be fruitful, Your Grace.”
“Your best wishes are appreciated but unnecessary. I have found a suitor for Miss Halliday—Baron Lovell. We spoke prior to my departure from London. He is eager to make the lady’s acquaintance upon his return to Yorkshire.”
Maximilien Lovell owned a modest estate north of the town of Danby, and it was little wonder the baron was in the market for a wife. Rumors among thetonpurported a large inheritance from his mother’s family was being held in a trust until Lovell married and produced an heir. Undoubtedly, the young buck’s grandfather had hoped matrimony and fatherhood would tame him.
“Lovell is eager to marry so he can gain access to a fortune,” Colin said. “He isn’t likely to be selective, but I am certain you are aware of his situation.”
“I heard rumblings to that effect.” There was a twitch at the duke’s temple.
Colin narrowed his gaze. Danby was withholding information. “What is wrong with Miss Halliday?”
“Nothing. As I mentioned earlier, she is a lovely young lady.”
Yet, she required the duke’s assistance to attract a husband. Colin didn’t trust Danby for a moment. “I won’t expose my nieces to a woman of questionable morals or judgment. What are you hiding?”
