Page 13 of A Duke Under Her Spell
“I do not believe the grandmother to have been a witch,” Felix answered shaking his head.
“That may be so, Your Grace, but people will talk. Is having her so near worth risking your family’s reputation? I would be remiss if I did not point out the danger.” The Earl’s face was quite serious in its concern.
“Yes, it is worth it. My mother’s life hangs in the balance. If you are made uncomfortable by her presence, then perhaps it would be best for you not to return until she has finished her duties here?”
“Nay, perish the thought. We will not leave you in your time of need, my dear fellow. We will continue to be here by your side through this trying time.” His tone of voice made it sound as if he were being heroic.
“And what of your reputation?” Felix asked somewhat sarcastically.
“We will bear the burden willingly to ensure that you are not left alone in this time of crisis, Your Grace. Perhaps our presence will aid in limiting the damage to Your Graces’ reputation.”
Felix felt like throwing something across the lawn, but he managed to restrain himself. “I thank you for your kind sacrifice.”
“What is sacrifice among future family?”
“Indeed.” Felix closed his eyes in secret agony over the thought.
Mother is worth any sacrifice, even if it is binding myself to these people for the rest of my miserable life.
Chapter 5
“Cordelia you are not making enough progress with the Duke. It is clear that he is more interested in that Wright witch than he is you, and she has just arrived.” Bernard Weatherton, Earl of Bredon, scolded his sister.
“Bernard, it is you who wishes for me to marry the Duke. You chased away the man I truly loved and commanded me to encourage a courtship with His Grace. I have done all that you ask, but it is hardly my fault if he is not interested. Did you see the state of him wheeling that chair around as if he were a common stable hand?”
“I did,” the Earl nodded.
“He was filthy and unkempt. Then to push that witch around as if they were children at play. It is unconscionable. A Duke who works with his hands and carries on a flirtation with a witch, is this really the man you wish to welcome as your brother?”
“No, it is not, but he has something that I desire and that is good enough.”
“That is all I am to you? A string of pearls to caste before swine in trade or barter as you wish?”
“Is it not the fate of all women?”
Cordelia clenched her fists in frustration. “You are well aware of the answer already, Brother.”
“Indeed, I am, Sister. Now you be the good little girl that we both know you can be and convince the Duke to wed you, and soon.”
“Yes, Bernard.” Cordelia bowed her head in submission. She knew her brother was right.
Bernard was so like their deceased father, Reginald. She could not help but think of all the conversations that they had had on the very same topic when he was alive. Bernard was very much like their father in looks as well. He had the same straight blonde hair and dark brown eyes, the same nose and chin. Neither man was overly handsome, but they were not unattractive either, being somewhere in the middle. Cordelia looked more like their mother.
“That is what I like to hear.” Bernard walked over and placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face up to look at him. “You must find a way to make the Duke fall in love with you, Cordelia. It is imperative to our family honor.”
Cordelia nodded her head quietly. “I will do my best, Brother. Upon that, you may depend.”
“Good.” Bernard turned and walked around to sit behind his desk.
Cordelia knew that her brother had been greatly disappointed by their visit to Arkley and the Duke’s inattentiveness. The Duke had been far more concerned with getting his witch settled into the manor house than he had been in entertaining his guests. Cordelia could feel her tenuous grip upon his attentions slipping away. Were it only herself she had to think about she would be more than happy to let the Duke go, as she had no real affection for the man, but it was not her choice. It was a matter of family honor.
“Now the ideal situation would be to have you invited to stay at Arkley Hall just as the witch has been invited to stay. Perhaps you could offer to sit with the Dowager Duchess and read to her?” Bernard suggested, leaning back in his chair, steepling his fingers in thought. “The Duke appears to have a soft spot for the old lady.”
“That is what maids are for. Why do I need to show interest in her illness? She is being doted on enough as it is. ‘Tis likely naught but female hysteria.” Cordelia sat back in her seat pouting like a child, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Sit up!” her brother commanded, causing her to jump. She quickly obeyed. “It is unbecoming of a lady of your station to slouch.”
“My apologies, Brother,” she murmured, her eyes downcast in repentance.
