CHAPTER9
ANGEL DUST WORKS ITS MAGIC
An hour later
Darkness descended over wintery Westmorland, leaving the fireplace in the library the only source of light. The remains of their late luncheon had been removed by Bronson, replaced with a tray featuring a glass of port and a glass of claret. Once the spirits had been drunk, the two newly betrothed had settled onto the couch.
“I should head back to Dunfey Park,” Andrew said in a quiet voice.
“Under the protection of an umbrella,” Angelika said. “Would you like me to walk with you?” she offered. “I wouldn’t mind.”
Andrew regarded her with an expression of surprise. “It will be very dark by the time we arrive and then...” He stopped speaking as an eyebrow lifted. “Oh, I think I understand whatyou’reproposing,” he accused as a grin lifted his lips.
Smirking, Angelika shrugged. “I understand if you’d prefer I return here after I’ve seen to your safe arrival at Dunfey Park. We can have a footman follow us,” she suggested. “Just to be sure we make it there.”
“On a cold night like this?” he countered. “I will not have you traipsing through the snow both ways. No. You’ll stay the night at Dunfey Park. About time I scandalize my servants.”
Angelika tittered. “I can pack a valise with some clothes, and once we’re there, you can show me to the mistress suite.”
He frowned. “It will be terribly cold in there,” he warned.
“Well, I’ve no intention of sleeping in there,” she countered. Lifting her head from his shoulder, she noticed his amusement fade. “What is it?”
“Your father is going to be—”
“Relieved, and more than happy to hand over my dowry to you.”
He furrowed his blond brows. “Why do you say that?”
She allowed an exaggerated sigh. “Father arranged for his sister to sponsor me for my come-out in London this spring, which means a modiste was going to have to make one of those preposterous and expensive court gowns and an entire wardrobe for the Season,” she explained. “You will have saved him and my aunt from the expense and the trouble.”
“You’ve been his hostess ever since your mother died,” he stated. “Unless he’s taken a wife during his latest trip to London, he’s not going to be happy about losing your skills in arranging the annual district ball or all of his dinner parties.”
Angelika inhaled to ask how he knew about the dinner parties when she remembered he was always on the guest list. Invited but sure to send his regrets.
“Is there a ballroom at Dunfey Park?”
“There is,” he acknowledged. “And a huge dining room with a table that can seat twenty-four comfortably.”
She grinned. “It sounds as ifyou’regoing to be taking on the hosting duties for the district ball.”
He allowed a grimace and sighed. “Only if you continue as hostess,” he agreed.
She gave him a brilliant smile. “Father will be so relieved.” At the duke’s look of surprise, she added, “He despises having to play host. He only does it because I insist.”
Andrew chuckled softly before he sobered. “We should probably be going,” he suggested. “With any luck, it’s clear outside.” From what had happened earlier that day, he was sure clouds were the reason he sought refuge indoors. Clouds brought rain, and rain brought thunder and lightning, and lightning... He cleared his throat in an effort to keep a lump from forming there.
“If it’s clear, the stars will look like diamonds,” Angelika said. She stood and helped him up from the couch. “We’ll be able to see the Milky Way, and the snow will be perfect to make an—”
“Angel,” he said in a warning voice. “I’ll be staying under an umbrella,” he reminded her.
“Oh, of course,” she agreed, managing to hide her momentary disappointment.
“However, shouldyoube overcome with the need to make a snow angel, you can, of course,” he said. “I’ll even help you out of the snow.”
She giggled. “It should only take me a few minutes to pack a valise. Bronson will have your greatcoat dried by now.”
“I’ll find Pruitt,” he said.
