“That wasn’t the job I was referring to.”
“Which one, then?”
“The one of being my duchess. Youaregoing to take me on, aren’t you?” he murmured. “I find that I cannot wait to have your answer.”
Her eyes were so clear that he could read his future in those tea-colored depths. His breath held in anticipation. To be so close to what he wanted...
“Yes, Alaric,” she said. “I will marry you.”
A feeling flooded him like sunlight. It took him an instant to recognize it as... happiness.
“Thank you,” he said, his words hoarse with wonder.
He was about to draw her into his arms when Mrs. Kent’s discreet voice came through the open door. “Ahem. Her grace got tired of waiting in the carriage. She’s in the drawing room.”
“We’ll be right there,” Emma called. To him, she said in hushed tones, “Let’s not share our news just yet. We must not distract everyone from the business at hand.”
He wanted to shout it from the rooftops… which was as embarrassing as it was absurd. What had happened to his much vaunted self-control?
Begin as you mean to go on. Discipline yourself. Don’t make the same mistakes.
“As you wish,” he said with a bow.
When they entered the drawing room, Aunt Patrice was perched upon a curricle chair, her hands folded upon her tan skirts. Tea sat untouched in a cup next to her. Her eyes went from him to Emma, and her brows inched toward her beige turban.
“Is this who you kept me waiting for, dear boy?” she said. “Well, don’t dally. Introduce us.”
“May I present Miss Emma Kent?” he said.
Emma curtsied. “Good morning, your grace.”
“Prettily done,” Aunt Patrice approved. “I’ve always said that manner is more important than a title. And your maturity is so refreshing,” she added in conspiratorial tones, “for chits fresh out of the schoolroom can be a dreadful bore.”
“Thank you.” A line appeared between Emma’s brows. “I think.”
Alaric coughed into his fist and thanked his lucky stars when Will and Kent strode in. After the men paid their respects to the ladies, he said, “Where shall we start today?”
“Just heard from Cooper,” Will said. “He’s tracked down one of Mercer’s who—” He cut himself off suddenly, darting a look at Patrice. “One of his, er, female acquaintances, I mean. She may have some information.”
“Excellent,” Kent said. “Let’s start there.”
“Strathaven, I had better accompany you,” his aunt interrupted. “With your delicate health, you need someone to look after you—”
“I will be fine. You must stay here and visit with the ladies.”
“But surely I could—”
“I should enjoy chatting with you, your grace,” Emma said. “I am curious to learn more about Scotland and the home that Strathaven grew up in. Please, won’t you keep us company?”
Patrice looked from him to Emma. Gave a reluctant nod.
“Thank you, Aunt,” Alaric said with satisfaction.
He kissed Patrice on the cheek and took Emma’s hand.
“I’ll see you soon,” he said. “Take care, pet, and don’t get into trouble.”
“That goes double for you,” she said.
