The duke’s expressive brows rose. “Really? Well then … I don’t mean to stand here in the drafty hall when we can be more comfortable in the library. Stay or go … your choice.”
Sir Edward inclined his head and followed the duke into the library, irritated to have lost this first round. He had not wanted this to be more than a slap in the face. He had never liked the duke or understood why the beau monde insisted on fawning over him. The duke’s interest in Babs had spurred Ned to dislike him further. How dare the man cast eyes on the woman of Ned’s choice!
Once in the library, the duke picked up the brandy and tipped it to Sir Edward, who did in fact wish a glass but declined. The duke poured himself a glass and sipped it as he moved towards his desk. Then he set it down to say, “So then, Ned, since this is not a social call … what the deuce brings you here?” The duke was as ever direct.
Sir Edward decided to take the lead. He put his hat and gloves on a side table and took a seat. He waited for the duke to do the same.
“Certes, man, you look as though you mean to challenge me to a duel,” said the duke on a short laugh, remaining where he was.
Sir Edward gave him a crooked smile, because, once again, he had not forced the duke to follow his lead. Instead of sitting, the duke leaned back against the large oak desk and folded his arms across his chest to eye him quizzically. Sir Edward was infuriated still more.
“The matter I am about to discuss with you concerns a lady we both know … and both have an interest in,” said Sir Edward.
“Ah,” remarked the duke softly.
Sir Edward still had not gotten the upper hand. There was nothing for it but to dive into the subject full force. “Indeed.”
The duke appeared supremely irritated and said, “Get to the point, Ned. I am not noted for patience.”
“I am speaking of Lady Barbara. You see, she has this afternoon done me the honor of accepting my suit. I look forward to making her my wife in the very near future.” At last, thought Sir Edward, watching the duke stand straight up and observing the man’s face twitch with doubt, disbelief, and finally anger. At last, by God, he had overset him.
***
Sir Edward had in fact shocked the duke and thrown him off his balance with this piece of unexpected information. He could not—would not—believe a word of it.
After his initial agitation, he was more curious than anything else. “Ned, I am puzzled though, for while I am pleased to share your fortunate news, I am at a loss to understand why it is that you should ride out of your way to advise me of it.”
“I could not help but notice … your interest in the Lady Babs these past weeks … and today as I arrived at the inn, I noticed you riding off and assumed you had visited with her.”
“”You shouldn’t make such assumptions.”
“Really, well, so that you can have no doubt, I wanted you to be aware of how matters stand,” Sir Edward said glibly.
“I see,” said the duke, who did not see at all. This didn’t make sense. He rather thought that Babs disliked Sir Edward. This was too sudden … and after they had shared … no, he didn’t believe any of this. Just what was Ned up to?
“Therefore, under the circumstances, I felt it incumbent upon myself to present the news to you in person.”
“Did you? That is what I don’t understand. I would have read your news in the papers eventually.”
“As to that, we don’t plan on putting it in the papers for ten days or so.”
“Really? Odd that. If Babs had decided to be mine, I would be shouting it from the rooftops.” Now why had he said that? Something didn’t fit. This was all wrong. Babs would never accept to marry Sir Edward … she simply wouldn’t, and one of those reasons had to be her connection to him … to what they shared. Damn, she was his, no other’s—his!
“As to that, we thought we would keep it a family matter for just awhile …” Sir Edward tried explaining.
The duke eyed him doubtfully. Nothing rang true, and Lord Wildfire was on the alert. He fancied he rather knew his Babs, and suddenly, clearly, he realized that he would not allow this to go forward. He was damned certain she wouldn’t run from his arms into Sir Edward’s. Of that he was certain.
Indeed, he thought as his eyes narrowed. His mind filled with his intricate cogitations, for he could see that Sir Edward was playing a deep game … but what exactly?
Seventeen
“IF YOU WON’T tell your father—tell Aunt Jane. She will know how to deal with the scoundrel!” Corry wagged a finger at Babs, who had confessed her situation to her.
“I cannot …” Babs felt the tears start up and turned away from her cousin.
Corry stood over her, and Babs was surprised at the level of anger her cousin was exhibiting. Corry never stamped her feet, but she presently stamped her foot very hard and made a very strange noise. “Ughggg …”
Babs adored her cousin, but she could not take her well-meant advice.