"Ashlund will be little better, and," he added when Kiernan started to reply, "Brahan Seer is out of the question."
"You've become a mind reader, Father." Though he knew his father was right. It didn't matter that Brahan Seer was crawling with servants, soldiers, and villagers, all of British Society would believe that he had whisked Phoebe off to the castle in order to continue their affair as portrayed in the Satirist.
"I can't force her to the altar," Kiernan said.
The duke reached for the platter of eggs. "A shame you didn't consider that when you forced your way into her carriage."
"I know. It's too bad, really. When I saw her at the party that night, I fully intended to make her acquaintance. Had she not been in that coach, I would have pursued her."
"The way you pursued her the other night at the Halsey ball?" The duke spooned eggs onto his plate.
"Damnation, Father." Kiernan broke off at sight of his father's brown eyes lifting to meet his. "What would you have me do?" Kiernan asked.
"You may begin by not adding fuel to that fire." He motioned toward the paper and set the plate on the table.
"Then you might consider hiring a chaperone."
His father looked at him, nonplussed. "You're no rake."
"No. But I won’t lie. Phoebe…excites me." Kiernan winced when his father's jaw tightened. "I won't make love to her until we're married," he said. His father's expression turned speculative, and Kiernan shook his head. "No. I haven't taken that liberty—and neither has she offered."
"She likely won't."
"I seem to recall that didn't stop you with Elise." The words were out of his mouth and even Regan stilled. "Father—"
"That was a different time and a different place," the duke cut in—to Kiernan's surprise, without rancor. "And as you know, not all my choices were the wisest."
"I'm sorry," Kiernan said. "I shouldn't have said that."
"Nay," he replied. "But I knew you someday would. You might ask yourself why that time was now."
*****
Her Grace, the Duchess of Ashlund, insisted that Phoebe avail herself of her dressmaker and Phoebe agreed. She had to choose her battles between now and the time she parted company with the Ashlunds, and she had, after all, been ordered to agree to the marriage.
Phoebe stepped from the dressmaker's shop behind the duchess, who was resolute that she be present for the final fitting. She had supervised the design of whitework embroidery with sleeves of puffed and ruffled mancherons, and had chosen the delicate ruffles for the skirt. Elise MacGregor had exquisite taste.
The duchess pointedly ignored her guard Niall, who stood beside their carriage on the bustling London side street, and turned to Phoebe. "I'm relieved that is over with," she said.
Phoebe laughed. "I was afraid you would be offended if I said that."
"Not at all. I despise fittings—even when I love the dress. I imagine the gown will arrive at your uncle's home before you do."
"Oh," Phoebe said, and Elise laughed.
"I don't intend on keeping you out all afternoon. Mrs. Gilly will be quick about the final touches on the gown and will have it delivered immediately. Do you like sweets?"
"Why, yes," Phoebe replied.
"Good. There's a confectionary nearby. Well worth the walk. I visit every chance I get." The duchess didn't look as though she indulged in sweets and Phoebe said so. Elise patted her arm. "You and I are going to get along very well. Niall," she said, "Phoebe and I plan to walk to Madam Araquette's."
"Aye, Your Grace," he said, and motioned to the driver.
The driver snapped the reins and the carriage started forward as Elise and Phoebe began walking, with Niall following on foot.
"So, tell me the truth," Elise began, "what do you think of marrying Kiernan?"
Phoebe had wondered when she would ask this question. "I have agreed to a year's engagement. You might ask me six months from now or perhaps even nine months." Honesty was the best policy—as long as it was possible.
"If you find in the year you can't tolerate him, do you plan to call off the wedding?"
"I imagine few women would not be able to tolerate Lord Ashlund."
"He's a good man," Elise said. "But that alone isn't enough for marriage." She lapsed into silence for a moment. "You do seem to find him attractive." Phoebe cut her gaze onto her, and Elise said, "I have eyes."
Phoebe returned her attention to the sidewalk. "He is a…" A couple passed them and she felt her cheeks heat.
"A fine specimen of masculinity?" Elise finished.
Phoebe thought she heard Niall groan, and could only manage, "Indeed."
The carriage stopped behind two other carriages that had halted to let other vehicles pass at the intersection, but Niall kept pace with them. Amidst a hackney driver shouting at a carriage driver that had veered too close, Elise said, "It's all right to admit you like him."
"I-well, yes, Your Grace," Phoebe sputtered.