An Unsuitable Duchess

* * *

Julian’s encounter with Miss Vandenberg left him perplexed. No one had ever schooled him in proper behaviour before. No one would ever have dared. And yet this American had thought it necessary to inform him that he was rude.

He should have been insulted by the way she’d spoken to him, but she had been so certain in her conviction, so passionate about the way she deserved to be treated, he had not been able to fault her.

He was a man of strong convictions as well. When he had entered the shop it hadn’t occurred to him that he would leave finding Miss Vandenberg even more desirable than he already had.

By the next day he was still reliving their discussion and anticipating when he would speak to her again.

Deciding to visit the woman who was indirectly responsible for their encounter, Julian sought out his grandmother when he returned home from his committee meeting. Upon entering her private sitting room, he found her resting in a bergère chair, with a book in her hand.

‘Come in Julian,’ she said, waving him closer. ‘You truly have spoiled me.’

He walked across the gold and white Aubusson rug and sat down next to her. ‘I see you are enjoying your book.’

‘You were slippery, presenting me with that volume yesterday. The arrival of this copy was quite unexpected.’

‘This copy?’ he replied, perplexed.

‘Yes—the one you had Mr Vandenberg inscribe.’

Julian gestured to the copy of A Traveler’s Tale that she held in her hands. ‘May I...?’

His grandmother placed a black ribbon between the pages and handed the book to him. ‘It is a lovely inscription.’

He eyed his grandmother through his lashes and turned to the title page. He was speechless. Obviously Miss Vandenberg must have arranged this—but why?

When she had stormed out on him yesterday Julian had not known if he should go after her. No one had ever walked out on him before. What had possessed her to have her father inscribe a book for his grandmother?

‘I did not do this,’ he admitted, handing back the book.

‘Of course you did. I have told no one else I misplaced my copy.’

‘I believe Mr Vandenberg’s daughter arranged this.’

‘His daughter? How would she know?’

‘I mentioned it to her yesterday, when we spoke at Hatchards.’

‘How very delightful of her. You have never said that you are acquainted with the family.’

‘I am only acquainted with the daughter.’

His grandmother arched her brow. That was not a good sign. ‘Just the daughter? How unusual for you. How did you make her acquaintance?’

‘A mutual friend,’ replied Julian, picking a speck of lint off the sleeve of his navy tailcoat.

‘I see. And is the lady in question married?’

‘She is not.’

‘And how long have the two of you been acquainted?’

‘Not long.’

Her eyes narrowed, causing Julian to shift restlessly in his seat.

‘Tell me about this girl.’

‘She is not a girl.’

‘How old is she?’

‘I do not know. I thought it wasn’t polite to enquire.’

His grandmother chuckled. ‘When the lady in question is my age, it absolutely is not. But for a younger one I do not think it at all beyond the pale.’

‘And a lady of your age would be how old, exactly?’

‘You impertinent man—we are discussing your friend, not me.’

‘And why exactly are we discussing Miss Vandenberg?’

‘She had her father send me this lovely book. I am curious as to what kind of girl would do such a thoughtful thing. You say she did this completely without your influence?’

‘I doubt the lady could be influenced into doing anything at my bidding,’ he muttered.

‘Nonsense—you are Lyonsdale.’

‘At the moment that fact does not seem to be to my advantage with her.’