“All of them?”
Robert drew in a measured breath, trying not to sigh. “Yes. Her grace will be there to greet them.”
Louisa stood. “You will not even notice him, I swear.” She held her hand out in front of her as if warding off his doubt, then spun about and followed Brooks from the room.
Curiosity caused Robert to follow. He did not plan on staying to visit, but he needed to assure himself of the dog’s stature or it would not leave his thoughts.
As they neared the room of mention, Robert heard raised voices.
“Prince, no! Come back here!”
Following the shouts, a small creature darted from the front morning room, quick as a shot, barreling toward him faster than Robert thought the tiny legs were capable of moving.
Louisa stopped in the hall, crouching down. “Prince!” The dog pounced into her arms, wiggling about and licking her face. “Oh, I know. I have missed you. Have you been a good dog for Henry?”
Robert wasn’t sure, but he thought a grumble sounded from the room beyond.
Well, the dog was small. Now that Robert confirmed it, he could take his leave. Turning on his heel, he took two steps toward his office when a shrill yap sounded in the air. Small but mighty. And then he heard small feet skittering across the marble floor tiles.
“Prince, no!”
Robert turned, but before he could so much as think, a small weight pressed against his leg. And not just once, but repeatedly as the small dog jumped and wagged its tail, tongue lagging out the side in apparent excitement. Robert did not share the small beast’s sentiments.
Louisa chuckled as she sauntered toward him, holding out her arms.
For a brief moment of terror, Robert thought she was going to embrace him. But soon it became clear she was only picking up her horribly behaved dog. She took Prince in her arms, snuggling her face into the furry creature’s neck. A large smile litup her face, and she raised her eyes to Robert as he watched it all unfold.
Her smile dimmed. “Are you all right? Do not tell me you are afraid of one little dog.”
It wasn’t the dog that scared him—it was the woman that held it. When Robert had briefly thought—though admittedly, stupidly—she was going to wrap him in an embrace, all blood had drained from his head, only to have it all go rushing back into his face. He did not believe he was blushing. As a grown man, and a duke, no less, he would do no such thing. But it did make his head feel fuzzy.
“Your Grace?” Her concern seemed to grow as he remained mute.
“Yes. I am fine.” He ran a hand over his jacket. “I hope you enjoy your visit with your brother and his wife.”
“You could join us if you wish.” She watched him as she idly scratched behind the small dog’s ears.
Did shewanthim to join her?Shouldhe?
“If you are busy,” she said, “you need not feel obligated.”
Goodness. His wife already seemed able to read his mind, which was a rather unsettling thought. Yes, he knew she was adept at reading a room, but he had not considered her being able to read him. He had gone to great lengths to make sure he was unreadable. And that’s the way he preferred it.
“I have some work to accomplish this morning, otherwise I would join you. Please send your family my regrets and assure them we will schedule something soon.”
“Of course.” She gave him one last parting smile, then turned and went to join her brother and sister-in-law in the morning room with her little dog in tow.
Robert quickly turned down the hall, making his way to his office. Did he feel her eyes on his back as he walked away? Orwas he only being insecure and overdramatic? He could swear a heat was spreading over his back and shoulders.
When he reached the end of the hall to turn, he stole a glance back down the hall. But it was empty.
Chapter eight
Louisa straightened her shouldersas the dowager duchess shamelessly eyed her from head to toe. After two nights of restless sleep, her patience was even shorter than usual.
Her new mother-in-law stopped her perusal with a sigh. “I suppose that dress will do for today. Is it one of the old gowns you brought with you? I hope,” she added beneath her breath.
Louisa pasted on a smile. “It is. And one of my personal favorites.”
