The Duke Meets His Match (The Infamous Somertons #3)(60)

“The only thing we can blame you for is your foolish belief that you were ever a burden to us,” Eliza said.

A huge sense of relief overwhelmed her at their understanding and compassion. Her sisters’ love and acceptance wrapped around her like a warm blanket. The words came easier now. “You were right about the duke. I’ve fallen in love with him.”

“That’s wonderful, darling! Has he secretly proposed marriage?” Eliza asked.

“He did.”

Eliza beamed. “Then he must speak with Vale and Huntingdon.”

Chloe shook her head. “No. He has changed his mind. I told you about his war sickness. There was a confrontation with Henry the night of your dinner party. I jumped between them and there was an accident. I was pushed aside, but it was not the duke’s fault. Henry flailed out and I suffered a minor injury.” Chloe removed her bonnet and pushed her hair aside to reveal the wound.

Amelia placed a hand over her heart. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. It’s a small wound,” Chloe said.

Eliza’s eyes narrowed. “Has Lord Sefton harmed you in any way before?”

Chloe’s cheeks grew warm. “No, of course not. It was an accident.”

“Thank goodness.”

“You love the Duke of Cameron,” Amelia said simply.

Chloe’s face crumpled. There was no sense denying it. “It doesn’t matter. He feels responsible for what occurred and deems himself unfit for a wife and children.”

“Don’t be so sure. He loves you,” Amelia said.

Chloe merely shook her head. “He’s never said a word.”

“Darling, a dominant male like the Duke of Cameron won’t come out and proclaim his love. He is a former military officer, a man trained to act on the battlefield. Let his actions speak for his heart.”

Could it be true? Did Michael love her? He’d never spoken the words. She knew he admired her, desired her, and had wanted to marry her. He was also grateful for her aid. But did he truly love her?

Doubts crept in.

“You deserve happiness, darling,” Amelia said.

Chloe twisted her fingers in her lap. “I need time alone to think. Perhaps I should return to the country. The fresh air will do me good.” It was hard to believe that she’d only been in London for less than a month. So much had happened.

“Hmm,” Eliza said. “It may not be a bad idea to return to Huntingdon’s Hampshire estate for a brief respite.”

A heaviness settled in Chloe’s chest. “Yes, that would be best. Maybe I could travel. Didn’t you receive a letter saying that Huntingdon’s elderly aunt in Scotland is in need of a companion?”

“No need to flee the country,” Amelia said.

“She’s right,” Eliza said. “Just a short visit to Hampshire is all we’re agreeing to for now.”

Chloe held her tongue. She doubted a short visit would be sufficient to heal her broken heart. She pushed back her chair. “I’ll summon Alice and start packing.”





Chapter Twenty-Seven


Of all the people Michael expected to visit his home, Lady Huntingdon was last on his list. She was waiting in the drawing room when Michael entered.

She turned away from the window overlooking the back gardens and curtsied. “Thank you for seeing me, Your Grace.”

Michael bowed. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Huntingdon,” he said as he motioned for them to sit in chairs before the gilded fireplace. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Lady Huntingdon smoothed her skirts. “I believe in being forthright. My sister, Chloe, has visited your home on several occasions.”

He held her gaze, uncertain of her intent. “She has.”

“Unchaperoned.”

He recognized the keen intelligence in her green gaze and admired her for her straightforwardness. She had an air of calm, self-confidence, and he knew she’d been a shrewd businesswoman before marrying Lord Huntingdon. He also knew there was no sense lying to her. “Yes.”

Lady Huntingdon nodded. “Chloe told us about her past. All of it. She tells me that you also know.”

“I do.”

The beginnings of a smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “Chloe fancies herself in love with you.”

His body vibrated with life. He’d never forget the moment she’d spoken the words to him in his library. She loved him. His breath had caught in his throat at the miraculous words. He wasn’t worthy of such affection. “Lady Huntingdon, I—”

“Please, call me Eliza,” she said.

“Very well, Eliza. I know about Chloe’s past, and I assure you it means nothing to me. It’s not her past that is the issue, but mine.”

She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “Ah. I know about that, too. Your war experiences must have been tragic. My cook’s husband, Ben, suffered after Waterloo.”

She must have been referring to the soldier Chloe had mentioned.

“The last time I saw your sister at your home there was an altercation with Lord Sefton. You should know that Chloe sustained an injury, and that it could have been worse,” he said.

“She told me about that, too. Other than a minor injury, she is fine. You do more harm to her by keeping your distance from her.”