Page 74 of No Duke of Mine

“Margaret Black. Maggie,” he informed her.

Aunt Violet’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Small, wild girl, obstinate disposition. The urchin who stole my cane?”

Suddenly, Maggie was by his side. “I could not allow you to strike Algernon then, and I will not tolerate it now.”

Aunt Violet sat forward in her chair. “Come closer, girl.”

“You are addressing my duchess,” Algernon warned his aunt.

Maggie shushed him. “It’s all right,” she promised.

She approached the dragon without fear, but Algernon kept an eye on his aunt’s canes, just in case they moved.

“You look older,” Aunt Violet said.

“You look the same,” Maggie replied. “Still old.”

“Old enough to know you’re going to cause trouble for the family,” Aunt Violet complained.

Maggie lifted her chin slightly, a smile curling up the corner of her lips. “That is what ladies are made for, isn’t it? Someone has to set a bad example.”

“Indeed, they do. Sit down, girl,” she demanded. “I preferred it when you were shorter.”

“Perhaps later. I’ve barely arrived and there is so much to do,” Maggie answered.

The old dragon actually accepted Maggie’s refusal.

Aunt Violet nodded. “There will be a family dinner tonight in the garden. Everything is arranged, but should you desire changes made, please inform the housekeeper as soon as possible. The kitchen staff are hard at work even now. You will be presented to the family at dinner on Algernon’s arm, and then they will finally all leave over the next few days.”

Maggie inclined her head. “That is acceptable.”

Algernon blinked rapidly, confused by what had just happened. Had Aunt Violet approved of his wife? Would there be peace in the house?

Maggie turned to him, kissing Algernon on the lips. “Join me upstairs when you’re done here. I’ve some news that cannot wait.”

Then she strolled back indoors.

Algernon stood about like an idiot until Aunt Violet stamped her cane. “Now about the matter I sent you to London for?”

He nodded and removed a paper from his pocket. “As requested. What did you do to the archbishop that he’d agree to provide a special license as soon as I mentioned your name?”

The old lady snatched the special license from him, then hugged the paper against her chest with her eyes closed. She did not explain her hold over the archbishop, but he understood her relief very well indeed.

Aunt Violet suddenly looked at him. “Tell no one about this yet.”

Algernon nodded. “As you wish, Aunt, but perhaps the groom might like some warning of your intentions.”

Her lips pursed tightly.

“He does know about this marriage license, doesn’t he?”

She scowled.

“Oh, he doesn’t.” Algernon winced. “Does he want to marry you?”

“Of course he does. Or did, had my family not gotten in the way when we were young,” she said, growing rigid with indignation.

Algernon had accepted the potential for scandal when his old butler married his crusty old aunt. “I’m certain he will come around once he learns he may stay at Ravenswood for the rest of his life with you.”