Page 61 of Earl on the Run (The Duke's Estates 2)

Her friend seemed unaffected by the reproach. “You did not appear to be kissing a business partner beside the stream,” she replied dryly.

“I was…” Harriet was a muddle of conflicting feelings.

“I merely offer observations,” added Cecelia airily. “And perhaps…possibilities. Who knows?” She stood. “I must go.”

Harriet rose as well.

“There is a lovely little path through the woodland,” the duchess said, turning in that direction. “It goes past the Travelers’ camp and right over to Ferrington Hall. Perhaps you know it?”

Meeting her eyes, Harriet said, “Yes, Cecelia. I do.”

“I thought you might.”

Harriet walked with her to the garden gate and then turned back toward the house. The wind, which had been at her back, pushed into her face now and threatened to pull her hat from her head. Skirts billowing, she hurried along the path and slipped through the nearest door, which happened to be the one nearest to her grandfather’s study.

She paused and considered going back out into the gale. She would have to pass his lair to reach other parts of the house, and the door was open. She listened. He was hardly ever so silent. He must not be there. She hurried along the hallway, passed the study safely, turned a corner, and nearly ran into the old man in the hallway.

Her grandfather effectively blocked the corridor. His dark eyes drilled into her. “There you are. What did the duchess have to say?”

“It was just a friendly visit,” Harriet replied.

“Linny said it was a matter of importance. She thought the duchess came to speak to you about the earl.”

She did wish her mother would be less forthcoming. She hadn’thadto tell him that. She hadn’t known it was true.

“Well, what was it?” He frowned at her. “What’s wrong with you, girl?”

“Nothing.” She had to think of some sop to offer him. Harriet said the first thing that came into her head. “He enjoyed the ride.”

“Did he?” Her grandfather rubbed his hands together. “Would the duchess be willing to act as matchmaker, do you think? I could pay her.”

“No!” It was a horridly vulgar suggestion. Cecelia might laugh, but Harriet would be mortified.

“I don’t suppose she needs the money,” he conceded.

“Indeed not!”

“You needn’t look so sour. Plenty of noblewomen hire themselves out as go-betweens and would be very happy to take my money.”

She couldn’t deny it. “The duchess is not one.”

“Ah, well.” He waved the idea aside. “Perhaps she may be helpful without prodding. She said he enjoyed the ride, eh? Came over to tell you that. Nothing else?”

Harriet shook her head. She edged along the wall, hoping to slip past him and escape.

He moved to block her. “You should arrange another then.”

She would not be getting on a horse any time soon. Perhaps ever. “I’m a poor rider,” she said.

“You think you don’t show well on horseback?” He considered this while Harriet absorbed the sensation of being spoken of like livestock. “You should walk out toward Ferrington Hall and hang about until you run into him.”

The fact that she’d done precisely that not so long ago, when the earl was Jack the Rogue, somehow made her even angrier. “So you’re no longer worried about the Travelers?”

“Oh, them.” He looked disgusted. “Why won’t they move along? I wish Ihadchased them off. The whole neighborhood would be grateful once the thing was done.”

She shouldn’t have reminded him of that. “I won’t lurk on the earl’s property hoping to ambush him,” she declared to distract him. Though it was also quite true.

Her grandfather came a step closer and glowered down at her. “A fine match has dropped into your lap like a ripe plum, Harriet. If you don’t make a push to snag it, I will understand you have no intention of heeding my wishes.”

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