Page 35 of Once More, My Darling Rogue
“Lady Ophelia, perhaps.”
He nearly stumbled on the cobblestones. “Why would you think that?”
She gave him a sly look. “It didn’t escape my notice that you disappeared into an alcove with her at the ball.”
He cursed soundly. He’d been so angry with her that he’d not taken precautions to protect her reputation. The last thing he wanted was to find himself permanently tied to the harridan. Although the woman in his bed last night ... He mentally shook his head. They were one and the same. He needed to remember that. “Did anyone else notice?”
“I don’t think so. I’ve heard no rumors.”
He needed Grace. She would know with certainty. Ironically, so would Ophelia if she possessed her memories.
“I’ve long thought she fancied you,” the duchess said.
Drake barked out his laughter. “Lady Ophelia Lyttleton? No. I’m the last person on earth she would ever fancy. And I most certainly do not fancy her.”
“Something about her always struck me as tragic.”
He stopped walking and faced her. “A woman who walks with her nose so high in the air it’s a wonder sparrows don’t perch on it? A woman who can give a cut direct to a fellow without anyone else noticing? A woman who harangues her lady’s maid if a hair falls out of her coiffure? Are we talking about the same woman?”
“For being a woman you don’t fancy, she certainly doesn’t seem to have escaped your notice or scrutiny.”
“She’s been underfoot, a friend to Grace since she was old enough to walk. I could scarcely not notice her.”
Her lips curled up. “Oh, I suspect you could have if you tried.” She placed her hand on his elbow and began guiding him back toward the residence. “It’s her eyes. They’re haunted.”
“Haunted by what?”
“I wouldn’t know. That’s the thing of it. We can never know everything about another person, and sometimes actions are a defense.” She squeezed his arm. “I know she has slighted you on occasion, but I think perhaps you frighten her.”
“How the bloody hell did I frighten her? Because she is Grace’s friend, I’ve been remarkably cordial whenever our paths cross.”
She chuckled faintly, as though amused by something he could neither see nor hear. “The duke terrified me when I met him.”
He couldn’t imagine it. Even when the man had caught Drake trying to steal from him, he’d merely fed him. “What monstrous thing did he do?”
“He drew me to him in ways no other man ever had.”
Lady Ophelia Lyttleton was not drawn to him. The thought was ludicrous. The duchess was getting up in years, fancied herself a matchmaker for her sons, but she had atrocious taste when it came to who would suit and who would not. Still, Drake loved her, knew she meant well, and it took all his self-control not to laugh until his belly hurt. Ophelia. Drawn to him. When pigs flew.
After they returned to the house, he excused himself to talk with the housekeeper as he had some questions regarding his new residence. The duchess had seen it, of course, when he purchased it, but he hadn’t invited any of the family back over for a visit. He wanted to wait until he had things in order. So she wasn’t surprised by his desire to speak with Mrs. Garrett.
“Mrs. Beeton’sBook of Household Management,” the elderly housekeeper told him now as they stood in her office below stairs. “The very best resource for learning how to manage a house properly. Mrs. Beeton believed that an untidy house led to marital discord. Her guidance has saved many a marriage, I assure you.”
He had no interest in saving any marriage. He didn’t even know why he was seeking her counsel. Ophelia would no doubt be returning to her residence tomorrow morning. But he would soon be hiring a proper housekeeper, and it seemed he needed to have an idea regarding the knowledge she should possess.
Leaving Mrs. Garrett, he went in search of a sweet little maid who had come to work here a few years before. He found Anna making the duke’s bed.
Blushing, she curtsied. “Master Drake.”
He had told her numerous times that she need not curtsy for him, but still she did the little bob. Taking a moment, he outlined details of her form as discreetly as possible. She was perfect for his needs. “Anna, I was wondering if you might be able to help me.”
“If I can, sir, anything at all. You need only ask.”
“I know a woman who has fallen on hard times. She is approximately your size. I was wondering if you might have any clothing you were considering disposing of. I would gladly pay you a hundred pounds for it.”
Her blue eyes widened. “Oh, you don’t have to do that, sir. I’m more than happy to help those in need.”
“I insist on recompense. She requires quite a bit, actually. A uniform, an apron. Some unmentionables.” He grinned. “Which I just mentioned, didn’t I?”
