They laughed together as the carriage rolled to a stop. Through the window Loretta caught a glimpse of the duke.Her heart skipped a couple of beats at the sight of him. He stood with a young lady who had to be his sister and an older woman whom Loretta assumed was Lady Adele’s cousin. The three were waiting to greet Loretta and Paxton in front of two giant, beautifully carved doors that looked as if they belonged on a castle.
Loretta was surprised how much at ease she felt about this visit. Coming to the duke’s home should have made her a ball of jitters, but she felt calm and wonderful. The amusing exchange with Paxton must have been exactly what she’d needed to make her feel content about seeing the duke again and eager to meet Lady Adele.
The steps were put in place and the door opened. Paxton stepped down first and reached back to help Loretta. When she entered the carriage doorway, she looked up and immediately saw the duke. Tingles of wonderful sensations washed over her. Heaven help her, when she looked at him, she felt as if a feast of all her desires had been spread before her to enjoy. Somehow, even with his elegantly tied neckcloth, light-blue quilted waistcoat, and impeccably tailored dark-blue coat, he managed to look casual, commanding, and yet approachable, all at the same time.
He smiled, and so did she. When both feet were on the ground, she turned to Lady Adele and knew she would have to apologize to the duke again for disparaging his sister. Lady Adele was lovely and wouldn’t have any problems attracting a husband during the Season if she chose to attend.
Not quite as tall as Loretta, Lady Adele had thick, golden-brown hair that waved beautifully about her head with small wispy curls framing her delicate face. Her complexion looked pure, with just the right amount of healthy color to her lips and cheeks. Sparkling eyes, asgreen as her brother’s, looked directly at Loretta. Lady Adele nodded graciously before shifting her focus to Paxton.
Loretta knew the second Paxton’s gaze met Lady Adele’s that he was drawn to her. Loretta’s vivacious brother, who was never at a loss for words, seemed momentarily shy and speechless. It was as if he were in awe of the duke’s sister and didn’t know what to say. And from the smile on Lady Adele’s pretty face, she was quite pleased with the way Paxton looked as well.
“Miss Quick. Mr. Quick,” the duke said. “Welcome to Hawksthorn.”
Loretta curtsied. Paxton bowed and they both said “Your Grace” at the same time.
The proper introductions, greetings, and platitudes were said among everyone, including Mrs. Minerva Philbert, Lady Adele’s cousin, chaperone, and companion. She was a little shorter than Lady Adele, thin, and what Loretta would call a severely prim-looking lady. Strands of gray streaked her brown upswept hair. Her almond-shaped, greenish-blue gaze seemed to glance quickly by Loretta but held long and steadfast on Paxton. She was looking him over from hair to boot.
If the duke had told Lady Adele about the misgivings Loretta had concerning her and the possibility of a match with Paxton, she’d decided not to take offense. There wasn’t a hint of animosity in her expression when they were introduced.
“Miss Quick,” Lady Adele said, “Hawk has told me how devoted you and your brother are to each other. That’s something I respect and admire.” She glanced over at the duke. “I’m very fond of my brother, too.”
From the corner of her eye, Loretta could see the duke giving his sister an indulgent smile. To Lady Adele shesaid, “It’s wonderful we both have such fine brothers to take care of us.”
“I think Hawk will consider it a blessing when he no longer has to be responsible for me. I do believe he sees me only as trouble on his hands.”
The duke remained silent and continued to smile.
“See,” Lady Adele said, and playfully hit him on the arm with her lace-trimmed handkerchief. “He isn’t even going to bother denying it’s true. He’s always been a brute whenever my feelings are concerned. I suppose I will have to offer my attention and my affections elsewhere, dear brother.”
“Please, feel free to do so at any time,” the duke answered in the same lighthearted tone. “You will have my blessing.”
Loretta enjoyed the teasing banter between the duke and his sister. It was so much like the relationship she had with Paxton. Loving, but each getting their points across.
Lady Adele then turned her attention to Paxton and said, “Tell me, Mr. Quick, was your journey a pleasant one?”
The duke let his gaze settle on Loretta’s face after Lady Adele’s concentration was centered on Paxton. “And how about you, Miss Quick?” the duke said. “Did everything go smoothly for you today?”
She loved the way she felt when he looked at her. “Yes,” she answered, feeling as if her gaze was melting into his. “You had every detail attended to so there was nothing to do but enjoy the countryside.”
“I must admit to having a bit of help with getting all the particulars accomplished.”
Her gaze drifted to the massive, carved doors behind him. “Your home is so grand.” She then glanced toward the huge front lawn, still brown with winter. It was outlined with a short hedge of yew and tall topiary trees. “I can imagine the grounds are spectacular with color in the late spring and summer.”
“The gardeners are good at what they do.”
“I do believe Hawksthorn is almost as large as Mammoth House,” she added with a teasing smile, and hoped a sparkle of humor danced in her eyes as well.
The duke chuckled softly. “I have always found your wit charming, Miss Quick. I’m glad you’re here,” he added quietly.
So was she.
“And I trust you left Farley feeling better, and in the good care of Mrs. Huddleston?”
“No, actually—” She turned her head and stared down the drive to where the second coach had stopped at the servants’ entrance. Mrs. Huddleston was stepping off the carriage. Farley stepped down behind her. “I brought him with me, along with Mrs. Huddleston to care for him.”
“You brought Farley here?”
Loretta knew the duke wasn’t happy by the tightness around his mouth and fine crinkles around his eyes as they narrowed. She’d suspected that he might not approve of her decision not to leave the boy behind, but as far as she was concerned, there was no other choice.
