She really wished her heart would stop flopping around excitedly like a fish out of water. “If you remember correctly”—she lowered her voice—“we did not do much talking at all.”
His smile widened, making his eyes twinkle. “No, we certainly did not, and I must say, the enjoyable moment certainly made things better.”
Slowly, she nodded. “Yes, well… That doesn’t change the fact that we really need to talk.”
He chuckled. “I prefer the other way of communicating.”
Heat climbed up her neck to her cheeks. “I realize that, but I still doubt this hasty decision.”
“My lovely Cilla.” He kissed her hand again. “I assure you that when I return, we shall spend as much time as we wish talking… and doing other pleasurable things.”
Confusion filled her even more, and she shook her head. “When you return?Pray, where are you going?”
Seriousness took over his expression. “I have to go to Birmingham for a few days. I fear something has come up that…” He cleared his throat. “That I need to fix.”
“Does it have something to do with today’s fire?”
He nodded. “Indeed, it does.”
As she opened her mouth to question him further, he quickly continued.
“Grams has promised to keep you busy while I’m gone. She is going to prepare you to be a duchess.”
Priscilla gulped noisily.Me? A duchess?She hadn’t even had her coming-out ball because her father was too poor to afford it. “Gavin, I really must protest. You don’t need to marry me to save my reputation. I don’t think I can ever become a duchess. I’m sure you can find another woman to—”
“Another woman?” Laughter laced his voice. “That is out of the question. And please remember that wewillbe married very soon.” He leaned in and kissed her briefly on the lips. “Now, I must get ready for my trip. I hope you will see me off.” He winked before moving away from her and hurrying up the stairs.
Groaning, she rubbed her temples. This was certainly a mess, and at this moment, she wasn’t sure if she was excited to be getting married, or if the prospect of it frightened her nearly out of her mind. And how could she be a duchess? This was something she hadn’t prepared herself for, and she didn’t believe she would make the Worthington family proud by stepping into the role.
She was certainly frightened of the unknown… and of marrying a cad. She prayed he wasn’t like that now and that he was finally a true gentleman. Coming into her bedchamber and kissing her so passionately, and saying the words he did, made her believe he might still be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
“Miss Priscilla, dear,” the dowager called from inside the sitting room. “Would you please come in here?”
Reluctantly, Priscilla returned to her duties as the dowager’s companion. During the next hour, the older woman explained what things Priscilla would be learning in order to become a good duchess. The dowager mentioned going into town in a few days to purchase more gowns, and Priscilla couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. Every girl in Britain dreamed of marrying a duke, or a prince. Though even now, she didn’t dare believe it might happen.
Soon, the butler announced that Gavin would be leaving. Priscilla wheeled the dowager outside to the front porch as they waited for Gavin to say his goodbyes.
He leaned down and hugged his grandmother. “I shan’t be long.”
The dowager duchess nodded. “I have faith in you that you will make our family proud.”
Confusion filled Priscilla at the dowager’s statement. What had she meant by that? Did it have something to do with finding the person responsible for the fire? If so, why did Gavin have to travel to Birmingham when the fire was started at the estate?
Sometimes Priscilla wished the dowager, and especially her grandson, would confide in her a little more. Although she was still a companion, she would be joining the family soon. Wasn’t that reason enough to let her know what was going on?
Gavin moved in front of Priscilla and took her hands, squeezing them gently. “Take care of Grams for me.”
She nodded. “Of course I will.”
“I’m hoping to be gone only one day—however, it may turn into two.”
“Godspeed, Gavin.”
Keeping her gaze locked on his, he brought her hands to his mouth and brushed his lips across her fingers. Just watching his dreamy eyes fascinated her.
“Are you going to miss me?” he asked softly.
Her mouth turned dry. “Perhaps I will a little.”
