The Mad, Bad Duke (Nvengaria #2)(81)
“Has His Grace breakfasted already?” she asked. “I believe I told Mrs. Caldwell that His Grace and I would have our morning meal at the same time.”
Brutus and Marcus, not understanding, looked bewildered and anxious. Gaius straightened importantly. “His Grace does take breakfast at the same time as you today.”
Meagan stared at the empty place across the table. “Does he?” She waved her hand at the chair. “Is he invisible?”
Gaius frowned a moment then grinned when he understood. “No, not invisible. He eats in the dining room.”
“But I instructed Mrs. Caldwell to set up breakfast in this room.”
Gaius nodded fervently. Marcus and Brutus copied him, clearly having no idea what was being said. “Yes, breakfast to be served to Her Grace in the morning room. His Grace ordered that he would eat in the dining room.”
Meagan threw down her napkin, smearing eggs with it. “Oh, for heaven’s sake.”
The three footmen jumped out of the way as Meagan leapt to her feet and strode past them, her skirts swishing.
Meagan’s heart pounded as she hurried around the gallery to the double doors of the fearsome dining room. They stood closed, barring her way, the heavy walnut panels warning her to scuttle back to her place in the morning room and leave well enough alone. Mouth set, Meagan thrust the doors open and strode inside.
Sitting as calm as he pleased at the head of the table was Alexander, restored to Grand Duke finery. His sash of office, smooth and showing no signs of being in bed with Meagan, rested in a perfect angle across his chest.
“Alexander,” Meagan said in indignation.
Alexander looked up at her, eyes cool but with a spark of answering determination in their depths. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
Meagan approached the table, confidence in her campaign weakening under his stare. “I meant that both of us should breakfast in the morning room. Together.”
Alexander lifted one dark brow. “Did you? I am afraid the staff misunderstood.”
Meagan planted her hands on her hips. “Oh, did they?”
“I believe they did.”
Meagan studied Alexander, his hair tamed once more into its sleek neatness, the ruby earring in place, his hand steady as he held his fork at his plate.
Alexander returned her look, not quite challenging, but watchful. Meagan could turn around and quietly leave, seek comfort in the solitude of her bedchamber, but she was not yet ready to surrender.
She beamed a sudden and sunny smile on Alexander, moved to him, and touched a kiss to his forehead. “Well, no matter. Do have a lovely day, Your Grace. Enjoy frightening the king.”
Alexander’s body stiffened at her kiss, but the hot look in his eyes when she straightened up told her everything. He longed for her. Holding himself in his Grand Duke persona at the moment was taking all his force of will.
“Today I will begin plans for a grand ball to be held here,” Meagan continued. “The ladies are correct—it is high time I took up my duties as a society hostess. I will have my step-mama help me—she will so enjoy it. Mrs. Caldwell will keep you informed of the arrangements, and Nikolai will add it to your schedule.”
“Meagan,” Alexander said under his breath, his tone warning.
Meagan backed up a step and made a quick curtsey. “Ta-ta, Your Grace. I look forward to seeing you when our schedules next coincide.”
Making herself turn around and not look back at him, Meagan sped from the room, her slippers whispering. She did not stop until she’d returned to the morning room, the door held open for her by the startled but steadfast Gaius.
Meagan dropped into her chair, blowing out her breath. Step one complete.
She found then that she was shaking too hard to continue her breakfast and had to ring for Susan to mix her another draught of the healing elixir.
* * *
Mrs. Caldwell dove into the preparations for the ball with zeal. She was pleased at the prospect of opening the house to the public and Meagan becoming a hostess for London to admire.
Meagan sought Simone’s help, for several reasons. First Meagan knew that her stepmother would be hurt beyond measure if she were not consulted about the ball and Meagan did not want to begin her married life by shutting out her family. Second, Simone was a walking Debrett’s Peerage.
Simone knew everything about everyone who was anyone. She knew who detested whom and who was having affairs with whose wife, so that Meagan could carefully construct her guest list and seating arrangements for supper. Meagan would keep the handpicked selection of guests large but not ridiculous, with close friends and family topping the list. Meagan also knew how to interest Simone in certain aspects of the preparations so she would not try to take over the entire arrangement. Simone and Mrs. Caldwell, after a period of mutual suspicion, finally threw their talents together and worked to bring off the best ball of the season.
The second thing Meagan did was consult with Mr. Edwards to compare her schedule with Alexander’s. She made a few revisions in both, much to Mr. Edwards’ distress. “We need not mention these to His Grace,” she said to him, smiling.
Mr. Edwards tried to protest but Mrs. Caldwell unexpectedly came to Meagan’s aid. “I find the changes to be excellent, Your Grace. His Grace will be happy to spend more time on family matters.”
Mrs. Caldwell, it turned out, for all her briskness, was a romantic at heart. She’d had a happy marriage that produced three daughters who were now happily married themselves. On her days out, Mrs. Caldwell visited each to see her grandchildren and make certain their housekeepers were operating with peak efficiency. Meagan imagined said housekeepers dreading the visits of the formidable Mrs. Caldwell.