Page 76 of His Grace, the Duke
Shit.
Across from them, Olivia went stiff. Next to her, Rosalie’s eyes darted to Burke, her expression impossible to read.
“No,” Olivia murmured. “I am not yet married.”
If anything were to ruin his mood today, it would be this conversation.Noonesayit.
“Oh, but she is engaged,” Prudence cooed, all smiles as she completely ignored the tension around her.
Burke stifled a groan, while Hartington leaned back on the sofa, schooling his features. “Oh? And who is the lucky man? Would I approve of him?”
Olivia chewed her lip, unable or unwilling to look at Burke. Next to her, Rosalie was still as a statue.
Prudence twittered a laugh. “You’re sitting right next to him.”
Goddamnit.
Hartington’s head swung around as he gaped at Tom. “You’re engaged to Livy?”
“No,” Tom replied, at the same time Olivia balled her hands into fists in her lap and hissed, “Stopcalling me ‘Livy!’”
Prudence looked between the two of them in confusion. “I’m sorry but... do you two know each other?” She pointed between Olivia and the captain.
“Not since we were children,” Olivia replied.
Hartington was still distracted. His eye settled on Burke. “You’reengaged to Olivia?”
Burke took a deep breath. “Well . . .”
“It’s a bit complicated,” Tom said, putting a hand on Hartington’s shoulder.
Hartington frowned, shrugging away from him. “What’s complicated about being engaged? You either are or you’re not.” He turned to Olivia, one brow raised in question.
“They are,” said Prudence, because apparently it was impossible for her to read the tone of a room. “It was just announced at the duke’s Michaelmas ball. You looked so lovely dancing together,” she added with a smile at Olivia. “You’ll have such beautiful children.”
Godinheaven,someoneshutthiswomanup.
Hartington was still looking at Olivia, waiting for her to confirm it. “Is it true?”
Burke cast Tom a pleading look and Tom sprang into action. He gripped the captain by the elbow and pulled himto his feet. “Rose, why don’t we show Hart the back gardens before lunch?”
Rosalie cast a nervous eye at Burke before nodding. “Yes... yes, I’d love another walk. Prudence, will you come?”
“But it’s too windy,” Prudence replied, confused that she should even suggest it.
In that moment, divine providence intervened. Piety called from the far side of the room. She and the other young people were playing whist at two card tables. “Prue, darling, come take my place. The duchess is asking for me.”
Prudence floated away, wholly oblivious to the awkward tension she’d created.
“Come outside with me,” Tom soothed at Hartington. “I’ll explain.”
Olivia couldn’t look at them. Indeed, she seemed on the verge of tears. Burke’s heart broke for her... for who could better sympathize with her plight than her wholly reluctant bridegroom?
Clenching his jaw, Hartington let himself be led away.
Everyone on the far side of the room was too immersed in their game to realize Burke was now sitting alone with Olivia. It helped that Tom and Rosalie made as much commotion as possible. They declared their intention of showing Hartington the topiaries, rebuffing all the ladies who chimed that it was far too windy for a stroll. In all the flurry of activity, Olivia raised her eyes to Burke, waiting for him to speak.
Taking a deep breath, he gave her a weak smile. “I really think we need to talk.”
