Page 21 of The Uncouth Duke of Longford
“Why not?”
A frown pulled at Andrew’s forehead. “Why should I tell Miss Grifford about it?”
“Because you are rather attached to her, are you not?”
Andrew blinked rapidly and then laughed, shaking his head despite the way his heart twisted within him. “Certainly, I am not.”
“Are you quite certain?” His cousin lifted one eyebrow as Andrew turned his head to look out of the window. “I thought you danced with her twice last evening and the second one was the waltz!”
“I did, yes, but that is not because I had any sort of specific feelings as regards the lady,” Andrew replied, firmly. “It is only because I felt myself obliged towards her. I will not go into the reasons as to why that is but no, you can be assured that there was nothing of import on my part as regards her.”
“Oh.” Lord Chiddick frowned heavily as Andrew glanced back towards him. “Then why did you wish to call upon her?”
“Idid not,” Andrew emphasized, though he found himself growing a little hot as he recalled the conversation. “You statedthat you should like to call upon Miss Grifford and, given that you were not acquainted with her mother or her sister, I offered to come with you in order to make the correct introductions.”
There was a brief silence, only for Lord Chiddick to harrumph, perhaps not quite believing that Andrew was speaking the truth. Andrew did not care to explain any further, letting himself sigh gently as he closed his eyes and sat back.
“You will not dance with her at the ball tomorrow evening, then?”
Andrew cracked open one eye and saw his cousin’s lifted eyebrow. “I am not inclined towards dancing,” he stated, “as you well know.”
“Ah, but that is not what I asked you.” Lord Chiddick’s smile began to grow again. “I asked if you would choose not to dance with the lady again.”
“If I am disinclined towards dancing, then I am quite sure that I will be disinclined towards dancing with Miss Grifford.” It was the only answer he could give and yet, as he spoke those words, they did not satisfy him. He felt as though he were deliberately betraying himself, pretending that he did not have an interest in the lady when the truth was, there was something flickering there which he was entirely uncertain about. With another sigh, he closed his eyes again and remained silent for the rest of the journey home, doing all he could to keep his mind away from Miss Grifford.
“You have a letter, Your Grace.”
Andrew, who had called for the butler to enter, took it from the silver tray the butler held out to him. “I thank you.”
“Is there anything else?”
Glancing to Lord Wrexham – who then shook his head – Andrew dismissed the butler and then looked at the letter.
“Please, do not refrain on my account!” Lord Wrexham waved a hand. “If it is of any importance, then – ”
“It probably will be nothing of importance,” Andrew replied, turning the letter over though he immediately frowned. “However, there is no seal here.”
“No seal?”
Andrew shook his head. “There is wax to close the letter, yes, but there is no seal pressed into it. That is a little unusual.”
“Indeed.” Lord Wrexham ran one hand over his chin and then shook his head. “Perhaps a bill of some sort.”
“Mayhap.” Andrew broke the wax, unfolded the letter and then read the few lines. His eyes widened, his heart beating furiously as he took in what was said, barely hearing Lord Wrexham asking what the problem was. He read it again, then with a shake of his head, looked across to his friend. “I can hardly believe what I have just read.”
“Tell me.” Lord Wrexham’s eyes were rounded, clearly a little concerned over what Andrew had read. “Is it troubling?”
Andrew nodded. “Very.” Clearing his throat, he held the letter out again. “‘Your Grace, I write with grave concern for your welfare. Please be very cautious and careful in your day to day goings-on. There is someone who means you harm.’”
Lord Wrexham’s eyes widened. “Is that all it says?”
“Yes.”
“Good gracious.” Lord Wrexham shook his head. “Whatever does that mean?”
“I do not know.”
“And no-one has signed it?”
