That made sense. He was, after all, nothing if not protective of his siblings. The thought that he hadn’t wanted to see her was deflating and yet shouldn’t be. Clearly her brain was addled.
“She is really not that bad when you get to know her.”
“So you say, however as yet I have seen no evidence of that. Now, as you are still living in this household with the Duchess of Awkward, you must have found a way to do so, therefore, you need to come and ensure she does not attack me or Abby.”
“Not your brother?”
“I’m happy for her to attack him.” He had a wicked look in his eyes now.
“She is all bark but no bite, I assure you, my lord.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Scared of a little old lady. How wonderful that there is someone who can reduce you to such a state.”
He was far too disturbing this close. Crisp white shirt and necktie. Deep blue superfine cloth caressed his shoulders, and the waistcoat matched. Although when he leaned closer, she noted a flash of red.
“My sister sought her retribution for our possessive behavior in the linings of our jackets,” he said, following her eyes. He parted his jacket, and she saw the scarlet silk. “Michael has one in pink.”
“Your sister has a mischievous streak she keeps hidden, but I’ve had occasion to see it also.” Dimity found a smile as she looked at it. She liked that his clothes were not quite what they seemed.
“My sister can seem all that is sweet, but believe me, there is a Machiavellian side to her nature.”
“She needed to be.”
He sighed. “I may have been a little overzealous in my control of her in your eyes, Dimity. But when your father asks on his deathbed that you watch over her, you do it.”
Her eyes locked on his. He’d never spoken so openly with her before, and indeed why would he? She was a servant and far beneath him.
“I’m sorry, I had no right to judge you. I know your actions were undertaken with love.”
“If a little misguided? Now come, we need to take tea then leave, and it’s my hope in one piece.”
She stood, taking his hand.
“Are you well, Dimity? Do you like this position?”
“I am, and yes. I like it here, thank you,” She pulled her hand free. Her fingers tingled from the contact.
He said nothing more, and soon they were seated, taking tea.
“Not those horrid cinnamon rock cakes again,” Dimity said, looking at what the butler was handing out.
“I like them.” The duchess thumped the cane down.
“But how do you know if you like anything else if you won’t try it?”
“I tried those plum cakes, didn’t I, like you suggested?” The duchess scowled.
“And liked them,” Dimity added.
The duchess ignored that.
“Up you get, Raine, you can start.” The duchess waved a hand at the earl, who was swallowing a mouthful of cake. He choked but managed to keep the crumbs in his mouth. His eyes shot from the duchess to Dimity and then back. Grabbing his tea, he swallowed several mouthfuls.
“Pardon?”
“The reading. It can begin with you, as it’s your book.” The duchess jabbed her cane at his toe and only just missed when he turned it to the right.
