Page 17 of An Inconvenient Duke

“We’re so happy that you stopped by.” As she settled onto the settee, Harriett gestured with one hand for Marcus to join her and at the butler with the other. “Drummond, please fetch tea.”

Remaining on his feet, Marcus stopped the butler with a shake of his head. “I’m afraid I don’t have time. I only stopped by for a moment.” He once more put his fist to the small of his back, as if finding strength in that commanding stance that must have been second nature to him. “I’ve come to ask for your help.”

“Is something wrong?” Dani interjected, her lungs hitching with sudden concern as she sank onto the settee next to Harriett.Please, God, no…not his family, not again. “Is it Pippa or Claudia?”

“Nothing like that. But I admit that I find myself in a sticky situation.” He gave a self-deprecating smile that won over Harriett immediately but did nothing to lessen Dani’s unease. “Army training isn’t at all helpful with matters of domesticity.”

“Of course, we would be happy to help.” Harriett beamed, thrilled to be of service. “Danielle and I are quite skilled with domestic matters.”

Dani slid her a dubious glance.Domestic?The two of them didn’t even know how to boil an egg.

“Claudia is being courted by Adam Trousdale,” he explained. “He plans to offer for her, and I fully intend to grant my permission. Trousdale is a good man who will make her a fine husband.”

Harriett gleefully clapped her hands. “Oh, how wonderful!”

Unease tightened Dani’s belly. It truly was good news, and she was thrilled for Claudia… But what did it have to do with her and Harriett?

A concerned frown creased his brow. “With no female relatives to guide her through the betrothal and wedding, however, I fear she might become overwhelmed.”

Harriett’s hand went to her throat, alarmed for Claudia by just the thought of it.

Dani bit her cheek to keep from laughing. Her aunt’s dismay was solely for the duke’s benefit. Harriett was nothing if not theatrical.

“I know it’s a great deal to ask, but I was hoping that you two would do her the kindness of providing that guidance.” His smile widened. The man was certainly using all the charms at his disposal. “And take pity on an old soldier who knows nothing about wedding lace, breakfasts, and trousseaus.”

Dani’s gaze narrowed at how easily he tossed out that request for help. A wholly manufactured one, too, as Claudia was more than capable of surviving her betrothal and wedding just fine. And he certainly wasn’t old or pitiable. What was the devil up to?

“Your help would be a perfect solution for Claudia.”

Perfect, all right…most perfectly convenientfor him. And a request he knew her aunt would never refuse. His battle strategy for wheedling more information out of her about Elise and Scepter was becoming clearer by the moment.

“We would be happy to assist her,” Harriett answered quickly for both of them before Dani could refuse.

“Thank you.” Then Marcus threw out casually, “Why don’t you come to Charlton Place for dinner tomorrow evening? We can celebrate the betrothal and begin to discuss arrangements then.”

Thatwas a snare if ever Dani had heard one. And she had to put a stop to it. Now.

“Auntie, while it’s very kind of you to offer our help,” she gently contradicted, “surely Claudia doesn’t need us. At least not until the engagement is formally announced.” By which time Dani hoped to have thought of a way out of this mess that put her and her secrets in such close proximity to the general. A man who could never learn what she and his sister had been doing. “I would hate for His Grace to be burdened with hosting a dinner for us when our presence isn’t yet necessary.”

Harriett leveled a hard look on her and warned enigmatically beneath her breath, “Bridgewater.”

Oh, for heaven’s sake… Dani surrendered with a sag of her shoulders, seeing no good way of escape. Her aunt would never let her out of this.

Marcus swung a perplexed glance between the two women. As if realizing he’d never be able to fathom their secret conversation, he smiled. “I’m grateful for your help.” Then he squared his shoulders, reminding Dani of a man preparing for battle. “Before I go, might I have a word alone with your niece, Viscountess?”

“Of course!”

“Auntie,” Dani objected, panic pulsing through her. “I don’t think that—”

Harriett patted her arm, misunderstanding Dani’s objection. “Don’t worry about the hour, my dear.” She rose to her feet, forcing Dani to hers. “There’s nothing scandalous about letting a man call before noon as long as his intentions are honorable.”

Dani glanced at Marcus to find his dark eyes watching her. She wasn’t at all certain ofthat.

“I’ll be in the morning room when you’re finished.” Harriett held out her hand to Marcus. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Duke.”

He bowed over her hand but slid a sideways glance at Dani. “I’m very much looking forward to it, Viscountess.”

Harriett glided from the room. Just as she was about to disappear into the hall, she looked back at Dani and mouthed,Canals.