Her hint to Jemina and me was not subtle, but we watched as the dear woman claimed Lord Gantry’s arm and headed him down the stone steps.
Jemina rose. “Let’s search the drawing room, Patience. We don’t have much time.”
I rose and cooed at Lionel. “You want to help Mama look for the secret? Of course—”
The duke rode close to the balcony. “Mrs. LaCroy, I’ve dismissed the troops. See? Nothing to worry about. Stay put. I’ll be right back.”
So much for searching now.
The duke wasn’t done showing off, and I wasn’t done fearing for his safety.
CHAPTER 17
IN THECORNER WITHYOU
From the stone balcony, I watched the duke spirit his horse to the odd wood structure he’d erected. It was an eyesore to the newly manicured grounds, but he seemed gleeful riding at top speed toward it.
A groom handed him his crutch, and he charged back to me.
I turned to my friend. “Later, I suppose. When everyone’s asleep, we’ll search.”
Jemina stood and smoothed her charcoal gown. “The duke’s trying to impress you. Let him know you are. Then he’ll take more care.”
She slid the beverage tray closer to me. “Give the man some lemonade. It’s refreshing after a hard ride. I’ll go set out breakfast before the soldiers return to the house.”
My humored friend went back inside, but her words made me think. If admitting that I was impressed and fearful made the duke slow down, that would be best.
“Mrs. LaCroy, here.” The duke rode up close to the balcony knee wall and lifted his crutch to me. “Grab hold of this.”
Cradling Lionel in one arm, I gripped his staff with the other.
He waved at a groom but looked dead at me. “Did you enjoy the review? Was my ward attentive?”
The baby stuck his hand onto my lips. Lionel’s eyes were light and searching. Maybe he did see.
“Yes, I guess.”
“Three words? Was that a torture?”
“No.”
A soldier came to the gray horse and grasped the reins.
The duke lifted his one leg over the pommel until both boots were in front of him. Then the foolhardy man jumped. He hit the ground with a little wince, then straightened.
I wasn’t going to let him fall. Lionel and I went to him, dragging the crutch behind me. “You’re not toppling over, not if I can help.”
“Woman, I’m not—”
“Hush.” I put the crutch under his armpit. “There.”
He held on to my hand before I could withdraw. “That was more words you’ve said to me than all of yesterday, but don’t fret. There’s one child at Hamlin, and he’s on your hip. That’s not me, though his position is enviable.”
The duke tugged off his gloves and put his big thumb on Lionel’s nose. “You hold on tight, little soldier. Hold on to her. She’s a difficult one to befriend.”
Friendship? My face fevered. “Sorry.”
“I won’t fall, LaCroy. I’m in command, but I’m reasonable. I know the value of a fretting woman.”
