Page 55 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
“Of course, I did,” Henry said, mildly affronted. “I met with the vineyard owner himself in Europe.”
Thomas pulled a face, rolling his eyes. But he did not stop grinning, as if he was pleased by Henry’s irked attitude. “Very well, where is your wife? I only agreed to meet at the manor, so I could meet her. Word in Dalton Square is that she is both ruinous and beautiful.”
“Do not speak of her like that.”
“Does it offend you? You seemed not to care for her the last time we met. If youdocare, then surely your friend must meet your wife?”
“You are annoying, Shawcross. You are here to talk business with me.”
“We must always talk business. If you wish for only that, then contact my father—except you will not, will you? Because you know I am of more help with the situation about your business partner.” Thomas stood up, swirling the wine in his glass and drinking deeply. “Now, I shall greet the Duchess. It is only polite, is it not?”
Before Henry could stop him, Thomas walked out of the study and towards the drawing room, speaking with a footman out of earshot.
Henry stalked ahead, surprising Veronica, who was finishing off the touches to another vase full of flowers.
She spun around in surprise.
“Your Grace,” she said, and then her eyes fell over his shoulder. “We have a guest?”
Her brows furrowed, no doubt thinking that Henry despised company. She would be right.
“Duchess,” he sighed, “Might I introduce Mr. Thomas Shawcross, my… acquaintance.”
“He humbles me,” Thomas snorted. “I am his friend. Hisonlyone, I might add. Your Grace, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have been badgering Westley for some time.”
Henry cut a glare to Thomas. But his friend only bowed deeply to Veronica, taking her hand, which she gave with a surprised smile, before kissing it.
“The honor is mine, Mr. Shawcross,” she said. “It is not often His Grace has guests.”
“Ah, I am here on business officially, but yes, Iama guest.”
“Then let me call for some refreshments,” Veronica suggested, and Henry was about to intervene, irked by how well they got along, when Thomas made himself comfortable on the settee.
“That would be lovely, thank you, Your Grace. Now, do tell me, is the Duke as grouchy as he is to me when you are around?”
“The Duchess will do well to remember that I am her husband before answering that,” Henry warned, giving Veronica a sharp look.
Part of him wished he could tease as well as Thomas did, but he did not have it in him. His teasing was commanding, a sultry kind, not a joyous humorous type.
“Yes, I shall do well to remember that,” Veronica said slowly, and he saw the sly look she gave him. “But he is indeed, Mr. Shawcross.”
“I knew it.” Thomas flashed him a grin. “Henry, you must lighten up. Here, share some wine with me.”
A butler served them wine while one of the maids brought in a tray of cakes.
Macarons were Veronica’s favorite, Henry had subtly learned, and she picked up a pale pink one and ate it daintily.
Together, she and Thomas sat opposite each other. Henry sat next to Thomas.
Veronica gave him a look of light disappointment which he ignored.
“I do believe business should be conducted in my study, Thomas,” Henry warned, for he did not want Veronica to hear why, exactly, Thomas was there.
Thomas did not take Robert’s disappearance seriously enough, and Veronica did not take kindly to jokes, least of all about her brother.
“It is a good thing I am not yet ready to discuss that, then,” Thomas said airily.
He gave Veronica a softer smile a moment before he drank deeply from his wine glass.
