So, that was how the duke was going to remain unseen and unavailable, sneaking through his own house through secret passages.
“Why are you hovering above like a voyeur, Mr. Copeland?” Her Grace called up to him.
“I apologize, I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Come down and join us.”
“I really don’t think I should.” He started to back away from the balustrade with every intention of disappearing until it was time to escort his great-aunts home.
“I do!” Her Grace ordered, leaving him little choice.
“Yes, of course, Your Grace.”
Blast! He really didn’t want to be a part of that gathering, but he had little choice now. At least nobody expected him to woo Lady Lucinda.
“Copeland?” he heard one of the gentlemen ask as he approached the parlor.
“Yes, my great-nephew,” Aunt Priscilla answered.
“The future heir of the Duke of Ellings?” another asked.
Caleb rolled his eyes. There was more to a man than title.
“Only if his older brother and father precede him in death.”
“Please don’t hasten the demise of my family, Aunt Priscilla,” Caleb announced as he entered. “I have no desire to fill their shoes.” With that he approached the duchess and bowed. “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
“You are the great-nephew of my dearest friends. You are always welcome.”
“I suppose we will be calling you Mr. C?” Lord E snorted.
“No, that isn’t necessary,” Aunt Joanna piped up. “We know him well.Youmay call him Mr. Copeland.”
“Would you care for a cup of tea, Mr. Copeland?” Lady Lucinda asked as she started to rise.
“Please, remain seated. I can pour myself.”
Which he did, but mainly so that he could stay back and observe andnotbe brought into the conversation.
It was tedious to listen as they each tried to impress Lady Lucinda, and by the time they were finished, Caleb knew what titles they’d inherit, number of siblings, and where their estates lie. However, they really offered nothing about themselves.
“Goodness, it’s gotten rather chilly in here.” Aunt Esther rubbed her arms.
Her Grace glanced to the fireplace. “It seems the fire has burned down.”
All ten fops looked to the dying embers but not one of them rose to stir them or add more wood.
“Shall I ring for a servant, Lady Lucinda?” Lord A inquired. “I’d hate for you to become cold.”
“They can’t be spared,” Lady Lucinda answered.
“At least have one fetch you a shawl,” Lord D insisted. “It would only take a moment of their time.”
Could not one of them build a blasted fire?
With a nod to his aunts, Caleb set his tea aside and strode to the fireplace and added the small bit of coal that remained in the bucket, then stacked kindling and firewood, stirring the embers until some of the wood caught and once again burned brightly.
“If you’ll excuse me.” He stood and lifted the now empty coal bucket. “I’ll see that this is refilled, and the wood replenished.”
