“What do you think of my brother?”
Of all the questions in the universe, why did it have to be that one?
“I, er, I hardly know him well enough to give my opinion.”
Lady Rowena frowned with distinct dissatisfaction. “Come now, Miss Potter. He has invited you to visit with us, which he would not have done unless he considered you a friend. Please. I am curious to hear your opinion. And I promise not to be offended if you have something negative to say.”
“In that case, I must confess I found him a bit too…dukely, when first we met.”
Lady Rowena snorted. “You mean arrogant. He does tend to come across as such whenever he’s playing the highborn aristocrat.”
“I gathered as much after seeing him be less so. In fact, I preferred him when he was simply being…” She waved her hand, unable to find a better word than, “Normal.”
“When he wasn’t trying to tell you how to live your life?”
“Yes! Precisely. I rather liked him then, when no considerations had to be made about what would be proper or scandalous, or how my behavior might influence someone I’ve never even met.”
“Hmm. I suspect it must be difficult for him, however.” Lady Rowena met Josephine’s gaze. “He is, after all, a man with a title, not simply a man. Never that.”
Except when he built the fire, crouched on the floor without a care for the soot that would stain his knees after.
Josephine nodded. “Life has handed him a role, just as it has made you the lady in need of a perfect match and me the woman whose future was ruined by her father’s weakness.” She wished she could have avoided the bitterness, but the truth was, her life was as tarnished as a piece of oxidized silver. Making her chance of marrying a duke as unlikely as traveling to the stars.
Gasping in response to such an idea, Josephine bowed her head, her eyes fixed on her lap. Where on earth had such a ridiculous idea come from? She hardly knew the man, and now she was thinking of marrying him? A hysterical bit of laughter burst past her lips, prompting her to do what she could to explain it away by saying, “Fate can be such a tragic thing, my lady.”
Lady Rowena’s hand settled smoothly over hers, drawing her gaze back to hers. “Yes, it can, but I want you to know I would never judge you on anything other than your own actions. I hope we can be friends, Miss Potter, which is why I should like it a great deal if you would call me Rowena.”
“Only if you will call me Josephine.”
Rowena smiled softly and nodded. “Agreed.”
* * *
Courtinga woman was no simple task. One had to determine what pleased her, or more importantly, what impressed her. Devon had been contemplating this since dinner the previous evening. He’d enjoyed their amicable conversation and had found himself enthralled by Miss Potter’s beauty when she’d laughed. Recalling the sparkle in her eyes and the joyous sound escaping her mouth, it had been as though the heavens opened and angels started singing. But he couldn’t for the life of him figure out how to take his relationship with her one step further without being too obvious or seeming too eager. Neither of which were likely to encourage atendreon her part.
Flowers and jewelry were simply too easy. Anyone with money could give a woman such things without much effort. And if there was one thing he suspected, it was that Miss Potter would greatly appreciate something suitable to her interests. Which meant he would have to get to know her better. So he’d suggested they visit the Park View for luncheon, in order to try the food there before taking a look at the rooms. If they finished up quickly, he would propose they go skating on the Serpentine and enjoy some hot chocolate afterward at one of the nearby bakeries. Spending time together was paramount. The more time the better, in fact.
A knock on the door brought his sister into the room. “You look awfully serious,” she said. “Is something the matter?”
“No. Nothing at all.” He stood and pulled at his sleeves. “I am simply thinking about something.”
Rowena’s lips twitched with amusement. “And do these thoughts of yours involve a certain Miss Potter by any chance?”
“Of course not.” He deliberately frowned.
“I know her name, you know. Hergivenname. In case you’re interested.” She smiled at him with annoying degrees of mischief.
Devon tried to conceal his interest, but Rowena must have spotted the brief flash of curiosity he’d felt in response to her words, because she actually grinned with devious glee. “Shall I take pity on you?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No need. Whatever her name is, it does not signify.” If there was one thing he would not be reduced to in all of this, it was a man dependent upon his sister’s mercy. He’d rather feign indifference.
Rowena shrugged as though dismissing the matter. “Well, in that case, I am here to tell you Miss Potter and I are ready to depart whenever you are.”
“Excellent.” He could do with a change of scenery and a bit more closeness to Miss Potter. “I’ll ask for a carriage to be brought around.” He went to the bell-pull.
Rowena remained in the doorway. Her eyes met his, and she suddenly said, “Her name is Josephine, and in case you’re wondering, she likes you. Not the duke, Devon, simply the man.”
“What the devil do you mean by that?”
