“Seems I have been caught in a rather embarrassing position.”
Oh no.
“Your Grace,” Eliza said quickly, hurrying forward. “Please. Let me help.”
She took his other arm, and between her and the driver, they managed to get him fully inside. The Duke was heavy, all broad muscle, long legs and dead weight, but she braced herself and held on.
“How much do I owe you?” she asked the driver.
“Two shillings, miss.”
“Your Grace, where do you keep your money?”
“Yes, right away.” He patted at his coat pockets with his free hand, frowning in concentration. “Left side. Inside pocket. No, wait. Right side. Or… is it the inside of the left on the right side? One can hardly remember such things… so many pockets!”
Eliza bit back a smile despite herself. She reached carefully into his coat, trying very hard not to think about the warmth of him as she felt around, the solid feel of his chest beneath the fabric, and found a small leather purse. She extracted two shillings and handed them to the driver.
“Thank you for bringing him home safely,” She told the hackney driver and pushed several extra coins into his palm. “His Grace greatly appreciates your services… and your discretion.”
It was a bit bold of her to take such initiative, but surely the Duke wouldn’t miss a few coins from his fortune.
The man’s face lit up when he saw the complete amount in his hand, then he quickly nodded. “My pleasure, miss. I won’t say a word. Though I’d recommend getting some coffee into him before he tries the stairs.”
“I’ll do that, sir. Thank you.”
The driver tipped his hat and departed. Eliza closed the door and turned back to the drunk Duke, who was now leaning against the wall, watching her with a soft, slightly unfocused smile.
“’Has anyone ever told you that you have the most dazzling pair of eyes?” he said.
Eliza’s cheeks heated at his words. “Your Grace, you’re drunk.”
“I’mverydrunk,” he agreed with a chuckle. “Ambrose said I had too much brandy. But he’s wrong. There’s no such thing as too much brandy when you’re trying to forget…” He hiccupped again. “Pardon me. When you’re trying to forget beautiful maids with secrets.”
Eliza felt a hot flush spread across her cheeks, but she shook it away.
“We need to get you upstairs,” she said, her voice strangled.
“Do we have to? I’d much rather stay in your company. You’re quite fascinating, you know.”
“’You flatter me, Your Grace, but it’d be best if we got you upstairs. Come on. Up we go.”
She got her shoulder under his arm again and began guiding him toward the staircase. He came willingly enough, though his feet didn’t seem to be entirely under his control.
“Your scent is intoxicating,” he whispered as they started up the stairs. “Like… like lavender. And something else. Books, maybe? Do books have a scent?”
“I suppose they do.”
“I like it. I like everything about you, actually. Your eyes. They’re like rich honey, sweet and warm.”
“Mercy me,” Eliza said as she concentrated on the stairs, trying to ignore the way her heart was fluttering. “You’re not going to remember any of this tomorrow.”
“Probably not. But it’s still true.” They reached the landing, and Morgan paused, looking down at her seriously. “You’re the most interesting person I’ve ever met, Ellie Graham…”
Her breath caught. “Your Grace…”
“And you’re kind. So kind. The way you were with Arthur and Philip. The way you are with everyone, really. Even when you’re trying to be invisible, you can’t help being wonderful. You’re radiant.”
“Please stop talking,” Eliza whispered, her throat tight.
