Page 61 of Desperately Seeking Seduction

Jasper scowled. “Don’t think I’ll do the same to reduce Culpepper’s debt for you. His daughter is hideous.” He stalked away, leaving Stratford alone with the duke.

He sat up straighter as Algernon sat down opposite him.

“You must understand why I dismissed your valet? George will fight me over dismissing his man, too. I must set the right example. Leave no doubt who is in control of Ravenswood.”

“I understand.” It didn’t matter anyway. He would catch up with Win in short order. An hour on horseback would reunite them no doubt. “I’m not angry.”

“Good. This is a time to rejoice. With Aston suddenly forgiving half the debt, I can see my way clear to a brighter future. A future that benefits all of us.”

“Yes.” The cost was still high in other areas, though. Their inheritances were to be sold off, and they were all still stuck here at Ravenswood Palace for the foreseeable future.

And he had no idea if Aston’s secret scheme would work. He’d assumed a great deal about his daughter and Stratford’s affection.

Algernon cleared his throat. “I have something that might cheer you up.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, an invitation to join our cousin and Crawford at Uncle Henry’s for luncheon. A deal has been struck for Crawford to purchase the place. I was supposed to go but I think I am needed here. Aston seems to have mellowed a little too quickly for my comfort. It would be rude for one of us not to attend the luncheon with Uncle Henry. Go in my place and try not to worry about your future marriage. I’m sure everything will work out the way Aston expects it to.”

Stratford looked down at his hands. He was dressed well enough to go as he was, without needing another replacement valet’s help. But he still had to catch Win. He could go to Uncle Henry’s make excuses and give chase. Hopefully, Crawford or Uncle Henry would say nothing against him going.

He drew in a deep breath, longing for things that he’d never wanted before. A woman of his own and the love that might be theirs.

Ravenswood grabbed him by the upper arm suddenly and hauled him upright. “Go. Don’t think. Come and see me when you return, too. My carriage is out front, waiting for you.”

Stratford nodded and turned for the door. He was going to be a husband soon. He’d never expected that when he’d set out for home.

Algernon followed him all the way to the front entrance. “Oh, and Stratford. Tell the Crawfords I expect them back here for dinner. We’ll be having a small celebration. Do ask Uncle Henry to consider joining us, too.”

Stratford stumbled down the stairs and into the waiting carriage. He threw himself inside and chewed on his lower lip. Watching the palace grow smaller gave him no comfort, and then caught sight of his destination coming into view and his nervousness increased. The road beyond the estate was flat and empty of win.

Win might be angry about her father trying to make a match between them.

When the carriage stopped before Uncle Henry’s house, he saw Mrs. Crawford out in her new garden and headed in her direction first, to give his apologies for having to leave again.

“Mrs. Crawford.”

The lady stiffened…and then turned slowly. It was not Mrs. Amity Crawford at all. But another lady.

His heart soared and his steps quickened. “Win?”

The lady dipped a wobbly curtsy, holding out the sides of her long gown. “Lord Stratford, a pleasure to see you again.”

He moved closer for a better view. Because she wore bonnet, he could not even tell Win’s hair had been cut so short. It was the first time he’d ever seen her dressed as a woman, and he had to say, ladies’ fashions suited her as much as male attire did.

He reached for her hand. “My dear lady,” he murmured, then saw her smile slip away.

“They promised not to tell you where I was,” she complained. Her eyes darted to the windows of the house, and he looked there, too. The telltale flicker of curtains revealed their meeting had been watched very closely from within.

“They said nothing to me about you being here.”

“Would you rather not see me after my vulgar behavior today?”

“No…yes.” He caught her chin gently and lifted to look at her face. There was no bruise, and he hoped that might always be the case. “I heard you were dismissed and I was about to give chase. I hoped we might talk about where you might be going next.”

She nodded. “I’ve been invited to live here with the Crawfords.”

He threw a scowl over his shoulder at the house. The Crawfords would only have brought Win here at the duke’s urging. “No wonder Algernon was so keen for me to come in his place. I presume my cousin pressured you to change into the dress.”