Four
“There you are, darling! I thought you might sleep until noon after last night’s excitement.” The dowager settled into the opposite chair, eyes bright with curiosity. “Though I must say, you vanished rather spectacularly after that unfortunate tear in your gown. And so did the Velvet Duke. For quite some time.”
Deena felt warmth rise in her cheeks. She reached for her tea, buying a moment. “The tear was severe. Grandmother, you know how particular you are about appearances. I did not wish to reappear looking like a ragamuffin.”
“Mm.” The dowager sipped her chocolate, watching over the rim. “And the Duke? Was he assisting with the needle and thread?”
“He… escorted me to you. That was all.”
“That was all,” the dowager repeated, clearly unconvinced. “He looked rather flushed when he returned to the ballroom. And you, my dear, had the glow of a woman who has been thoroughly kissed or thoroughly argued with. Possibly both.”
“Grandmother!” Deena set her cup down harder than she intended. “Nothing of the sort happened. We spoke. Briefly. About… books.”
“Books.” The dowager’s lips twitched. “How romantic.”
Deena exhaled. “You are determined to make something scandalous of it.”
“I am determined to see you happy,” the dowager corrected gently. “And if these gentle games of mine do not move things along, I shall gladly manufacture a proper scandal. Compromise you in the conservatory, perhaps. Or lock you in the wine cellar with a suitable gentleman until you come to your senses.”
Deena stared. “You wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t I?” The dowager leaned forward. “I have done worse for less. Your brother was equally stubborn; he refused every eligible lady until Selina arrived and turned him upside down. You, thank heavens, are not nearly so obstinate.”
“I am not obstinate at all,” Deena protested. “I simply have no wish to marry.”
The Dowager nodded knowingly. “You only say that because the right man hasn’t cornered you properly.”
Deena opened her mouth, then closed it again. Images of Austin’s hand on her wrist and his thumb brushing her jaw flashed unbidden, but so did the blackmailer’s letters and threats. She swallowed nervously; her confession played on her mind the entire night, causing her to have a restless sleep.
The dowager’s gaze sharpened towards her. “Are you alright, darling?”
“Yes, Grandmother.”
But the dowager squinted her eyes in Deena’s direction. She always knew when something was wrong with them.
“When you are comfortable, come speak to me about what is troubling you. All right?”
Deena nodded but remained silent.
Her grandmother sighed. “We are family, my dearest Deena. And you know I only tease you for sport, but it is your happiness I care about the most, earnestly.”
Tears threatened to spill, but Deena remained strong. “I know, Grandmother.”
“Speaking of family, I had a letter from Dominic this morning. He and Selina will arrive tomorrow with the children. Percy is desperate to ride the new pony I bought. He and little Mary apparently ask for their aunt Deena daily,” the dowager continued.
Deena’s heart gave an unexpected lurch. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes. They were delayed by Mary’s cough, but all is well now.” The dowager set her cup down. “Your brother will be delighted to see you settled here at last. Though I warn you, he will likely have opinions about eligible gentlemen.”
Deena managed a weak smile. “Dominic always has opinions.”
“Indeed. And he is particularly fond of Austin.” The dowager’s eyes gleamed. “They have been thick as thieves from children. Almost brothers.”
Almost brothers.
Deena’s stomach twisted. If Dominic knew about the blackmail and about her forced hunt for Austin’s secrets, he would be furious. Protective of his best friend and possibly reckless. And if he learned she had struck a bargain with Austin last night, spent half an hour alone with him in a corridor, and agreed to act as his confederate in wife-hunting…she would be away again to God knows where.
She pressed her fingers to her temple.
