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Later that morning
I
t’s truly a good day.
“You look extraordinarily pleased with yourself, Whittington.”
The duke grinned at his duchess. “I am. Stephen finally came up to scratch.” He’d told them the news over breakfast this morning with Mrs. Hodgins standing by his side, proudly meeting their eyes. “He has my respect.”
“They make a handsome couple,” his wife agreed, and from her smile, she was pleased as well. “I’m glad Stephen is finally happy. That’s all I ever wanted for my children.”
“Yes, and I’ll gladly give him the coin if it means that dragon Lady Ruddick won’t interfere with their union.”
“Put yourself in her position, Whittington. She’s lonely.”
He harrumphed. “Then she should make changes in her life that will find her friends or a new husband.” He didn’t want excuses, for there were none for that woman’s behavior. “That’s two down and two to go, but Christmas is rapidly approaching.” He frowned as he rattled his copy of The Times. “At this pace, I fear my goal won’t be met.”
“There’s still time.” Then a frown stole away his wife’s beautiful smile. “Lettice might prove your Achilles’ heel, my dear. She’s stubborn and believes that a heart once broken can never heal.”
“Ha!” The duke rubbed his hands together. “I welcome the challenge. Have you had replies to the letters you sent? If there aren’t suitable men in the area, we’ll have to invite some from London, though they’ll be late arrivals and the weather might hinder travel.”
“Fear not, husband of mine.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “The solution to this puzzle might have already presented itself.”
“Oh? How, pray tell?”
“Did you not notice that the newly minted Baron Henshaw—Courtland Beckwith—attended the ball yesterday? He didn’t dance with Lettice, but he did catch her attention, and she followed his progress for a while with her eyes until Stephen swept her onto the dance floor.” Excitement threaded through her tones.
“Ah, good.”
“His father died a few months ago, so the new lord has chosen to grieve in the country until he decides to return to London. I think he’ll be a good fit for Lettice and might help her over her own grief.”
“I remember that man. He had children later in life with a wife twenty years his junior.”
“Yes, that’s the one. They both perished in a carriage accident while in France. I heard Courtland took it extremely hard.”
“As he should.” The duke frowned. He laid the paper in his lap. “His home is a mere five miles to the southwest of Ivy land, yes?”
“I believe so.” His wife nodded, her smile still in place. “Once upon a time, our children played with the baron’s two children. They shared a governess in the summer months.”
“Yes, there used to be more people in the country back then. Some are now absentee landowners, which is a problem for another day.”
“Shall I send him an invitation to our wedding ball?”
“Don’t wait that long. Invite him, of course, but have him over for dinner before that. I want to get a look at him, talk to him and see if he’s good enough for our Letty.”
“You’re a fine man, Whittington. But don’t be surprised if our daughter proves recalcitrant.”
“I suppose it’s natural since she’s the only girl.” He chuckled. “Takes after me on that count, but she needs excitement, my love. Adventure. Someone who can pull her out of fortress she’s built about herself from working at that damned finishing school.”
Her eyes twinkled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“So will I.” He couldn’t hold back his grin. “Being a matchmaker is quite addicting. Once our brood is married off, what will I do for entertainment?”
His wife giggled. “Oh, I think if all goes well, you might have more grandchildren to fill your time.”
“Indeed...”