Page 104 of His Scandalous Duchess

The duke sighed, his expression softening slightly. "As you might have heard, I am new in London. I don't know a lot about theways of theton, the rules, the expectations, the... performances." He paused, his gaze drifting to the roses nearby. "I was raised in the North, far from all of this. My mother was a commoner, and my father... well, up until the day he died, I didn't know of his existence. When he passed away last year, I inherited his title, but not his connections. Or his knowledge of how to navigate this... world."

Emma's defensiveness wavered as she listened. There was a rawness to his words, a vulnerability she hadn't expected from a man who seemed so self-assured. "I see," she said quietly, her tone less guarded now. "That must have been difficult."

"I need some assistance, Miss Lockhart," he continued. "I require your assistance."

Emma blinked, taken aback. "My assistance? Your Grace, I am not sure what I could possibly offer you."

"You know this world," he said simply. "You understand its rules, its nuances.You grew up here from what I've heard. You were quick to correct me last night at the garden when your sister... did what she did."

Emma had so many questions to ask him in that moment, but one thing he had said stuck in her mind, nagging at her like a splinter she couldn't ignore. "From what you've heard?" She repeated, her voice sharp with curiosity and a hint of unease. "If I may ask, what did you hear about me, Your Grace?"

Solomon inhaled deeply and placed both hands behind him. "I've heard that your father frequents the gentlemen's clubs, looking for investors to save his failing business," he revealed. "I've also heard that your family is putting up an act, pretending everything is fine when in reality, you are barely keeping yourheads above water. Everyone knows, Miss Lockhart. It's hardly a secret."

Emma's cheeks flushed, humiliation heating her skin. Her lips parted, but not to speak. She was so shocked that her jaw just gave way. Quickly... but not as quickly as she would have wanted, she regained her composure, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Your Grace, I must remind you that my family's affairs are private. I don't know who has been sharing such... details with you, but I find it highly inappropriate."

Solomon didn't flinch. "I understand your frustration, Miss Lockhart. But I assure you, my intentions are not to pry or embarrass you. I don't fault your sister for what she tried to do last night. Desperate times often call for desperate measures. If I were in her position, I might have done the same. I only mention it because I want you to know that I understand, and because I believe I can help."

Emma crossed her arms, her defensiveness rising like a shield."Your Grace, I would like to put an end to this conversation."

Solomon massaged his nape briefly before emitting a long sigh. "You're upset."

"Who wouldn't be?" she retorted. "First, you call me a spinster to my face, then you invite me out here to enlighten me about my family's financial problems and that we are on the brink of ruin. Forgive me if I am ever so eager to be done with this conversation."

"I was merely stating the facts," he argued. "And you called yourself a spinster first. It is the truth, or is it not?"

Emma's eyes narrowed, her irritation flaring. "The truth or not, it's hardly polite to point it out. Or do they not teach manners in the North?"

"They teach honesty, and I thought you might appreciate that. My goodness, I thought all of London would appreciate it. Clearly, I was wrong."

"Clearly," she answered, panting. Frustrated, she threw both hands in the air and sighed. "What are you doing here, Your Grace?"

Solomon crossed his arms. "I have already told you. I am here to help."

"Help?" Emma repeated. "By insulting me?"

"I come with an offer," he revealed. "I will give you as much money as you need to stabilize your family's finances. Name it. In return, you will educate me on the ways of theton. Teach me, and I'll ensure your family's troubles are a thing of the past."

Emma stared at him, unable to believe her ears. "You want to... pay me... to teach you etiquette?"

"Yes, exactly," he affirmed.

"Why me?" she questioned.

"Because you have already started," he answered and lowered his head. "And I know no one else better suited for the job. Just tell me the things I should, or shouldn't say, the gestures that are appropriate or inappropriate, and how to navigate this labyrinth of rules and expectations.I need the knowledge that you have and in return, I'll ensure your family's troubles are resolved."

Emma stared at him, her irritation warring with the practicality of his offer. He was infuriatingly blunt, yes, but he was also right. Shedidknow theton. She had spent years observing, learning, and surviving in a world that thrived on appearances. And if she could use that knowledge to secure her family's future, how could she refuse?

"Surely, there are better suited people for this," Emma said, unable to just yield to him.

"Miss Lockhart, I did not offer you money in that garden but you still told me how inappropriate it was to be seen with a maiden in such a place even though the maiden seemed to be hurt," Solomon said. "In the end, it's up to you to take, or reject my offer. I cannot force you."

Emma stared at him, contemplating. The offer was tempting... more than tempting. It was a lifeline, one she couldn't afford to ignore. Her family was drowning in debt, her father's business teetering on the edge of collapse, and Cecilia's future hanging in the balance. If she accepted his offer, she would not only stabilize their finances but also raise enough money for her and Cecilia's dowries. Perhaps, if she played her cards right, using Solomon's connections, she could even finally secure a wealthy husband for herself, someone who could solve all their problems once and for all.

Desperation had a way of stripping away one's principles, and Emma was desperate enough to see the good in this.

"Very well," she said finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I accept your offer, Your Grace."

Solomon lifted his head and a faint smile crossed his lips. "Then we have a deal, Miss Lockhart."