The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(36)

She wrapped her arms around Jo’s neck, surprising her with a fierce hug. “I’m ever so glad you’re here. Things are much better since Foster and Kerr and the cook left. Except for the toast. The toast has been quite burned.”

Jo straightened and looked over at the earl. He turned his neck, and she thought his cravat must be irritating him. “I need to hire a replacement,” he said. “The assistant left with her, so one of the scullery maids is attempting to prepare meals.” He frowned. “I’m sorry you’re arriving in the midst of a bit of upheaval.”

“As it happens, I know how to make toast without burning it.”

“That’s true,” Nora said from the open doorway behind her. “I taught her myself.”

Jo turned as the footman welcomed Nora and her family inside.

Evie ran over to Becky. “Let’s go upstairs. Mrs. Poole helped me set up a table to draw. I have pencils and paper and books with pictures we can copy.”

The girls dashed up the stairs while Nora called after them, “Not too long, girls. We’re only staying a short while.”

Lord Knighton turned to the duke. “Kendal, how would you like to sample some of my private stock of rum? This is different from what I sent you, a smaller batch.”

Titus rubbed his hands together. “You’ve been holding out.”

“I only serve it to people brave enough to visit me.” He gestured for Titus to follow him toward his office.

“Can we talk for a few minutes?” Nora asked, looking about.

The footman inclined his head to a doorway off the right side of the hall. “The sitting room is just through there.”

Nora and Jo turned and went inside. The chamber was bright and cheerful, decorated in hues of yellow and pale green. The furniture was relatively new and in seemingly splendid condition. Jo recalled Knighton asking her about refurbishment and deduced that he couldn’t have meant this room.

Nora walked to a large painting situated in the center of the wall opposite the windows. “Is this his mother?”

Jo joined her and studied the image. The woman was young with dark eyes that looked very much like Knighton’s. With her towering, powdered hair and ivory complexion, she looked regal and serene. “She looks like a female Untouchable.”

Nora let out a gasp. “I was going to say the same thing!”

They grinned at each other and laughed, reminding Jo of days gone by. “I’m going to miss seeing you every day. That was nice after so many years apart.”

Nora sidled closer until their arms touched as they continued to look at the portrait. “Yes, it was. I’m still not entirely happy with your decision.” She turned toward Jo. “But it’s your decision, not mine.”

They’d discussed this at length over the past few days. Nora had repeatedly assured her that she could return to them at any time, no matter where they were. All their homes were open to Jo, under any circumstances. Jo loved her sister so much. She just wanted Nora to be happy for her.

Jo pivoted to face her sister. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow in a way I haven’t in a very long time.”

Nora clasped Jo’s hand. “That is all I could hope for.”

A short time later, Nora and her family took their leave. Knighton joined Jo in the sitting room. She stood near the window watching the coach pull away, then turned to face him where he stood just over the threshold.

“Would you like to see your bedchamber?” he asked.

She nodded, glad that whatever awkwardness that may have lingered between them after their encounter in the garden at the ball had finally dissipated. “This is a lovely room.”

He glanced around, his brow drawn. “You think so? I’ve always loathed it. It’s my mother’s favorite room.”

Jo gestured toward the portrait. “Is that her?”

“Yes, she sat for that when I was five. I remember it distinctly because I interrupted one of her appointments, and she was furious.” He spoke of her in a cool, dispassionate tone.

She was curious about his apparent dislike of his mother but didn’t wish to query him about it. Not today. Instead, she focused on the room. “What don’t you like about this chamber? It’s very bright. The colors remind me of a summer day. I’d think it might remind you of the tropics.”

Knighton moved farther into the room. “I could see where you might come to that conclusion; however, it reminds me of my mother, not Barbados.”

“Is this at the top of your list of things requiring refurbishment?”

“No, that would be my bedroom. It’s dark and depressing. I want bright and…sunny.” He looked at her with interest, his head tipped to the side. “Like Barbados.”

“I see.” For some reason, the mention of his bedroom summoned that odd sensation. She realized it wasn’t awkwardness but expectation. As if something were about to happen, or could happen if things were different.

Which they weren’t.

“Speaking of my mother, she’s coming for a visit tomorrow to meet Evie.”

Jo was surprised they hadn’t met yet. He and Evie had been in England for several weeks. “You haven’t seen her at all?”

He shook his head. “No, she’s been in Durham with her sister. I admit I didn’t immediately write to tell her I’d arrived.” There was no regret in his statement.