“Your Grace,” he said, and bowed with enough polish that it might have been genuine. “At last. I have been growing curious.”
Eleanor’s smile was pleasant, steady. “Your Grace, you are welcome to Blackmere.”
“You say that now,” Roderick replied lightly, straightening. “Give me an hour.”
Eleanor’s eyes flicked briefly to James, as if asking whether this man was a blessing or a punishment.
James offered her nothing.
Roderick’s gaze lingered on Eleanor a moment longer than was proper, but not enough to be called out. James noticed anyway.
“Your theme,” Roderick said, looking around the hall with exaggerated admiration. “Underwater elegance. Sea-glass. Greenery. You are either brilliant or dangerous.”
Eleanor’s smile sharpened slightly. “I prefer to be both.”
Roderick laughed, delighted. “Oh, I like her.”
James’s jaw tightened.
Roderick turned then, noticing Arabella standing just behind Eleanor’s shoulder, composed but watchful. The girl’s gown wassimple, the sort that suited her. The sort Eleanor would have chosen to keep her safe from scrutiny.
Roderick’s smile widened again. “And you must be Miss Arabella Barker.”
Arabella blinked, clearly startled. “Yes.”
“Roderick, Duke of Wycliffe,” he said, bowing again. “At your service.”
Arabella’s eyes narrowed by a fraction. “I heard you the first time.”
Roderick looked delighted by her lack of softness. “A woman who does not pretend. How refreshing.”
Arabella gave him a look that would have chilled wine. “I am not sure that is what you mean.”
“It is exactly what I mean,” Roderick said cheerfully.
James watched the exchange with the faintest sense of relief. Arabella was not easily manipulated. If anything, she might wound Roderick.
“Your Grace,” Eleanor said smoothly, “you will find this evening is quite full. Perhaps you will spare my sister your remarks.”
Roderick turned to her. “Your Grace, you wound me. I have barely begun.”
Arabella’s expression remained flat. “You should consider not beginning.”
Roderick laughed again. “I am going to enjoy you.”
Arabella’s cheeks colored faintly. “That would be unfortunate.”
James heard a small sound beside him. Eleanor was not smiling quite as tightly as before. A hint of amusement had slipped in.
He found himself irritated by that as well.
Graham’s voice rose again, announcing the next guest. James forced his attention back to the line.
Roderick lingered, making no effort to move along.
“You are meant to go into the room and vanish into the crowd like a normal guest,” James murmured.
Roderick leaned closer. “And miss the opportunity to see you introduce your duchess as if she were a treaty. Never.”
