Page 42 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

Margaret's grip tightened around her fork. "She may look wherever she pleases."

"Of course she may," Iris agreed innocently. "You simply appear to dislike where she has chosen to look."

Margaret turned towards her sister. "I am not jealous."

"Certainly not."

"I am merely observing," Margaret replied.

"Just as the duke observes you?"

Margaret gave her a warning look. "Iris."

Her sisters laughed, and Margaret attempted to return her attention to the conversation around them. Unfortunately, she found herself looking towards Pierce again. He was listening to Nathaniel with one brow slightly raised, looking entirely too handsome in his formal attire. Lady Samson was still watching him.

Margaret looked away. She did not like this new sensation at all.

I have never been jealous of anyone, and I refuse to be now. It is childish.

Before she could dwell upon it, Camelia reached over and touched her arm. "Duchess of Ravenfield."

Margaret winced. "Please do not call me that yet."

Iris smiled. "Why not?"

"It will take time to get used to it," Margaret said.

"Duchess," Camelia repeated deliberately.

Margaret laughed. "You are both impossible."

"You are a duchess now," Iris reminded her. "You must become accustomed to people reminding you."

Margaret glanced towards Pierce. "I suppose I must."

A moment later, Camelia leaned closer and lowered her voice. "How did he manage it?"

"Manage what?" Margaret furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Harrowby," Camelia responded.

Margaret's expression sobered. "I have no idea."

"You mean the duke never told you?" Iris added.

"No." Margaret shook her head. "He simply told me that it was settled. When I asked, he said that he could handle it, and apparently he could."

Iris's expression softened. "Then you owe him your thanks."

"I know." Margaret glanced towards Pierce again. "Whatever else happens between us, that is the right thing to acknowledge."

Camelia studied her carefully. "Which brings us to another question."

Margaret sighed. "Why do I feel that I shall dislike this question?"

"Because you know us too well," Iris said with a smile. "You could have refused him, could you not? Since he took care of Harrowby for good, you could have denied marriage to the Duke."

Margaret went still.