Never one to shirk his duties, he summoned his footman, let the happy fellow help tie his cravat since this was an important visit, and prepared for what would be quite a busy morning.
Ready to face the world, he paused at the doorway to his chambers and glanced back.
Someday perhaps his bed would be tumbled by more than a night’s sleep. And perhaps he’d be leaving his wife sleeping beneath the covers. With that bracing thought in mind, he left the room to confront the day.
And Ivy.
*~~*~~*
The knocker sounded just before ten o’clock at Vine House, and the imperious clang told Ivy exactly who was calling.
She gathered her wits about her as best she could and waited for the Duke of Maidenbrooke to be announced.
“His Grace the Duke of—”
“Yes, yes, Malvern. Thank you. I will see his Grace immediately.” Ivy rose before her butler could complete the introductions.
“I rather thought you would,” said the Duke, striding over the threshold and up to her, looking down into her eyes. “Are you all right? No problems with that injury of yours?”
His tone was intense, his expression matched it, and Ivy raised an eyebrow, wondering if he’d ask to actually see her leg.
She nodded. “I am quite recovered, thank you. Such a fuss about something so minor.” She waved Maidenbrooke to a chair. “Tea?”
“Not for me. I have only just breakfasted.”
Ivy sat. “Thank you, Malvern. We won’t be needing anything for a while.”
Her steadfast servant lingered. “Should I fetch Mrs Ashrayn, Miss Siddington?”
She managed not to roll her eyes. “I don’t believe that will be necessary. But you might advise her that his Grace has called. She’s aware of the situation, of course.”
“Isn’t everyone,” muttered Malvern as he bowed and took his leave.
The Duke bit back a grin. “I see you have the archetypal faithful retainer too.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Malvern’s known me from infancy. He’s loyal to a fault, and we’d be completely lost without him. But it does give him more licence to be free with his thoughts…and not always in the most appropriate fashion.”
“Salt of the earth, as is my Woodleigh,” agreed the Duke. “But I’m sure you’ve guessed that my visit is not to share reminiscences of butlers we’ve known and loved.”
“Indeed, your Grace.” She sighed and folded her hands together on her lap. “Your kindness last night has saved me a great deal of embarrassment, for which I am profoundly grateful. But it’s also put us in—well, rather a spot, I suppose you could say.”
“We’re engaged,” he said firmly.
She swallowed. “We are?”
“In the eyes of the world, yes. We are indeed engaged.” He leaned back, watching her face. “Now given that situation, there are things we must do. Firstly…” he raised his hand, ticking his fingers as he began his list. “I very much need to speak with whoever is head of your family. That’s job number one. Secondly—we must both agree on the wording of the announcement for the Times. It is expected, of course, after last night, so I’d like to get that settled this afternoon, in time for tomorrow’s edition.”
“Ah.” Fascinated, she watched him. Anyone would think he was actually quite content with matters as they stood. “Your Grace?”
He ignored her and continued. “I do have a family ring, which traditionally is worn by the affianced bride of the current holder of the Maidenbrooke title. I like it, but it would, naturally, require your approval. Also, it might need some adjustments for the fit—”
Ivy cleared her throat. “Your Grace…” she said more firmly, attracting his attention.
“Yes? You disagree with any of these suggestions?”
“Well, I—no, but—”
“Good. Then if, as I assume, your grandmother should be the one to give us her blessing on behalf of the Siddingtons, perhaps we might plan a visit to Siddington Castle?” He smiled. “I’ve always wanted to visit a haunted castle.”
Ivy rolled her eyes. “Your Grace,” she said loudly. “Stop.”
“Why?” He blinked.
“Last night, you responded with kindness and alacrity to a difficult situation. Your announcement of our engagement neatly solved a potential disaster, and I am deeply grateful to you. However, it in no way implies that you need to continue on with the charade we began at Sydenham House.”
“I’m not sure I understand…” The blue eyes locked on hers, and for a moment she wondered if that was a lick of anger lighting their depths.
“What I mean is that you are under no obligation to consider yourself engaged, sir. I believe the marriage of someone of your rank is a matter of deliberation, research, enquiries and solid business decisions, not a spur-of-the-moment comment at a ball.”
“I was holding your leg, Ivy.”
“Yes,” she cleared her throat. “I am well aware of that.”
“And several ladies observed your gown far above your knees.”
Heat flooded her cheeks and she lowered her gaze. “I am aware of that too. An unfortunate occurrence which should have been avoided.”
“No arguments there. But the blame has to lie with the Streatfords, not you, or me. The repercussions would have been quite horrific had I not spoken as I did, and we both know it.” He sighed. “I had little choice, Ivy. I had just landed a facer on that brute Streatford and then grabbed your leg in rather an ungentlemanly fashion. All in the heat of the moment. I may have saved your reputation, but I also saved mine as well.”
“That is a valid point, your Grace…”
He raised a hand. “I believe, under the current circumstances, you might call me Colborne? Or
