Page 45 of Wedded to the Beastly Duke
Rickard’s smile was easy. “He didn’t? That old dog.”
There was a Scottish lilt in his voice, which Emmeline was forced to admit she found particularly attractive.
“Well, never mind that. I suppose I shall have to wait until he returns home. Do you know when he is due back?”
This was humiliating, but Emmeline had not been bred a lady for nothing. She gave him a gracious smile. “I’m afraid not. Do come in. Have you traveled far?”
“From Glasgow, as it happens.”
“Quite some way, then.”
“Yes, indeed.” He gave her a lopsided, charming smile. “I confess I’m tired and probably in great need of a bath.”
Emmeline made the split-second decision to welcome him into the house. If he had traveled all the way from Scotland, he would like as not be in need of a place to sleep—and if this man did know Adam, then perhaps it would answer one of her questions.
If not, then at least she would have some company. If Adam objected to that, perhaps he ought to make an effort to keep her company more often.
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Emmeline said. “I’ll have a room and a bath prepared for you. Why don’t you join me for dinner in a few hours once you’ve had a chance to clean up?”
His face split into a genuine smile. “My thanks, Your Grace. It’s an honor to be so welcomed into your home.”
“It’s my pleasure, and always a delight to meet one of my husband’s friends.”
A flicker of something shone in Rickard’s gray eyes, but a second later it was gone, and she had no time to identify it.
“Of course, of course. Well, I haven’t seen him in a long time. You’ll have to tell me what he’s like now. And to think he’s married.”
Emmeline arched an eyebrow. “Is that such a surprise?”
“When I see the provocation, I can fully understand,” he said gallantly, with a rakish wink that made her laugh.
His flirting was outrageous, but there was something about it that made her suspect he meant not a word, and that put her at ease. Much as she and Adam were experiencing teething problems, she had no intention of finding lovers under his roof.
“Keaton,” Emmeline said to the butler, “be so good as to show Mr. Hansen up to the blue bedroom.”
Keaton inclined his head, though she could see disapproval marring his expression. “Of course. Right this way, Sir.”
Alone once again, Emmeline was at her leisure to wonder what was going to happen now—and what her husband would say about it when he finally returned home.
ChapterFourteen
Adam had a frustrating few days. Just like Nicholas, no one he spoke to could offer him any kind of new information. By all accounts, William had been acting perfectly normal before he had returned to the country. He had been outgoing, attending all the balls with his usual flamboyance.
Of course, there were the debts, but any man of fashion gambled, and from what Adam could tell, his brother had rarely visited with his man of business or spoken directly to the bank to ascertain the precise situation of his funds.
There was nothing anywhere—no letters, no odd conversations, no hints—to suggest what might have happened to his brother.
Butsomethinghad happened. Adam just wasn’t sure if it was at his brother’s hand or someone else’s. There were arguments for both, but he wasn’t sure which was more compelling.
By the time he finally made his way back home, he thought longingly of the castle, even if it was filled with memories.
And, he could hardly deny to himself, the allure of a certain young lady there waiting for him. No doubt she would be furious that he had left after treating her in such a way. He would have to apologize, but perhaps they would find a way of making this marriage work.
Somehow.
He arrived after dark, when the lights glowed through the windows, a haven of warmth. His relief was palpable as he strode inside, waving away Keaton as he came to speak with him.
“Dining, is she?” he asked as he headed toward the dining room. “I think I’ll join her.”
