“Yes, with Emma so close to the end of her confinement, I like to stick close to home. She could have the babies any day now.”
“Can I join you? I’d like to speak with my sister. I’ve rented a house for us. I still need to hire staff, but I’d like to have Grace be able to move in by next week.”
“Excellent. Not that we mind having her. She is quiet as a church mouse. I hardly know she’s there.”
“Force of habit. Our father was a scary bastard. The quieter you were, the less attention he paid to you.” Cage took a swallow of his beer. “I just want to provide her a home where she can feel safe and happy.
“I understand completely. When we get back to Gilchrest House, I’ll have you consult with my mother. She’ll know which agency you should use to find the proper staff.” A waiter came over and placed a cup and dish in front of the duke. Silent and efficient, he poured the hot tea and placed the pot in easy reach before disappearing. Gilchrest took a sip before continuing. “What about a man of business? Who handled the old earl’s finances?”
****
“Morgan, what a nice surprise.”
Cage looked up. Coming down the curved staircase at Gilchrest House were Caroline and Grace, arm and arm. Caroline looked fresh and pretty as a summer day in a light blue day dress. She smiled, and his heartbeat tripled its rhythm in response, as though it wanted to jump right out his chest and into her hands.
“I found him at the club,” Gilchrest said. “What are you ladies up to?”
“We’ve just come from your wife’s room. I think it’s safe again for you to approach, Brother.” Caroline quipped.
“Hmmm, perhaps I go see for myself.” The duke grinned and bounded up the stairs.
Cage addressed the ladies as they descended the rest of the steps. “I wanted to see if you and Grace would like to go for a ride in the park this afternoon.”
“You read my mind. I was just thinking to write you a note asking the very same thing.” Caroline’s eyes twinkled with mischief as they stared up into his. “I hoped to see you today.”
“You could not have kept me away.” Cage found himself drowning in her gaze. His fingers flexed at his side as he fought the urge to pull her to him and kiss her berry lips. Silent messages flowed between them.I need to touch you, to have you in my arms, in my bed.
“I don’t think I feel up to riding. You two go on without me.”
His sister’s voice tugged him from Caroline’s gaze. He frowned. “Really? But you love to ride.”
Grace shook her head. “I’m a bit tired today. I think I’ll take a nap perhaps.”
“I was hoping to speak with you,” Cage said.
Caroline interrupted. “Why don’t the two of you go for a stroll in the gardens while I change into my riding habit.”
Cage held out his arm. “What say you, Grace? Do you have energy enough to chat with your big brother for a few moments in the garden?”
Grace glanced over at Caroline, who gave her an encouraging smile. Then she took his arm. “Yes, of course.”
Grace was quiet as they made their way out to the back gardens. He was grateful to Caroline for her help, but it was past time he tried to make amends with Grace. He turned to face his sister. “Grace, I know you are angry with me for leaving you alone with the Smethwicks. I thought it was the best solution. They seemed kind, and I thought you were safe there. I’m sorry that I wasn’t around when you needed me. I can’t tell you how much I regret that.”
Grace’s eyes widened in surprise. “Cage, I’m not angry with you. I feel…embarrassed and ashamed. Perhaps I am angry as well, at Phineas Harlow, at Mrs. Gwyn, at our father, but not at you. I swear. I thought you were dead.” She gripped both his hands in hers. “I’m glad we are together again.”
He wanted to ask her more questions about how she had come to London but bit his tongue. She would tell him whathappened in her own time. Grace’s assurance that she was not angry with him did nothing to assuage his guilt. He had failed her; if he had been home, he could have kept her safe. Looking down into her cognac-colored eyes, a mirror of his own, he did not resist his urge to gather her up in his arms. But he kept the hug brief, letting her go when she pulled away. “I’ve rented a house for us, on Berkley Square. I wanted to show you yesterday, but Caroline said you were upset and left.”
Grace hooked her hand on his arm and began to stroll again. “I apologized to Caroline earlier for my breakdown in composure. She talked excitedly about ball gowns and parties, and well, it just overwhelmed me. This past week here has felt safe. Out there past these gates, there are opportunities to be found by Mrs. Gwyn or worse to be recognized by some man I have been with. All it would take was for one person I knew from Mrs. Gwyn’s to recognize me, to spread the rumor. It would ruin your standing, affect the good name of the duke and his family. They have been so kind.” She shook her head. “I don’t want anything to do with this world.”
“What do you want?” Cage asked.
“I guess I want a quiet life somewhere out in the countryside where I can ride horses and be at peace.” A wry grin lifted one side of her mouth. “But right now, I want you to go have a nice afternoon with your fiancé in the park. I like Caroline very much. She is a good match for you Cage, don’t let her go.”
Cage forced a smile. “Yes, she is something special.” He should be honest with his sister about the temporary engagement, but he promised to keep up the ruse until Caroline’s birthday.
Whenever he thought of having to let Caroline go, he began to feel a bit desperate. But he was no good for anyone long term. The legacy from his father could rear its ugly head at any time. Best to keep those he cared about at a safe distance.
****
