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“Tell him we’re not at home,” Preston said, then muttered something foul under his breath.

“Tell him he’s welcome to come in,” said Calliope.

Poor Teanby darted his eyes between her and Preston, and for the first time Calliope could recall, a few drops of sweat broke out on his stately, lined forehead.

“Tell the duke he’s welcome to come in,” said Grandmama with a calm smile.

Finally recognizing the authority of the woman who’d hired him as a footman so many years ago, Teanby nodded and, avoiding the duke’s angry gaze, retreated.

“Grandmama!” said Preston.

Grandmama gave him a look that spoke of power. She had an uncanny ability to illicit both respect and obedience. If Calliope could have one exceptional skill at Grandmama’s age, it would be this.

“You do not live here anymore, Preston,” Grandmama said. “I do.”

Calliope suppressed a chuckle. It was quite a sight to behold one of the richest and most powerful dukes in England shut his mouth after a single look from his grandmother.

The door opened, and Kelford came in, all tall, muscular, and breathtaking in his dark navy uniform. His turquoise eyes landed on her, and the room blurred and darkened around him. She straightened her back, his very presence sucking all air from the room.

What could he want here? He’d told her he didn’t want her anywhere near the Admiralty. He didn’t want to help her.

“Good day,” said Kelford.

Miss Furrington stared at him with the same wide eyes as Calliope herself, then stood, lazily jumped from the table, and walked towards him. As though he was an old acquaintance, she pressed against his ankles and wrapped her tail around one of his boots. Nathaniel stared at the cat with the most puzzled expression, then he sneezed.

“Pardon me,” he said.

Grandmama’s eyes twinkled, and she coughed slightly.

“Kelford,” said Calliope through a parched mouth. “Please meet my grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Grandhampton.”

Kelford gave a polite nod, meeting Grandmama’s eyes. The dowager cocked her head as she looked him over with a hint of female appreciation.

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Grandhampton,” said Kelford.

“The pleasure is mine,” said Grandmama.

“And, of course, you know my brother,” Calliope said.

“Kelford,” Preston said through gritted teeth. There was a clear threat in his dark gaze.

“Grandhampton.” Kelford nodded.

Kelford came deeper into the drawing room, his chest and shoulders deliciously broad under his uniform. Miss Furrington followed him, and when he stopped, she wrapped the end of her tail around his other boot. He blinked at the cat in confusion, while Preston stared at it as if it was a traitor.

Kelford’s gaze locked on Calliope. She begged him with her eyes not to tell them the reason she came to see him two days ago.

“I am quite surprised to see you here,” said Preston. “But it may help to gain some clarity, anyway. You see, there’s a rumor that I’ve heard going around polite circles, and if it turns out to be true…”

Kelford’s eyes never left her. They held her in their gaze, and they had all the power. Two days ago, he had threatened to tell her brothers. And here he was. Had he come to act on that threat, to tell Preston she broke into the Admiralty and stayed after hours, and that they were, after all, alone?

Please, do not tell him…please don’t…

For a very long time, Kelford said nothing, just stared at her.

“It is true,” he said finally, reverting his gaze to Preston, “that we saw each other. Lady Calliope was lost. She lost her chaperone, and I helped her find a way.”

“Calliope!” Preston practically growled.