Declan grabbed her hand and detached it from his sleeve.
Helena said, “That is quite out of the question.”
“Well, there’s no need to be rude about it,” pouted Knightly. “I can see that you are married. Even if you have no ring.” She whispered to Helena, “Something I’d look into, if I were you, love.” She brightened suddenly. “But perhaps the three of us could have a bit of fun together—”
Declan said, “Oh God,” and ran his hand through his hair. He spun away.
Helena began, “And I think perhaps we’ve said all we need to say for this moment. How can we help you?”
And now Helena floundered. Declan opened his mouth, just about to suggest they escort her to the door, when the Duke of Lusk rounded the corner.
Declan turned to stone.
Helena made a small gasping sound.
The duke came to an unsteady stop before them and stared.
Knightly Snow said, “Oh, hello there!”
“Hello,” said the Duke of Lusk.
It was the most cordial thing Declan had ever heard the man say.
Seconds ticked by. The four of them were as still as the toga statue.
Finally, slowly, ever so slowly, Helena turned her head. She stared at Lusk.
Declan followed suit.
The duke ignored both of them. He was gazing with a startled sort of amazement at the colorful, bulging, preening Miss Knightly Snow.
Helena found her voice. “Your Grace,” she said carefully, “may I introduce you to a new friend? This is Miss Knightly Snow, most recently returned from the South of France. By way of Cumberland.”
“Cornwall,” corrected Knightly. “What a pleasure to meet you...” She let the introduction trail off because no one had had the presence of mind to introduce the duke.
Helena leapt to finish. “Forgive me. Miss Snow, please meet His Grace, Bradley Girdleston, the Duke of Lusk.”
“Oh, a duke!” enthused Knightly, and she dropped into a curtsy that somehow revealed more of her bosomandankle at the same time. Watching Knightly Snow affect even the most common posture was like hearing a trained soprano sing “Drink Another Round Before Sunrise.”
“How do you do?” said the duke—the second most cordial thing Declan had ever heard the man say. “Are you enjoying the party?”
Declan looked at Helena, and she stared back with their future in her eyes. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight.
“I don’t really like the birthday parties of old men,” proclaimed Knightly Snow. “If I’m being honest. But I do like dukes.” She gave him a smile that said very plainly,What do you like?
“Well...” began the duke, and now Declan witnessed another first. The man was nervous.
Helena saw it too. “Miss Snow,” she began, “would you mind very much if I said two words to the duke before we continue this conversation? Perhaps you could say your farewell to Shaw. I’ll steal the duke away only for a moment?”
Knightly narrowed her eyes, preparing to challenge this. Declan knew she hated to be obstructed when she’d homed in on a new prospect. He slipped his hand around her arm and yanked her down the corridor. “Novel idea, my lady. Miss Snow and I will say our farewells.”
“Declan,” Knightly complained, but he shepherded her away. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Helena rounding on Lusk, whispering as if her life depended on it.
Declan did the same. “Listen, Knightly. I need you to throw your considerable... ‘enthusiasm’ toward this duke and... and make him fall head over heels for you.”
“What?” she said, pulling free of his grasp.
“You owe me, Knightly. You owe me so much more than simply coming back to England. I wasin jail. I have had to marry my wife under the cover of darkness, with strangers, and keep it a secret—”
