Page 28 of No Duke of Mine

“Ah, I see,” she said, nodding. “And this is another way for you to play the devoted husband, I suppose.”

He inclined his head.

Maggie leaned close. “But what if you need protection from seducers. I am well aware that other women find you moderately appealing.”

“Moderately? You wound me.” He slapped his hand on his chest but laughed. “My dear girl, I have no intention of ever breaking my vows to you.”

Algernon colored as he realized that what he’d said sounded like they were already engaged in a real marriage.

Maggie skipped right over his remarks. “You were always impulsive as a boy, Algernon, kind and thoughtful to a mere girl. You have always been so good to me.” She stared at him a moment, and then a slow smile grew on her face. “But who, I ask, will protect you from me, should I suddenly decide to consummate our fake marriage?”

He stared at her in shock for a split second before he realized she was teasing him yet again. He laughed, disappointed that he could not consummate anything, and raised her hand to his lips to kiss the back of it. “Minx.”

“It’s your own fault, you know.” She sighed heavily. “I only learned to misbehave because of you.”

And that was sadly true. Maggie became his match when it came to teasing. Always willing to give as good as she got. It was one of the reasons they had become friends so fast as children. The only person she hadn’t warmed to was his father, and that proved her a girl of good sense. Maggie had always been wise beyond her years.

“I will give you an hour to lose your sea legs, and then I’ll come for you so you can continue making fun of me while we find you something new to read on our continuing journey.”

“I could go on alone,” she suggested.

“No, you will not. Until you reach your father, you will be vulnerable to all kinds of indignities along the way. Besides mine.” Algernon would make sure she remained safe as she traveled this last distance. She’d be under his protection, and he would not be taking advantage of that again.

And his reward…the pleasure of her company and witty conversation for the next few lonely miles ahead.

He kissed her hand again and strode out of the room, grinning all the way to the taproom.

He found his valet there in a corner, looking unusually glum. “Is she angry?”

“No.”

Sims exhaled. “I was afraid I had spoiled things.”

Algernon called over the proprietor. “A tankard of ale, sir.”

“I wanted to convey my best wishes for your marriage, again, Your Grace, and hope your wife is comfortable during her stay with us. Should I send up a tea tray for Her Grace, Your Grace?”

Algernon glared at his valet and raised a brow, and saw him duck his head in embarrassment. He turned back to the proprietor. “Yes. My duchess does enjoy tea in the early afternoon.” He supposed he would have to get used to saying that if he was to eventually marry Lady Kent. “Send up a maid with some little biscuits, shortbread if you have it. Oh, and a bowl of fruit: apple, pear, but not stone fruit.”

“Of course.” The proprietor rushed away to do his bidding.

Algernon glanced at Sims, who appeared to be hiding a smile. “What are you smiling about?”

“You do know her tastes very well.”

“Yes, I suppose I do,” he muttered, scratching his jaw, which required a shave soon. He was rather astonished that he remembered that tiny, unimportant detail from so long ago. “She hates oysters as well.”

“Well, that’s a shame for her husband,” Sims quipped. “I hear that they can make a lady impassioned.”

Algernon glared at his valet steadily.

“It’s obvious you care deeply about her,” Sims finished with a shrug.

“I do, and…” He pursed his lips and shook his head. “You seem to assume something could have happened between me and Maggie Black. But nothing has or ever should.” He would not disrespect her by making advances she would certainly rebuff, now she knew the truth. He was lucky she didn’t hate him for what they had done together already. “Were you not given a task upon our arrival?”

“I was, and it is complete,” Sims promised, quickly finishing his ale.

Algernon raised a brow. “And?”

“The proprietor of Gill & Sons Bookshop is gratified by the Duke of Ravenswood’s interest in his modest shop, and will wait for him and his beloved duchess all night if need be.”

“She’s not…” he said, and then swallowed down his correction. “I promised to escort Ma—my wife—there in the next hour, and we will all visit the bookshop together. It would do you good to turn your mind to something serious for a change instead of indulging in this ridiculous fantasy of yours.”

Sims beamed. “Very good, Your Grace.”

Algernon drained his tankard. Maggie was going to murder him eventually over this, or her father would, should he learn. However, he supposed pretending with Maggie was good practice for when he was actually married and had a duchess to consider the needs of.

A pity that when he said my wife and my duchess in the future, that the figure by his side would be his last choice.