Page 2 of A Most Improper Duchess
‘Elise, the last item please?’ he said.
‘It’s an idea for a tour,’ Elise stammered. ‘We’re calling it a mini-grand tour.’
Phineas snuffled a laugh. ‘Do you hear the contradiction?’
‘It’s an excellent idea,’ Lawrence said.
‘You haven’t even heard what it is,’ Phineas snapped.
‘If you think it rubbish, it’s likely excellent.’
‘I never said—’
‘Gentleman!’ Iris, eyes weary, shoulders sagging, leaned against the door frame. Hamish pushed himself from the table and drew her against his side for just a little longer than was appropriate, before helping her settle into her seat at the head of the table. ‘It’s intended as a microcosm of the tour,’ Iris said, her words drawn. ‘A week in Paris, for the family who wishes to give a son or daughter a taste of the culture of the continent but cannot stretch to multiple locations or years of gallivanting around. A concert or two, rather than a year in Austria. A few famous paintings, rather than every masterpiece. Enough French to get by, over fluency. A taste of music, art, language, food… and whatever else you gents get up to when you go abroad tocultureyourselves.’
It seemed unfair that she narrowed her gaze on him. Like everything he did, his tour had been very measured. How could it not have been, when he’d been accompanied by a minder and his itinerary had been packed with meetings with city officials?
‘I was hoping someone would travel to Paris and put together a list of places. When I was there last year, parts of the city were still rubble as buildings were destroyed during the war and the Siege. Construction was only just getting underway. But every newspaper report I read speaks of a city reborn. There are likely new sights. I want to know what they are so that we can stay ahead of our competitors.’
Phineas looked at Arley. Odette looked at him, too.
‘Perhaps someone with experience in what a grand tour is would be an excellent candidate. Then they could make comparisons to inform the advertising and even be a spokesperson for it. They could reassure potential clients that it’s a sensible investment in their child’s education,’ Iris continued.
Lawrence. Elise. Rosanna. Even the blasted cat, sat on the window ledge, seemed to shift his attention from the milk jug to Arley.
‘There is no time to co-ordinate such a trip,’ Arley said.
‘I’ve already planned it!’ Elise leapt from her seat and pushed a folder before him. ‘If you leave the day after tomorrow, you can get the train to Dover, then a steamer. You’ll connect at Calais…’
Arley looked at the ceiling as Elise ran through the itinerary. ‘The House returns in a little over a month. I need to prepare. I really cannot—’
‘Please, your grace,’ Iris said, her eyes damp with tears. ‘Phineas cannot obtain leave from the bank, and Lawrence and Rosanna will not leave Wilhelmina so close to her confinement.’
‘What about—’
‘Odette has rehearsals.’
‘And—’
‘Elise is far too young, and she keeps so much together. And before you suggest it,’ Iris continued, ‘I cannot go. Papa remembers less each day.’ All her assertion faded, and instead, was replaced with quiet grief. ‘He barely recognises Mr Rogers, and even sometimes forgets Gena, who has been with us the longest. I’m the only one who can keep him calm. If I go, and he forgets me, he’ll have no one. I would send Hamish, but I need him. I feel selfish, but I would crumble if he left. If I could split myself into multiple pieces, I would, but I am just one woman. Would you take this on? I know Spencer and Co is one of many interests you have, but it means so much to us.’
‘One problem. Paris is a little different when you’re a duke.’ He tried to keep his voice soft. He’d always liked Abberton. His deterioration was hard to witness, but harder still was its weight on Iris.
‘You could go incognito,’ Phineas drawled. ‘At least try not telling people you’re a duke all the time. Then you could experience the city like our clients might.’
Arley felt a sudden affinity with Lawrence, in that he could easily have leaned across the table and thumped Phineas. He didn’t tell people he was a dukeall the time. He didn’t have to. They simplyknew.
This is what happened from stepping out of his circle. From having associates.
‘I’ll give you one week,’ he said as he closed the folder.
‘I’ve booked two—’
‘One!’
‘Very well,’ Elise said as she took back the papers. ‘I’ll change all your tickets. How exciting. One day, I’d love to go to Paris!’
Arley stood, buttoning his coat. ‘It’s highly overrated.’
