Page 47 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“But now, I have other people to think of.”
He picked up one of the files he’d pilfered from the Home Office with a sigh, considering it thoughtfully. “But my honor demands that I see this through.”
He sat down and resumed his search, checking off name by name, cross-checking with all the players he knew from Jonathan’s case.
Suddenly, he stopped as a thought occurred to him. Ever since he had become duke, he had not had any kind of celebration to mark his transition. He had refrained not only because of financial constraints but also because of his injuries.
“Curiosity killed the cat. I wager if I held a ball here, curiosity would bring every nobleman in the vicinity to the castle.”
He sat back with a smile and a nod. Reaching for his bell, he rang it urgently, summoning Notley.
“Your Grace, they are waiting for you in the dining hall,” the butler said, a slightly reproachful note creeping into his voice.
Edward waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, yes, I need you to find out for me just which local noblemen are currently residing in their country houses. I also wish you to begin making arrangements with the Duchess for the biggest ball we can manage to host. Can you do that?’
Notley merely stared at him nonplussed.
“Notley?” he prompted.
The butler jerked in startlement. “Yes! Of course, I can. I shall get to it presently.”
“Good man.”
“His Grace not joining us for dinner?” William Marshall asked curiously.
“Oh, my nephew is something of a recluse. He does not do well with large groups of people. I hope you can forgive him,” Lady Anastacia hastened to excuse Edward, much to Ava’s surprise.
“He had said he would join us,” she blurted without thinking.
Lady Anastasia pursed her lips in annoyance. “Yes, well, perhaps he wanted to, but something held him up. He has beenquite busy lately.”
Ava’s brow furrowed, but she made no reply, resolving to speak with Edward as soon as she could because he hadpromised,and that had to mean something.
“Well, the least he could have done is send his apologies then,” Lady Jaxton said, looking a bit put out. “He is our daughter’s husband, and we are in his home, yet we have hardly seen him.”
“As I said, he is a bit of a recluse. I am sure he will explain once he has a moment.” Lady Lanton gave a strained smile. “In the meantime, he has instructed the entire household to treat you as honored guests, and if you allow me, I can stand in his stead as your host.”
Martha frowned, looking toward Ava. “Shouldn’tour daughterbe the hostess in the absence of her husband?”
“Of course! I meant co-host. I have lived with my nephew ever since his accident, and so I am familiar with certain things Her Grace might not be. I am here to help.”
Ava spooned her soup, wondering how this dinner had turned into such a disaster. She wanted to shoot to her feet and march over to Edward’s study,makehim join them, but she also didn’t want to make a scene.
“Papa isn’t trying to be mean, Grandmama. I promise. He is very nice.” Lily’s piping voice reminded Ava of her presence, and she smiled at her daughter’s earnest defense of Edward. She realized that she should have done the same. Whatever her issues were with her husband, she should not air them in front of her family.
“Lily is right, and so is Lady Lanton. Edward certainly does not mean to be rude. He does get caught up in his work sometimes, and he is not used to interacting with many people.” She laughed softly. “I don’t even think he knows all the servants’ names.”
Her mother’s face softened. “Well then, we shall give him some time and space to get used to us.”
“Thank you, Mother. How is the beef? Is it to your liking?” She indicated her mother’s largely untouched plate.
Martha picked up a knife. “Oh yes, it’s quite good. I suppose I was distracted by the conversation.”
“Tomorrow, I will take you to see the daffodils Papa and I planted,” Lily offered.
Martha smiled indulgently. “That will be lovely. Thank you, Lily.”
Ava felt a hand snake over hers, in her lap, and squeeze, and she looked sideways at her sister. Margaret gave her a tentative smile, and Ava returned it, turning her hand around to squeeze Margaret’s hand back. It was her sister’s way of asking if she was all right, and Ava was grateful for the care her sister always showed her.
