Page 27 of Not the Duke's Virgin

His voice was deep and cultured, but there was an edge to it that put Victoria on guard. They would have to be cautious around him.

Her father bowed in return. “Your Grace. A pleasure.”

“Come inside. The other guests are eager to meet you.” The Duke turned on his heel and strode into the manor.

Exchanging a glance with Madeline, Victoria lifted her skirts and followed after him, doing her best to appear calm and collected.

They stepped into a wide entrance hall decorated with tapestries and suits of armor. A magnificent staircase swept upward, and corridors branched off in several directions. Servants in black and white livery hurried about, carrying luggage and directing footmen.

“Your rooms are prepared,” the Duke said briskly. “I will have McGillicuddy show you to them so you may refresh yourselves before lunch.”

An older footman inclined his head.

Victoria gave him a polite smile before turning back to the Duke. “You have a lovely home, Your Grace. We look forward to enjoying your hospitality this weekend.”

The Duke’s eyes remained cold. “Yes. I was quite… intrigued by your sudden acceptance of the invitation. I do not recall you being so… eager in the past.”

Victoria’s pulse quickened, but she kept her expression neutral. “Perhaps I have turned over a new leaf, Your Grace.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, but just then Lady Harriet Knolles descended the stairs in a flutter of silken skirts. “Why, Your Grace! How delightful you could join us!”

The Duke turned to greet the new arrival, and Victoria released a shaky breath. This was going to be even more difficult than she had anticipated. The Duke was no fool—they would have to proceed very carefully.

She turned her attention to Lady Harriet, forcing a warm smile. “Lady Harriet, how wonderful to see you again. Allow me to present my cousin, Miss Madeline Russell.”

As Madeline dropped into a curtsy, Victoria glanced around the hall. Somewhere in this crowd, a viper was lurking, waiting to strike if she misstepped. Where was Oliver?

“Lady Victoria.”

A chill ran down her spine at the sound of that smooth, cultured voice.

Bracing herself, she turned and dipped into the most superficial of curtsies. “Lord Oliver. What a… delightful surprise.”

Oliver bowed, a small smirk playing on his lips. He was as handsome as ever, blonde and green-eyed, with his brother’s strong features, but there was a mocking gleam in his eyes that had not been there before. He knew he had power over her now, and he enjoyed it.

“The delight is mine, Lady Victoria.” He took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles, the touch making her skin crawl. “I could hardly contain my excitement when I learned you would be joining us. We have such a delightful few days planned.”

Victoria suppressed a shudder at the hidden warning in his words. “Indeed,” she managed to say. “How… thoughtful of you.”

His eyes glinted with wicked amusement, a look that made her stomach churn. But she had no choice but to play along.

Turning, she forced a gracious smile. “Madeline, you already know Lord Oliver, His Grace’s younger brother?”

Madeline curtsied. “Always a pleasure, Lord Oliver.”

“The pleasure is mine, Miss Russell.” Oliver’s smile reminded Victoria of a crocodile eyeing prey. “Welcome to our humble home. I do hope you enjoy everything we have… in store.”

Victoria’s fingers tightened on Madeline’s arm. They could not let him rattle them.

Fortunately, McGillicuddy intervened. “Pardon me, My Lords, My Ladies. If you would please follow me, I shall show you to your rooms.”

“Thank you.”

Giving Oliver a polite nod, Victoria steered Madeline toward the stairs. She could feel the weight of his gaze following them up.

Their bedrooms were located in the family wing, next to the Dowager Duchess’s rooms. Victoria’s was a charming chamber decorated in rose silks and gilt furnishings. The canopied bed looked heavenly and inviting after the long journey.

“Oh, Victoria, what a lovely room!” Madeline exclaimed, crossing to the window that overlooked the gardens. “What an adventure this shall be. I vow I have never seen such grandeur, except perhaps when we visited Lord Chesterfield’s estate as children.”

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