Page 23 of The Matchmaker Meets her Duke
Her smile made the older man blush. But he didn’t turn away. Instead, he bowed his head. “Will we be seeing more of Your Grace? The Manor has been quiet without you.”
Pandora nodded. “Yes, I should hope so. I have no intention of abandoning the staff here, nor do I intend to stop throwing my parties.”
Warwick looked away as he stifled a smile. “I’m sure the staff will be glad to hear that, Your Grace.” A footman opened the door, and Pandora left Ravenswood Manor without a backward glance. She would be back tomorrow, after all.
The next day Edward appeared at the front door at midday. Pandora greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and pulled him into the drawing room before anyone could gainsay her. She ensconced her brother on the couch beside Rose without any shame and claimed the armchair by the window. The Dowager looked up with surprise as Edward settled down.
“I say, what is the meaning of this?” said Agatha.
Pandora waved a hand in her brother’s direction. “Your Grace, you’ll remember Edward from the wedding. Rose, you remember Edward, don’t you?”
Rose looked up from her book with surprise. “Oh! Yes, of course, My Lord. It is a pleasure to see you again.”
Edward blushed and bowed his head toward her before turning to Agatha. “It is a pleasure to see both of you once more.”
Agatha looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Edna sent you to spy, didn’t she?”
Edward’s brows furrowed together. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace. Edna? I don’t think I know anyone of that name.”
Agatha tossed her needlework on the table beside her. “Edna Brexley, Dowager Viscountess of Riverton! Surely you’ve been introduced.”
Edward looked helplessly toward Pandora, who shrugged. “We haven’t been introduced, I’m afraid. Our aunt didn’t know her, nor did any of her acquaintances.”
“Good for you then, one less viper in your life. But you can meet her on Friday. I’ve decided to throw a small party for some of my friends. To introduce you, of course.”
Pandora’s eyes widened. “This Friday?”
“Have you got wax in your ears, girl? Yes, this Friday. I would have said next Friday if that is what I meant,” said Agatha.
“I see,” said Edward.
“Oh, and you can come too, Earl Danvers. You’ll see what I mean when you meet Edna yourself.”
“Ah, yes. Of course, Your Grace. I appreciate the invitation. But–”
Agatha leaned forward in her chair. “But what? Afraid you aren’t good enough for the company a Duchess keeps? Well, I hardly blame you for being worried but never fear. Stay at my side and I’ll make sure no one will look twice at you.” She said the last with a wink, and Pandora gasped.
‘Was this old woman flirting with Edward?’she thought. It wasn’t impossible, Agatha was such a strange woman. She shot a glance at her brother, who looked rather pale.
Rose looked up from her book. “Grandmother, you mustn’t tease him so. Can’t you see you’ve confused him?” The look Edward gave Rose was full of warmth and gratitude. Rose’s eyes lingered on Edward’s face as a blush rose on her cheeks. She buried her nose back in her book with a squeak. Edward settled back on the couch, looking pleased with himself.
“Glad to see we are all getting along,” said a masculine voice from the door. Pandora’s head snapped around as Emmett strode into the room, hessian boots shining with fresh polish. He threw himself into the chair beside her.
“Go on, I hope I haven’t interrupted anything,” he said in a merry voice.
Agatha eyed him. “You are in a merry mood this morning.”
Emmett shrugged. “Why shouldn’t I be? It’s a fine day, and I finally caught up on all my letters.”
“Do many people write to you, Your Grace?” said Pandora.
“Emmett, please,” replied her husband. Pandora rolled her eyes as Edward raised an eyebrow and looked back and forth between the two of them.
“Emmett. Do you get many letters?” A servant came in with tea and set the tray on the low table at the center of the room. Rose put her book down with a sigh and began to pour.
“Just sugar for me, thank you,” said Pandora as Rose’s eyes met hers. Rose handed her a steaming hot cup of tea, and Pandora inhaled gratefully. Just what the afternoon called for.
“Entirely too many letters,” said Emmett.
