Page 23 of Distracting the Duke

“I cannot possibly remain,” he said, tempering his tone. “It’s regrettable, Lady Clara, that things have come to this pass. When your brother and I meet, I promise not to damage him more than I can help.”

Her mouth parted in shock. “Surely, you can’t mean to duel? It’s against the law.”

“Regardless, honor must be satisfied, and I hold mine very highly. Now, please go and rescue Miss Soper.” He laid a hand briefly on her cheek, then cantered down the stairs to retrieve his whip and gloves from the hall stand.

Shortly afterward, Batchford joined him and they set off through the rain on the long ride back to Kessington, leaving the Weston household behind in total uproar.

Just like his own feelings. Was pursuing Miss Soper really worth all this anger and trouble?

Lord, no.

The very last thing he wanted right now was to have any more dealings with that ridiculous, idiotic family.

He would rather spend the night in Bedlam.

Chapter Fourteen

Everyone looked weary as they sat down to breakfast the following morning, and there was a feeling of foreboding in the air. Clara had spent many hours lying awake, but by the time the gray light of morning filtered through the shutters, she had devised a desperate plan.

The blood was singing in her ears, but she struggled to sound normal as she said, “I’m finding it terribly humid today. May I take Bella from the stables and give her a bit of a gallop around the edge of the moors?”

Her brother glared at her over the top of his Exeter Mercury. “Aren’t you tired after last night’s drama?”

She met his gaze evenly. “Upset, of course, but I think a ride will calm me.”

“Indeed. Who’d have thought the duke could behave so outrageously? I fully intend to put the fear of God into the man.”

“Oh, Clara, must you go out?” Sarah asked tremulously. She was very pale and her eyes red-rimmed. No one could have slept through her sobs last night as she tried to persuade her husband to back out of the duel.

Wide-eyed, Ellie said, “I know you thought he might be interested in courting me, but I’d be terrified to be married to a man who breaks down doors.”

Everyone stopped eating.

Drat it all. Unless Clara could perform a miracle, this incident looked like the end of a brilliant match for Ellie. Eligible dukes were not abundant in this part of England. And there was little chance of persuading her brother that Ulvercombe had the best of intentions when he’d broken down her door last night. Philip would never apologize after things had gone so far.

It was up to her to broker peace between them.

“We can talk about this later,” she said, “when we’re all feeling better. I’m off for my ride.” She summoned a smile for Sarah, and added, “I’ll be back before you know it. Trust me.”

Clara wasn’t sure how she would manage it, but she was determined they would never find out what she was about to do.

It was a long and grueling ride to Kessington House, but by the time she arrived she’d worked out exactly what to say. She gave Bella into the care of a well-dressed groom and, steeling her nerves, marched up the steps past the ornamental dolphins and rang the bell.

“Lady Tinniswood,” she announced to the butler who opened it. “I would like to speak to your master.”

“Your Ladyship, I regret His Grace is unable to receive visitors at the moment.”

She’d half expected this. “I’m afraid I must insist. It’s of the utmost importance I see him.”

The servant remained impassive, but he seemed somehow to have expanded himself to fill the massive doorway. “His Grace is indisposed and cannot see anyone. I will let him know you called and will convey any message you may have for him.”

Impatience surged through her. “That won’t do. I need to speak to him at once, in person.”

“Your Ladyship, I would not advise—”

It cost her a little dignity, but as soon as she spied an opening beneath the man’s elbow, she ducked under it and pushed forward into the airy atrium.

“Now, then,” she said in her haughtiest manner. “Where is the duke to be found?”