“I will.” Yvette smiled once, put her head down, and turned to leave.
“Oh, you’re not going, are you?” Carrowell moved to intercept her. “I was hoping we might have a chance to chat.”
“Carrowell…” the Duke growled.
“What?” Carrowell cried. “Since Miss Norleigh started working for you, I have heard nothing but positive things about her. The way you carry on…” He beamed, and it grew somehow brighter when he saw how awkward hers and the Duke’s reaction was. “I would like to know their accuracy. Is that a crime?”
“She clearly does not wish to speak with you,” Lady Emily said sharply.
“Doubtful,” Carrowell mused. “Unlike you, Lady Emily, most women wish to speak with me. I can be rather charming, when the mood strikes.” He winked at Yvette, and she caught the Duke glaring at his friend.
“Wh – what would you like to know?” Yvette asked.
“A many number of things,” Carrowell said. “Let us start with the most obvious. What led her to becoming a governess? And for someone as surly and off-putting as Alistair. I can only assume that there were no roles available in the local prison.”
“I…” Her cheeks started to warm. “My father suggested it, and I thought it a good idea. I wanted to… to help with Hugh.”
“You must love children?” he mused and rubbed his chin. “To put up with this one…” A flick of the head toward the Duke.
Yvette’s stared at the floor as she spoke. “I do.”
“Tell me, how is it working for Alistair?” He laughed. “The man can be a dreary sort, can’t he? I hope you’ve managed to inject some life into him.”
“Your Grace, you are clearly making the poor girl uncomfortable,” Lady Emily snapped. “Forgive him, Miss Norleigh. The man is a boar, and his actions right now have nothing to do with you.”
“That is quite fine…” Again, she spoke to the ground.
“I do wonder…” Lady Emily tilted her head as she studied Yvette. Then she glanced at the Duke, who looked even more uncomfortable than Yvette was. “Your Grace, would you object to me inviting Miss Norleigh to the ball as well?”
“What?” The Duke sat up.
“Oh, good idea!” Carrowell cheered.
“It is no big thing,” Lady Emily said. As she spoke, she smiled coyly, her eyes flicking between Yvette and the Duke in a way that suggested she could read what was on their minds. “In fact, I think that her presence can only be a positive. A chance for her to see the ton as they are, so that she might better teach your son how to behave and hold himself. Yes?”
“That is not… I am sure that Miss Norleigh has better things to do…”
“Nonsense!” Carrowell stepped in beside Yvette and again placed his hand on her back. When he did, Yvette noticed the Duke’s eyes darken to see his friend touching her that way. “In fact, seeing as I am not much wanted there either, what say that I take Miss Norleigh as my guest?” He flashed a smile at the room. “How does that sound, Miss Norleigh? A chance for you and me to better know one another also.”
“That is… too kind,” she said awkwardly.
Yvette was no fool, and she got the distinct impression that she was being made fun of. If not that, she was certainly being used somehow.
She wanted to turn and leave the room as quickly as she could, but she did not want it to appear as if she was running. She also did not want to look rude or unappreciative of the offer. So, she stayed put, her hands folded before her, and did her best to look unassuming and humble.
However, she braved a glance up, searching for the Duke, who appeared just as confused and unsure of what to do as she was. She found his eyes, pleading silently with him, praying that he would see how awkward this was for her and then dismiss her before anything else was said.
Surely, he does not want me there…
The Duke suddenly firmed up as he came to a decision. And she saw in him the look of a man who was through playing games.
“That won’t be necessary,” he said. “If anyone should escort Miss Norleigh to the ball, it should be me.”
Yvette’s eyes widened in surprise, and her stomach flipped.
“Oh, come now!” Carrowell complained. “I am perfectly capable of –”
“Ruining everything you touch,” the Duke cut over him with a snarl. “Miss Norleigh is my responsibility, and I will be the one to escort her.” He raised a warning eyebrow at his friend, who backed down without argument.
