Page 10 of A Duchess Mistaken
So that other voice in the back of her mind that felt a bit of jealousy when the duke kissed Caroline’s hand was promptly ignored. It had to be because she was yet to receive any affection from her own intended. Of course, it was. There could be no other reason for such a feeling.
“Welcome to Claymore Castle,” the duke went on, releasing Caroline’s hand. “I shall have my men take your luggage inside. Allow me to escort you to the drawing room where you may be able to rest after your lengthy trip here.”
Lord Reeds was about to respond but Agnes beat him to it. She stepped up to Caroline and slipped her arm through hers, saying, “I shall help Caroline get settled in. If you would excuse us.”
Agnes began leading her friend away even as Lady Reeds hissed under her breath. “Caroline?—”
“You needn’t worry, my lady,” Agnes continued. “His Grace does not mind, does he?”
She looked expectantly up at the duke. He stared down at her with an impassive expression, making her wonder if she’d overestimated what his response would be. But then he nodded. “I think it is a grand idea to have Miss Caroline relax in the company of her friend.”
She grinned victoriously. Agnes did not bother to spare the Lord and Lady Reeds another glance before she continued guiding Caroline towards the castle. As she went by, Caroline murmured soft greetings to Agnes’ family, who greeted her warmly.
They were met by the housekeeper as they made it to the foyer. Mrs. Adams bowed slightly before saying, “Allow me to escort you to your room.”
Agnes grinned at Caroline and only then did a glimmer of her friend show through with a slight smile of her own. Together, they followed Mrs. Adams up to Caroline’s chambers, which was located right across from Agnes’. It was as magnificent as Agnes’, though the view of her window overlooked a meadow rather than the imposing forest as it did in Agnes’ room.
Mrs. Adams informed them that luncheon would be served shortly and, in the meantime, Caroline’s luggage would be brought up to her chambers. Agnes stood idly by as she waited for Mrs. Adams to finish her spiel, but once she was gone, she let her grin grow wide once more.
“Oh, Caroline, I am so happy you’re here!” This time, she did not hesitate to throw her arms around her friend.
Caroline’s laughter was like music to her ears. She hugged her back just as tightly. “I cannot believe I am finally here! I thought we would never make it to the castle. It is rather far from London.”
“Be glad you did not arrive in the dead of night like we did,” Agnes told her. “It seems the duke is in a much better mood in the light of day.”
Caroline’s green eyes went wide. She was a gentle beauty with flushed skin, soft green eyes, and silky blond hair. She always liked to keep most of her hair down around her body but, ever since she debuted, her aunt and uncle made certain it was done atop her head at all times.
“Is he dreadful?” Caroline asked in horror.
“Oh, no not at all! On the contrary, I find him quite polite and gentlemanly. But I have only met him just last night, you see, so I cannot say I know much.”
That was an understatement. Agnes didn’t like how much time she’d already spent thinking about her interactions with the duke and dissecting his responses to everything she said. She didn’t need to say that to Caroline, even though she told Caroline everything.
“Hm.” Caroline sank into a nearby sofa and slipped her shoes off, tucking her feet underneath her. Agnes did the same. “What do you think of them? I know how observant you can be so I’m sure you have already drawn a conclusion?”
“A conclusion?” Agnes laughed. “You make me seem like a scientist specializing in human behavior.”
“It is not that far from the truth, I’m sure. Have you met your intended?”
“I have.”Though I was not terribly impressed with him. “He is not well. He has retired to his chambers to sleep away his ailment.”
“Oh, dear. Do you think he might be…”
“Staving off a terrible megrim from a night of alcoholic indulgence?” A smile touched her lips. “I am almost certain. The duke is rather annoyed with Lord Christopher’s state, though he will not say why he is the way that he is.”
Caroline giggled behind her hand. “I am certain he does not know you’ve already deduced the reason behind his illness.”
“He has not and I shan’t make either one of them any wiser.”
“Well, I do hope His Grace is not a lover of spirits. I have seen the way it makes my uncle and I would hate to deal with such a thing in my marital home.”
“Yes, and let us hope that Lord Christopher does not indulge often either.”
Footmen were coming in and out of the room, bearing trunks of Caroline’s belongings. After the fourth trunk, Agnes raised her brows in surprise.
“Just how many dresses did you bring?” she asked.
Caroline rolled her eyes. “Enough to last me years, I’m certain. Aunt Prudence has paid a pretty penny at the modiste to ensure that I have new dresses for every day of our stay here at Claymore Castle. She is determined to impress His Grace in every manner imaginable.”
