And then the impact of Siddington Castle struck him.
Hard.
He managed to restrain a gasp, but it was a near thing. Looming over the surrounding countryside was a real castle. One that looked as if it could repel a horde of invading warriors with no difficulty whatsoever.
“My God,” he gaped. “How big is this place?”
Ivy chuckled near his ear, her breath warming his cheek as he leaned over her to watch Siddington appear. “I’m not sure anyone’s done a complete count of the rooms. And of course most of them are either unusable, or filled with historical items of interest.”
“Where do you live?” His eyes were glued to the numerous turrets, parapets, towers and all the traditional hallmarks of a castle.
“We use a very small portion of one of the wings,” she answered. “It’s actually quite habitable, you know.”
“Is there a moat?”
Both women laughed at that.
“There used to be,” answered Elvina. “But no more. There is a slight dip in the surrounding area to indicate where it was, but that’s all. No moat, no drawbridge—”
“There is a portcullis,” Ivy interjected. “But we don’t use it and once you’re past it, there’s a courtyard leading to the stables and so on.” She touched his arm. “It is a true castle, but it’s also the home of the Siddingtons. I hope you won’t find it too unpleasant, sir.”
Seeing a little edge of worry in her eyes, the Duke shook his head. “I am very much looking forward to our visit, Ivy, never fear. This is a dream of mine for many years. To stay in a real castle.”
“Truly?” She raised her eyebrows. “There are plenty around, you know. You probably could have stayed at any one of them, just by asking—”
He resumed his seat as the carriage turned toward Siddington. “Yes. But asking if one could visit simply because the family lives in a castle seems a bit presumptuous. And a bit silly.”
“Maybe one should do silly things now and again, sir,” smiled Elvina.
“I wish I could,” he sighed. “But given my position, I dare not indulge in silliness. There are too many people relying on me to keep the Maidenbrooke heritage safe and secure.”
It was the truth, he realised as he spoke the words. The weight of his responsibilities had overtaken his ability to be—in his own words—silly.
“So you don’t think this entire engagement being thrust upon you is silly?” Ivy cocked an impertinent eyebrow at him.
He fixed her with an imperative gaze. “Firstly, it has not been thrust upon me. I instigated it to escape an impossibly difficult situation. And I find it not an untenable notion. My last foray into the world of potential brides was not a success.” He winced. “I had no idea Miss Barrett-Goddings’ interest lay elsewhere. The aftermath of that fiasco may have turned out well for her…and indeed I hope it has. But for me it was unpleasant, to say the least.”
“And it would be quite terrible were you to find yourself in a similar situation,” said Elvina quietly. She looked at Ivy. “You would do well to remember that.”
Ivy swallowed. “I had forgotten. But you’re quite right.” She turned to the Duke. “I’m sorry, Colly. One tends to focus on the scandal of the disappearing fiancée, rather than the man she’s just jilted. I have been rather harsh in my statements about our situation, when I should be expressing my gratitude for your patience and consideration.”
He sighed. “I don’t want or need thanks.” He took a breath. “Can we just be engaged for a while without any dramatic theatricals?”
She looked at him. “I don’t know. Can we?”
He held out his hand, palm up. “Let’s try.”
She nodded and placed her hand on his. “Very well, Colly. We’ll try.”
*~~*~~*
Ivy led her sort-of-fiancé into Siddington Castle with a certain amount of trepidation. She knew he’d be admiring the baronial hall, with its carved panelling, darkened over the years to a rich deep mahogany. The fireplace that dominated the room could probably have roasted an ox whole, and most likely did sometime in the fifteenth century. Now it boasted a large vase of flowers.
Would he be intimidated by it all? Probably not.
“Ivy. There you are.” A small grey-haired woman emerged from a side door, her gown simple but elegant, her hair perfect and one or two tasteful pieces of jewellery glowing in just the right places.
Would the Duke be intimidated by her grandmother?
Ivy bit her lip. That was a strong possibility.
“Grandmama. We’re here.” She crossed the hall, her heels tapping on the marble tiles, her hands outstretched. Met by a similar gesture, she went straight into the older woman’s arms, comforted immediately by the soft scent of lavender…her grandmother’s favourite fragrance.
“Elvina.” Lady Siddington released her granddaughter and held out her hands. “All is well?”
Elvina took the hands, dropped a brief curtsey, and then stared into the old woman’s eyes. “All is very well indeed, my Lady.”
A large smile etched wrinkles around her lips, revealing a woman who had smiled a lot during her lifetime. Ivy felt as if she saw her grandmother with new eyes now. An odd and whimsical thought she brushed aside.
“I must introduce you, Grandmama.” She turned. “This is His Grace, the Duke of Maidenbrooke.” She swallowed. “Colly, this is my grandmother, Lady Siddington.”
He bowed deeply as he took Lady Siddington’s hand, dropping a light kiss on her knuckles. “My Lady. It is an honour to meet you and an absolute thrill to be able to visit a genuine castle.” His eyes wandered around a little.
“It’s drafty,” Lady Siddington replied with a little grin.
“But only with the winds of time, I feel sure,” he quipped, his own slight smile charming Ivy.
The older woman had to laugh. “The older they are, the colder
