No one looked like a monster.
DINNER WAS A LAVISHaffair, each course more extravagant than the last. Crystal glasses caught the flickering candlelight, casting delicate reflections upon the table, which groaned under the weight of an abundant feast. Hundreds of candles bathed the dining hall in a warm, golden glow, illuminating the grandeur of the occasion.
Grace and Heather were seated far from the Duke, making conversation impossible. However, snippets of Lady Jane’s voice carried across the table.
‘Why, Gabriel, you have been most neglectful of me. Imagine—I, your fiancée—not even knowing of your arrival today!’ She gave a nervous laugh.
‘My dear Jane, as I explained, this was an impromptu decision. My business at the Estate concluded earlier than expected.’
‘Yes, of course. I feel sorry for you, having such tiresome affairs to attend to. I could not bear it myself—all of it seems dreadfully dull.’
He chuckled. ‘Then it is fortunate that this burden falls to me rather than you.’
Lord Gerrard laughed. ‘My brother has always been this way, Jane. He must keep himself occupied, or he becomes rather grumpy.’
The ladies tittered.
‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, brother,’ the Duke responded.
‘Truer words were never spoken,’ Lady Elizabeth interjected. ‘I am glad you are back, Gabriel.’ She squeezed his hand.
‘Well, Gabriel cannot go gallivanting off now. He has a ward to see to over the next few weeks,’ Lady Elizabeth reminded him.
At that, all eyes turned to Grace and Heather.
Heather, caught off guard, nearly choked on her food, turning bright red.
Lady Jane smirked. ‘Yes, we will work hard to make them presentable to society—so you need not worry, Gabriel.’
The Duke’s voice was cool as he replied, ‘Miss Skye and Miss Heather need no such help. They are the epitome of English ladies. It was a privilege to meet them at Skye Manor.’
He raised his glass in their direction.
Grace was grateful for his defence—Heather’s confidence might have been shattered otherwise.
As the conversation shifted, the Skye sisters gradually faded into the background once more.
After dinner, as the gentlemen joined the ladies in the withdrawing room, Lord Edward approached Grace again.
‘My goodness, Miss Skye, you must have made quite an impression on my cousin for him to speak so highly of you and your sister. I must say, I am most intrigued.’
‘His Grace is most generous, I assure you. There is nothing remarkable about us,’ Grace replied hastily, eager to deflect attention from Lord Armitage singling them out.
Unwittingly, she only piqued his interest further. It seemed he was accustomed to bold, flirtatious society ladies, and to his mind, Miss Skye was utterly enchanting—especially when she blushed.
‘I understand that Miss Heather is here for the Season. Are you here for the same purpose, Miss Skye?’ He leaned in slightly as they sat upon the sofa and traced his finger over her hand. ‘I would be honoured if I could escort you to all the entertainments.’
Grace felt a flicker of alarm. He was being rather forward and given that he was a possible suspect in a string of murders, she was determined to dissuade him.
‘You are most kind, my lord, but I would not wish to impose upon you. I am here solely as my sister’s chaperone. I am sure you have other engagements.’
He smiled, his gaze lingering. ‘I assure you, Miss Skye, nothing could be more important.’ Grace resisted the urge to roll her eyes. How was she to shake him? He seemed relentless.
Desperately, she glanced around the room, but no one was within earshot. Thinking quickly, she seized the first excuse that came to mind. ‘I had better find my sister. After all, I am her chaperone.’ With a swift curtsy, she turned and walked away.
Heather stood near the fireplace with Lady Elizabeth and Lord Gerrard, looking perfectly at ease. The sight reassured Grace. As she approached them, she felt the lightest touch upon the small of her back, a fleeting sensation that sent an unexpected ripple of excitement through her.
She turned.
