Page 59 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“They killed your brother! Do you not think they can come up with a reason to detain you?”
He pursed his lips, thinking how inconvenient it was that Ava was such a clever woman. “You are right; of course, they could do that. But so far, they have no reason to suspect that I am anything except a grieving brother looking for answers.”
She tightened her hold on his wrist, nails digging into his flesh. “Promise me you will come back to me safe, and you will not do anything that will jeopardize that safety.”
He leaned up to kiss her again. “I promise,” he said against her lips, even as he winced inwardly, knowing that he intended to break that promise. “Now about the Marquess, I have heard some stories of the wild parties he loves to throw in Spain and Paris. I do not think he is one for settling down. Tell your sister to cast her net wider and not put all her eggs in that basket.”
Ava sighed deeply. “I was afraid of just such a thing. I do not look forward to telling her. She had really set her heart on him.”
“Well, if it is meant to be, I am sure he will put in the effort. It is up to him is it not?”
Ava frowned. “I suppose so.” She groaned, “Why does all this have to be so hard?”
Edward laughed. “I will be damned if I know.”
“Mama? Why does Papa have to be careful when he goes to London?”
Ava frowned, “What do you mean by that?”
“I heard him talking to his steward, Mr. Gabriel, and Mr. Gabriel said, ‘It is a huge risk, Sir; are you sure you want to do it?’ And then Papa said, ‘He was my brother. I have no choice.’ Then Mr. Gabriel said, ‘London can be right dangerous. Be careful.’ And Papa said he would.” Lily looked up at her expectantly. “What does that mean?”
Ava’s heart grew cold. Edward had promised her that he would not do anything to put himself in danger. He was just supposed to submit a report. So, what was all this about London can be dangerous? She put on a strained smile for Lily. “I do not know what it means darling, but I shall be sure to ask Papa when he returns.”
Lily nodded thoughtfully. “I am sure it is not something bad, Mama. Papa would not do that.” She patted Ava consolingly on the arm, and Ava smiled, her heart growing three sizes at her daughter’s perceptiveness.
She cupped Lily’s chin gently. “You are such a generous spirit, Lily darling. I hope you never change.”
Lily frowned, “I did not get Papa in trouble, did I?”
Ava laughed, shaking her head.No, he gothimselfin trouble.
“Come on, you are late for your piano lesson. You know what a stickler Mary is.”
Lily made a face. “Yes I know.”
Ava took her hand and walked with her toward the music room. As they entered, she caught sight of her mother sitting on the bench, reading a book. Martha looked up with a smile. “There she is, my dear granddaughter. Have you come to spend time with me?”
Lily’s mouth turned down. “No, I have a piano lesson.”
Martha immediately got to her feet, vacating the bench for Lily, “All the better. I would love to hear you play.”
Lily’s shoulders hunched. “I am not very good, Grandmama.”
Martha smiled, “I think I shall be the judge of that.”
The governess, Mary, came bustling in at that moment carrying sheets of music. “There you are, My Lady,” she said to Lily. “Shall we begin?”
Ava and her mother sat together on the loveseat by the window. They stayed quiet, watching Lily as she played. In the middle of a piece, Martha turned to Ava. “How was tea with the Marquess?”
Ava flicked her a glance. “I do not know about him, Mother. He seems like a flake.”
Martha nodded. “Well then, we will just have to guide Margaret’s interests elsewhere. Luckily, there are other events taking place close by. The Dowager Viscountess of Yate is holding a Venetian breakfast on behalf of her nephew, who is allegedly a Milanese Prince.”
Ava gave her mother an incredulous glance. “And how, pray tell, did you hear of it?”
Martha gave her an enigmatic smile. “Oh, I have my ear to the ground. I am told that invitations are being sent out in the next few days, so do be a dear and make sure you are on the list.”
Ava smiled. “Of course, Mother.”
