His Duchess (His and Hers 1)

Instead, she imitated the duke’s imperious tone. “I will receive her in the drawing room in a few minutes time, Morgan.”

Obviously not appreciative of her new manner, Morgan twisted his lips in an ugly snarl before he backed out of the door, closing it solidly behind him.

Victoria hurried over to the washstand to freshen up. She then presented herself before the mirror and repaired her hair while also checking her dress for cleanliness.

She did her best to graciously glide into the drawing room. She had briefly met Lady Northfield last week and then again at her ball the night before. The marchioness was a petite, attractive, dark blonde who radiated confidence. But then, why shouldn’t she? The former Miss Jane Stockton, daughter of Viscount Stockton, had been raised right here in London society. And last year she had married one of the wealthiest and handsomest men in London. Victoria wasn’t acquainted with the scions of the ton, but her elderly friends did love to talk about such people.

“Good afternoon, Lady Northfield. It is a pleasure to see you.” She gave a curtsy.

Lady Northfield rose from her chair and reached for Victoria’s hands. She gave them a light squeeze and said, “It’s good to see you as well, Miss Forster. I do hope you realize I call in the name of friendship.”

She returned to her chair and Victoria took a seat on the sofa. Conversation with people her own age was foreign to her, but the marchioness had come to her rescue last night. That thought might keep her nervousness at bay.

“How gracious of you. I had a lovely time at your ball last evening.”

“Oh, thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it.”

“I appreciate your assistance with my cousin and the duchess as well.”

Lady Northfield waved her hand in the air. “It was noth—” Her words abruptly descended into a squeak as Arthur’s overly large body landed on her lap.

Rising out of her chair to fetch her impertinent pet, Victoria apologized.

> The marchioness shook her head as she settled the grey feline on her pink poplin gown and commenced petting him enthusiastically. “It’s quite all right. I love cats.”

“Are you sure?”

“Certainly. What’s his name? He’s a handsome fellow.” Lady Northfield ducked her head and began murmuring nonsense in his ear, all the while scratching his chin.

“He’s called Arthur.”

With a hint of wistfulness her ladyship recounted, “I was smitten with the kitchen cats as a young girl. However, my parents refused to let me take them abovestairs and make pets out of them.” An impish grin lit her face. “But let me share a secret with you, Miss Forster. I often smuggled those cats, especially the young ones, up to my bedchamber for the night. It was ever so lovely to snuggle with the kittens.”

Victoria felt comfortable enough to smile back at this fellow cat lover. “Arthur has been a steadfast friend and first rate snuggler, despite all the trouble he gets up to. I’m glad I brought him from Lincolnshire.”

“It must be difficult to come to Town without really knowing anyone,” Lady Northfield commented with a gentle smile. “Did you know my husband and the Duke of Taviston are very close friends?”

The duke. She wanted to talk about the duke. This could be disastrous.

With caution Victoria replied, “I had no idea.”

“They have known each other for ages. Edmund introduced me to Taviston last year, just before our wedding. How long have you known the duke?”

She peered at Lady Northfield closely. Her visitor had said she had come in friendship, but Victoria was suspicious by nature. Thus she kept her response short. “We met two days ago.”

It only seemed like a month ago.

“Hmmmm. He is a quiet man, but a good man nonetheless, wouldn’t you agree?” Lady Northfield’s face glowed with curiosity.

Victoria could have cheerfully listed quite a few of the duke’s faults, but she also remembered that he had defended her before her cousin and he had graciously taken her cat in. So, she politely agreed with the marchioness, “Yes, you are correct.”

Her visitor suddenly laughed and reached over to pat her hand. “Miss Forster, relax. By the by, might I call you Victoria?” She waited for a nod from Victoria then continued. “I truly am here as your friend. This is what friends do, talk about men. It can be a fascinating topic. Therefore, may I tell you that Taviston asked me about you last night?”

If the marchioness thought such a statement would help her relax, she was off the mark. But Victoria still couldn’t resist the question, “He did?”

“Indeed.” She waggled her forefinger at Victoria. “But do not fear I gossiped about you. I told him the facts I knew of you and that is all. He seemed most curious, I might add.”

“I suppose I can understand his inquisitiveness. I have caused him a few inconveniences,” she said sheepishly.