Lord Sebastian's Secret (The Duke's Sons #3)(77)

“For the dogs,” Emma and Georgina said in unison.

“It’s rather important,” Sebastian said.

“Mama is ranting about sugared grapes,” said Emma in a carefully dispassionate voice. “She seems to have gotten the notion that they are positively…obligatory for a duchess.”

Georgina gave Sebastian a heartbreakingly lovely smile, but moved toward the door with the tray. “I’ll see you later,” she said. “As soon as may be.” And then she was gone. Emma followed her out.

“You may as well give it up,” commented Randolph from the dining table. He was applying mustard to a generous portion of sliced ham. “I have observed quite a few weddings by this time, and I can assure you that the groom’s opinion is the last thing anyone wants.”

“It’s not about that,” Sebastian muttered.

“Indeed, weddings are the province of women,” said Mitra. He joined Randolph with his plate of fruit and bread. “Until you are taken to your bride’s home on horseback and presented to her like a flower-wreathed gift.”

The Gresham brothers stared at him. He was savoring a slice of peach and didn’t notice. “These are exquisite,” he said. “I recommend them to you.”

Sebastian shook his head morosely.

“Have a bit of this ham then,” Randolph said to Sebastian. “It’s dashed good.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Randolph’s fork paused in midair. “You’re always hungry.”

In fact, the remaining cold roast beef looked very appetizing. And there was a fine-looking wedge of cheese as well. Edgar came in just then to pile a plate. Setting aside his worries for the moment, Sebastian went to help himself.

Afterward, he drifted about the castle at loose ends. Georgina remained with her mother, and he was too distracted to do anything but wait for her. Finally, he retreated to his bedchamber and found Sykes there, looking over a pile of red cloth. “What’s that?” Sebastian began, then realized he knew. “Oh.”

“Yes, my lord. They’ve found you a doublet and a pair of hose. Very Shakespearean. No ruff, though.” Sykes sounded a bit disappointed.

“I’m not wearing hose!” declared Sebastian.

“No, my lord, so I have already informed Lady Hilda. After a bit of…negotiation, she and Miss Byngham agreed that the doublet is sufficient. With black breeches.” He shook out a garment and held it up. The red material was richly embroidered.

Sebastian looked it over. It was like a costume for a masquerade.

“Your evening slippers are beyond help,” the valet added with a severe look. “It will have to be Hessians, which will look rather odd.”

“Odd!” Sebastian snorted.

His valet nodded. “A point, my lord.”

Sebastian paced the room. “The thing is, Sykes. This ritual.”

A brief, intense conversation took place in silence, then Sykes cleared his throat and spoke in a very dry tone. “I have made some inquiries, my lord. Expressing an interest in the communications from the beyond, you might say. You are not to be given the pages you are to read until just before the ceremony.” His manner gradually shifted as he spoke, from correct servant to curious playwright. “According to Miss Byngham, the words must not be spoken until that moment, ‘lest they be worn out with mundane use.’ An interesting thought, eh? Acknowledging the power of an apt phrase. She has everything to do with the ritual locked in her bedchamber. No one is allowed entry, not even the maids to clean.”

Sebastian nodded.

“I don’t see how I could get in there,” Sykes added. “And if I were to be caught…”

“Of course. I wouldn’t ask you to try.” He hadn’t really expected to escape exposure. “I’d already decided to talk to Lady Georgina about…it.”

Sykes nodded. “I think that’s best. My lord.”

Did he sound relieved? Sebastian almost thought he did. It was unmistakable. Sykes was on his way out of Sebastian’s life. He was ready to let Sebastian find his own solutions. Which was all very well, Sebastian thought, but Sykes wasn’t the one who had to tell the woman he loved that he was a dolt.

“I wondered,” the other man went on. “Do you think you could manage a few notes? I’d be fascinated to hear what Miss Byngham has put together. I don’t suppose I could observe? No, no that’s not possible.” His voice held the regret of a craftsman denied a potential treasure trove of knowledge.

“I’ll do my best,” replied Sebastian dryly. “I’m unlikely to have much attention to spare from my utter humiliation.” There was no sense skirting the issue any longer. It would be all over soon.

“I’m sure you’ll manage. My lord.”

Yes, Sykes was cutting him loose. Sebastian was aware of a forlorn feeling, which could only get worse as this day unfolded. Still, there was no way out. If you had to charge the guns, it was best to set the spurs and get it over. He decided to wrest Georgina from her mother’s clutches, no refusals accepted.

In the end, it wasn’t as difficult as that. When he appeared in the marchioness’s workroom and declared that Georgina needed some air, his hostess waved them off with hardly a protest. Georgina took his arm with another meltingly sweet smile, and they walked out into the garden.