Page 38 of A Duke in the Rough

He could only imagine. “I’m trying to circulate and make sure all of Burwood’s guests are enjoying themselves. I trust you both are.”

If it were possible for Middlebury to look down his nose at Drake, even though the man was a good seven or eight inches shorter, the expression hebore was the equivalent. “Merrick.” He nodded, then turned his complete attention toward Lady Charlotte as if Drake weren’t even there.

“Everything is perfect, Mr. Merrick. I must compliment you. I understand you handle most of the arrangements for the duke.”

“I do my best. Did you enjoy the lamb this evening?” he asked.

“I did,” she said. “The seasoning was quite unique.”

“It’s my mother’s recipe. She developed it after I sent her spices from India where I served in the military. I was pleased to find that the Weatherbys have access to the spices, as my supply is nearly gone.”

Middlebury wrinkled his nose. “A bit too spicy for my taste. I shall be up all night with indigestion.”

“Nonsense, Lord Middlebury,” Charlotte said. “You cleaned your plate well enough.”

Oh, ho!The lady has wit.Whatever was Simon’s problem?

She turned a pretty smile toward Drake. “I would love if you could provide me the recipe. That’s if your mother doesn’t wish it to remain a secret?”

“She would be honored such a fine lady has requested it.” He seized the opportunity before the tides changed. “Perhaps we can discuss it now. Would you take a turn about the room with me?”

Gratitude shone in her dark brown eyes. “I would be delighted. Would you excuse us, Lord Middlebury?”

Without waiting for Middlebury’s answer, Drake motioned for Charlotte to precede him.

A gruntedhmphsounded behind them as they walked away.

“Did you truly want my mother’s recipe, or was that your way of escaping Lord Middlebury?”

She laughed, an action he was quite certain she didn’t perform lightly. “You have seen through me. But I do truly want the recipe. That’s if I can convince my brother’s cook to use it. My brother is more like Middlebury, bland food and all.”

“I noticed your brother is not in attendance. He’s well, I hope.”

Her gaze flitted to his, then sheered away. “I have two brothers. My brother Nash now lives in America with his wife, so it would be difficult for him to attend. But he is quite well. And happy.”

“And the other? He’s the marquess, is he not?”

“He is, sir.” She pursed her lips, still not meeting his gaze.

“You can speak freely with me.”

She stopped walking and gave him her full attention. “Yes. I believe I can. I like you, Mr. Merrick. You carry yourself well. If I may be so bold, you have the makings of a duke more than Burwood. It’s a pity your roles are not reversed.”

Drake froze. Had she ferreted out their scheme? No, it wasn’t possible. Was it? “At times, I believe Simon would agree with you.”

“Simon? I thought his Christian name was Pierce?”

Drat!He’d done it again. What had Simon said to Ashton and the duchess?Ah, yes.“It is. But his stepfather called him Simon to shield him from the sting of his grandfather’s rejection.”

Lady Charlotte looked less convinced than the duke and duchess had. “Odd.” She shrugged. “Still, it is of no consequence to me. I intend to avoid him as much as possible.” She turned a brilliant smile on Drake, making him suspicious. “You, on the other hand, are most delightful company.”

“And your brother? The marquess? You didn’t answer my question. I hope his absence isn’t due to illness.”

“Another reason I like you, Mr. Merrick. You don’t tiptoe around things like most people of my acquaintance. Direct and to the point. I admire that. Since we’re speaking freely, no, he isn’t indisposed. But he is, shall we say, less welcoming to newly minted members of the peerage—regardless of their bloodline.”

“So he’s giving Burwood the cut?”

She shrugged again. “In a matter of speaking.”

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