Page 70 of Finding Hope
He heaved another heavy sigh of disappointment. “I daresay that would be for the best. You will need to think of a plausible story.”
“I thought to put it out that she was removing to the Continent for warmer climes.”
He nodded with resignation. “Perhaps, my boy, when I have gone?”
Max hated to discuss such things, but knew it would ease his father’s mind. “As you wish.”
“I suppose I should dress now, if you are bringing your bride to me. I cannot be greeting her like this,” he said with a smile.
“Of course. I am going to the vault to find the ring.”
When Hartley returned with a couple of the Duke’s older hounds, which greeted their master with unleashed joy, the conversation was over.
Max watched for a moment with fondness, then left to retrieve the Davenmere ring before returning to fetch Hope.
He entered the Duke’s study, where the estate’s offices adjoined the muniment room, in which the vaults containing the Davenmere jewels were located.
Abernathy was delighted when Max told him of his errand, and was only too happy to oblige him by producing the large oval ruby, encased in a circlet of triangle-shaped diamonds.
“May I say, my lord, that we are very pleased by this news,” the steward remarked as though he represented the whole estate.
“As am I, Abernathy,” he said, taking the ring from the steward’s hands.
Rarely had Max given the jewel any thought—only he’d known it would one day be given to his bride.
“If you will also be so good as to have the Davenmere parure cleaned and made ready for the wedding, I would be obliged. It will take place very soon.”
“I have already taken the liberty of doing so, my lord. It is ready whenever your lordship desires.”
“Excellent.”
Max was still smiling as he left the offices and began to return to Hope. On the way, he saw his brother.
“Gus, old boy! I have hardly seen you since the first day you arrived.”
His brother looked mischievous. “I have not been hiding from you, Max.”
“No, I do not suppose you have. I have been somewhat preoccupied.”
“Yes, and the Duchess is in a pucker about it,” he said as though this was nothing new, which it wasn’t.
“She has filled your ears with her vitriol, I take it?”
“Her Grace is feeling very ill used, indeed. Better your problem than mine, Max.”
Max shook his head. “The Duchess will soon be far away from here. Her health prefers a warmer climate.”
“Is that how the wind blows? Serving her her just deserts, are you?” Gus asked with amusement.
“I wish it were not the case, but yes.”
Max heard a clock chime the hour and realized he was late. He clapped a hand on his brother’s back. “I must go. Wish me happy!”
Max heard Gus’ laughter from behind him.
Now a few minutes late, Max rushed to the east wing, near to bursting with excitement. The footmen were not at their posts and Max frowned. Had something happened?
He broke into a run towards Hope’s room and knocked. When there was no answer, he was close to being in a panic and threw open the door. “Hope?”
