His Duchess (His and Hers 1)

“I am, of course, more partial to my Edmund’s light golden brown eyes,” Jane declared. “What color do you like then?”

“Grey,” Victoria said distractedly. “I mean, blue. Yes, blue. Grey is so unremarkable. So dull.” She waved her hand in front of her, as if to dismiss the thought. To dismiss the vision of a certain pair of grey eyes from her mind.

With a triumphant look Jane opened her mouth to speak, but the words died on her lips as the boisterous group of gentlemen returned to the drawing room.

The marchioness excused herself as the men dispersed themselves about the room. Victoria didn’t like the determined look she saw in Mr. Stanwick’s eye, so she hurried over to become better acquainted with Lord and Lady Daventry.

The three of them chatted amiably for some time. The earl was an amusing and refreshing man who spoke whatever thoughts came to his mind. Far from looking embarrassed, his wife seemed delighted by his outspokenness. Victoria warmed to them both quickly.

When they mentioned that their daughter slept upstairs in the nursery, Victoria’s eyes lit up. “I would love to see her! In fact, I have yet to even look in on the Northfields’ son.”

Lady Daventry said, “Oh, please do go up and take a peek at them. I checked on Alexandra a few minutes ago. I’m sure Jane wouldn’t mind, were you to visit.”

Taking Victoria by the arm, Lady Daventry steered her over to Jane, who happened to be in conversation with Taviston, Lady Smitherton and Louisa.

Taviston’s back stiffened noticeably. He did not, however, look her way at all. Inside, Victoria grinned. She could, conceivably, consider his reluctance to look at her as another point in her favor. Was that four or five now?

With no hesitation, Lady Daventry interrupted. “Jane, Victoria would like to see the babies.”

“Oh but of course! I’m sorry I didn’t suggest it earlier.” A look of disappointment came into Jane’s eyes. “Regrettably, I cannot leave my guests right now.”

“I will accompany you, Miss Forster,” Taviston offered, much too quickly.

This was no good. Victoria did not want to be alone with him. Speech deserted her and she could only glare at him.

He stared solemnly back and, without warning, wiggled his right ear.

Her hand flew to her mouth, but not before a giggle escaped. Lowering her head, she pretended to cough while trying desperately to hold back even more laughter. She would have to give him two points!

When she finally did look up with moist eyes, everyone gaped at her.

As Victoria’s coughing died down, Jane began to look uncomfortable. “Right. Well, er—”

Louisa opened and closed her mouth twice, as if she couldn’t decide whether to speak or not.

Lady Smitherton finally did. “I should love to join you,” she proposed. “I never pass up a chance to see the little dear ones.”

“Excellent,” Jane said on a huge exhalation. “Taviston, you know the way. Do enjoy yourselves. We’ll see you soon.” She swept the three of them toward the door with shooing motions.

LADY SMITHERTON WAVED the two of them ahead. “I am not as young as I used to be. You two go on; I won’t be far behind.”

Taviston and Victoria both started to protest, but she immediately quieted them. “I do not need assistance in walking, but I will be maintaining a slower pace. I will still be capable of performing my duties,” she said, giving Taviston a speaking glance.

“Very well,” he said and gestured for Victoria to head down the hallway.

With reluctance she did so and Taviston fell into step beside her. She glanced back and saw Lady Smitherton following them, about thirty feet behind.

They didn’t speak at first. Victoria didn’t trust herself to open her mouth, especially when Taviston still seemed to be on edge, despite that astonishing ear wiggle.

He finally broke the silence. “Trying to land a marquess now, are you?”

His tone was casual, but she sensed an underlying accusation. It was unfortunate she had no idea what he was talking about. “I beg your pardon?”

“Jane and Northfield are playing matchmaker for you, aren’t they? I suppose I never realized you had such aspirations for a title as high as marchioness.” Now there was a definite derogatory tone in his voice.

How did he know about Jane’s matchmaking efforts? Victoria would have preferred to keep such information quiet. She was not at all enamored with his attitude either.

“I am afraid I do not understand, Your Grace.” She emphasized the sobriquet to annoy him. “The only marquess present is Lord Northfield and he is already married.”