Bewitching the Duke

Hart looked up with an easy smile. “To what do I owe this honor, North?”

“I need to speak with you in private.”

“Of course.” Hart walked toward the door. “Do you want coffee? I just asked them to bring me some.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Hart called for a servant to fetch them coffee and two cups. The servant returned with remarkable speed and placed the tray on a table near the window. Hart poured two cups and then handed one to him. Colin took the drink and sipped it slowly. Warmth spread throughout his body as he drank the slightly bitter brew.

“How is the refurbishing coming along?”

“Slow. It might be hard to have everything ready before the wedding.”

Hart smiled. “Kate won’t mind. She is a very even-tempered young woman.”

Her temperament was one of her finest attributes. She would make a wonderful wife. In that sense, she reminded him of Mary.

“Now, what really brings you here?” Hart asked as he placed his cup down on the table next to him. “I doubt you came all this way to chat about your house.”

“I’m wondering if you can do me a favor.”

“Of course, name it.”

“Do you have space on the estate for another tenant?”

Hart eyed him suspiciously. “I do. Are you looking to keep a mistress here?”

“God, no. I just want Miss White off my land.”

Hart shook his head. “Don’t do that, North. You are begging for trouble if you do.”

“I am sick to death of everyone telling me how much these women do for us. I want her off my estate.” Colin finished the rest of his coffee and then placed the cup on Hart’s desk. “Will you take her or not?”

“Of course. I’m sure Miss Featherstone will be happy for the company. And Mrs. Featherstone will appreciate the help.”

“Exactly.” And Colin was pleased that he had this mess finally settled. “I shall tell her to be packed by Friday.”

“Shall I send a man for her?”

“No, one of my men will bring her and her things over.” Colin stood and nodded. “Thank you.”

Hart shook his head. “I still believe you are making a mistake, North. Miss White has done nothing but good for your tenants.”

“Not for me,” he muttered.

“They will hate you for forcing their wise woman to leave. Most of them believe these women keep them safe from harm and the land bountiful.”

“Then they are fools,” Colin remarked.

“Very well, anyone else I can take off your hands? A good footman or two, maybe?”

Colin smiled. “Highly unlikely you would want any of my elderly servants. Just take the wise woman.”

“As you wish.”

With that settled, he could get on with his life. Already, he felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. Now, with Miss White gone, he could concentrate on the wedding.

Selina felt the bulging belly of Susan Wells and attempted not to frown. The baby was due any day but Selina hadn’t felt a movement in the past few minutes. “Has the baby been moving a lot?”