“There is a real chance that you could save the queen’s life,” he pointed out. “For that reason, he is most anxious to meet you. If nothing else, to deduce your character and decide if you can be trusted to do the job accordingly.”
“I see.” She nodded firmly. “In that regard, I shall have to find just the right dress. The one that might convey a shade of loyalty.”
He smiled in spite of his inner thoughts. “Is there such a thing?”
“Blue,” she returned without hesitation, and then swept into the bedchamber.
It was amazing to Harlan that, for a woman who was still wearing his banyan, that she might demand respect as the hem trailed out behind her like a royal train.
She left the door open, but Harlan wasn’t sure if he was supposed to follow, so he remained in the parlor where he gazed haphazardly out the window.
“Might you assist me?”
Harlan joined Leah, but he was instantly regretting his decision to do so when he walked in and saw her standing in nothing but stockings, a shift and a corset that was left open in the back, the only thing keeping it from falling to the floor was her hand on the front. “Could you lace me up? I am not talented enough to do these on my own.”
There was a light, teasing note to her voice, and Harlan was glad that any discord she felt toward him might have passed. However, he was quite discombobulated as he reached out for her laces. He wanted to rip them off of her, rather than cinching them around that smooth body that he vividly recalled caressing all night long.
She must have been feeling the same emotions because he heard a slight hitch in her breathing as his fingers brushed her upper back. He noticed that her hair was left down and pulled to one side so that he might have easier access. He wanted it to fall around his pillow instead, see it spread out like liquid mahogany as he slipped into her welcoming heat.
Swallowing hard, Harlan forced himself to do as she had asked. In record time, he had her laced efficiently.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He inclined his head, but then realized that she couldn’t see the action. He had to clear his throat before he could speak properly. “I shall leave you to it.”
He hastily retreated before he was tempted to change his mind.
Harlan was exceptionallyproud to have such a vision on his arm as they waited in the parlor for Wellington to arrive. No doubt Leah was nervous, as she’d confessed her eagerness to meet the duke because of his heroics during the war, but thus far, she had kept her composure.
He apologized that he hadn’t thought to secure a ladies’ maid for her. She waved it away. “I am quite used to taking care of my own needs. My aunt did not employ anyone but a housekeeper three times a week. The rest of the time we were on our own. How do you think I can cook so well?”
From the instant she had left the bedchamber, she was perfectly put together. He’d secured a bonnet and some pins for her, which she had adjusted accordingly. Her cheeks had a natural blush, and in his opinion, she was beautiful enough that no enhancements were needed to bring out her natural comeliness.
When Wellington entered the room, Harlan could tell that the duke took particular note of her loveliness as well. Arthur himself had been in an unhappy union for years, later finding consolation with the wife of a dear friend, Charles Arbuthnot. Now that both women were gone, Harlan could see the toil their deaths had taken on him. Age lines creased his face and he walked a bit slower than before. At least the duke had remained good friends with Charles, and together they shared their grievances of their life together at Apsley House.
Harlan could see the transformation, the light in Wellington’s eyes when he set them on Leah. It was obvious he was instantly enchanted by her, and it didn’t take long before they were chatting like old friends.
When dinner was served, Harlan remained silent and observed the exchange, happy to allow Leah to carry the conversation about her family and her travels, so that the duke might decide she was a worthy candidate to assist the queen.
When they were getting ready to depart, Wellington pulled him to the side and said, “I like her very much, Harlan. I don’t know how you found such a fascinating creature, but you shouldn’t let her get away.”
Harlan was inclined to agree. “Thank you, Your Grace. I will certainly take your council into consideration once this intrigue has reached its conclusion.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” The duke glanced over at Leah, who was gathering her wrap from the footman. “I should think someone will snap her up quickly if you don’t act soon.” He clapped him on the shoulder. “I shall speak with the queen first thing in the morning and get Miss Lindquist settled by the evening.”
Arthur’s words were still ringing through Harlan’s mind as he escorted Leah back to his residence.
“You seem exceptionally quiet,” she noted as they removed their outerwear.
He glanced at her. “I suppose I have a lot to consider.” He left out the part where he was referring to her.
“I understand.” She exhaled heavily. “I thought I might have more time to prepare for the royal household, but I suppose the longer we wait, the more chance we have that the assassin will be able to carry out his task.”
“Yes,” Harlan mumbled. He sank down onto the settee and loosened his cravat. “Do not worry that you won’t charm Her Majesty as you have everyone else you’ve met.”
She offered a coy glance as she moved to kneel down in front of him. Immediately, Harlan froze. When she put her hands on his knees and slid them slowly up his legs, he ceased breathing entirely. “Have I charmed you, Mr. Mathis?”
His brow lifted. “I’m not sure I would use such a simple word to explain what you have done to me, madam.”
