Page 41 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“We just finished unpacking our belongings and now we find ourselves packing once again,” Hasmik said.

Dresses and shoes were scattered about the bed and the floor of Adeline’s bedchamber. Two trunks were half full. “Not everything. Just our clothing and necessities. If all goes according to plan, we will return soon enough. Meanwhile, Lady Heywood was kind enough to invite us to stay in her home.”

“How do you feel about living with the duke’s godmother?”

Adeline picked up her silver hairbrush. It was a small item, but she’d have to find a space for it where the bristles wouldn’t get crushed. “Warwick says she is a widow and eager for companionship. She believes her godson is courting me. I’m not certain what he told the countess about us.”

“The lady will undoubtedly welcome you. You are the daughter of an earl.”

“As well as the daughter of an Arab commoner,” Adeline pointed out.

“I’m not concerned how you will be received. As for myself—”

“Do not even think it.” Adeline’s eyes flashed as she tossed the hairbrush down on her bed. “You’re my dearest friend and my companion. If you are unwelcome, then I will not stay.”

“You are young and full of righteous fire, Adeline. You must learn the world does not see everything through your eyes.”

“Nonsense. Let’s not worry until we meet Lady Heywood.”

Without another word, Hasmik returned to packing Adeline’s gowns.

Adeline did worry, but she didn’t want Hasmik to see her trepidation. Surely God wasn’t so cruel that He would take her mother, then her father, and then force her to separate from Hasmik?

Adeline’s jaw clenched. They’d experienced the bitter bite of prejudice far too often from Edwin. She wouldn’t allow it from anyone else.

An hour later, the duke’s crested carriage came to a stop before the cottage. The black lacquered conveyance gleamed beneath the sun and the magnificent matching bays stood in unison. A second baggage coach halted behind the carriage. Warwick stepped out of the carriage. He was an impressive sight in a moss coat with blue and green striped waistcoat and buff trousers.

A coachman loaded their baggage. “Why the second coach?” she asked the duke.

“My inventions, including the high-pressure steam engine.”

“You are moving an engine?” Adeline had packed just her medicine chest and a few other items.

“My work on the pistons can be completed at my London home. On my way here, I thought of your pig and the hounds. Who will care for them?”

She was surprised by his inquiry. Was he truly concerned for the animals or was he worried she would be worried and not wish to spend sufficient time in Town to accomplish his purpose?

“I made arrangements for a local farmer to care for Henry and both dogs. Mrs. Taylor will keep up the cottage.” Adeline couldn’t leave her animals without the villagers’ help and was happy that her animals would be looked after. The people of the village had grown to mean much to her, and they had stepped up to aid in her time of need.

“Is Mrs. Taylor the blacksmith’s wife, the man you helped heal from a persistent cough?”

She tilted her head to the side. “How did you know?”

“I heard.”

Had he inquired about her in the village? Any chance to ask was cut short when his coachman approached to lower the step. But Warwick waved the man away. “Allow me,” he said, extending his hand.

For the second time, she rested her hand in his. And for the second time, a tingling warmth, an unwelcome awareness, sent her stomach into a wild swirl.

Hasmik took a seat in the corner of the carriage. Warwick sat across from Adeline on the padded leather bench. With a jingle of harness, they were off. As they drew farther and farther away from the country, her misgivings increased. How could she convince others of their courtship when she was having trouble convincing herself?

Chapter Eight

A benefit to their agreement was the duke’s carriage. The green velvet curtains covering the windows matched the padded back of her seat, and the conveyance was well-sprung on the bumpy country roads. One wouldn’t think a luxurious carriage would make a difference, but then it wasn’t every day that one traveled the distance from Kent to London. The two-day trip could play havoc on one’s disposition and temperament.

The only drawback of the conveyance was the fact that the duke came with it. Her unease had nothing to do with the journey and everything to do with the tall, broad-shouldered man seated across from her, and his presence seemed to occupy every square inch of space. Warwick’s long legs brushed her skirts whenever they took a turn. His features were only half-illuminated, and she couldn’t gauge his reactions.

With Hasmik acting as her chaperone, all was proper. But her companion’s presence did little to alleviate Adeline’s discomfort. After the first half hour, Hasmik had fallen asleep, and her head lolled against the padded side of the coach. There was no one to speak with but Warwick.