The Heiress Hunt

by Joanna Shupe

  He happened to agree, but said no more. Just before they entered the tent, Miss Delafield grabbed his arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you in any way I can, Mr. Archer.”

  Before he could ask what she meant, she disappeared into the tent.

  They were the first team to return. The chaperones quieted as Harrison presented their bounty, which now held fourteen eggs, five of them green and one yellow.

  Maddie’s jaw fell. “I cannot believe it.”

  Harrison moved to the lemonade table and poured two glasses. “We were thirsty or else we would have found the remaining eggs.” After handing Miss Delafield a lemonade, he toasted Maddie with his glass. “I warned you.”

  “You were lucky. I’ll work harder next time.”

  “Next time? Are there more of these types of games?” Christ, he hoped not.

  “Do not even think of complaining. You shall play and enjoy them, Harrison.”

  No, he dashed well wouldn’t. Not unless Maddie played, too.

  Instead of complaining, he lowered himself into an empty seat at Miss Delafield’s table. The other teams trickled in but none matched Harrison and Miss Delafield’s total, so they were declared the winners of both the picnic and the jewelry. Miss Delafield graciously gave the bracelet to the second place team, Kit and Miss Lusk.

  “Thank you all for playing,” Maddie announced to the group. “Mr. Archer and Miss Delafield will picnic tomorrow at noon. Then I have another activity at three in the afternoon. See you all at dinner this evening.” She started toward the edge of the tent.

  Wait, she was leaving?

  The duke hurried after her, and Harrison gritted his teeth. He longed to be the one to chase her, then steal her away for an illicit afternoon in his bedroom.

  Kit sat down. “What is your plan now that Lockwood is here?”

  “The plan remains the same. He may be a duke but he doesn’t know her like I do.”

  “I see. Well, be careful. I left my dueling pistols in the city.”

  “Do you own dueling pistols?”

  “No,” Kit said with an effortless shrug, “but I could probably locate a pair, if it comes to that.”

  “It won’t come to that.”

  “Pardon me. Do you mind if I sit?”

  The clipped British voice caught them both by surprise. Glancing up, Harrison found Lockwood aside the table, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak. The last thing he wanted to do was make pals with Maddie’s beau. Furthermore, why was the man out here instead of with Maddie?

  “Of course,” Kit answered when Harrison remained silent.

  The duke lowered himself into the seat and removed a silver flask out of his inner jacket pocket. “Either of you whiskey drinkers?”

  “I’m a whatever-is-on-hand drinker.” Kit motioned for the flask. Lockwood handed it to Harrison first, who passed the flask straight on to Kit without drinking.

  “When did you arrive?” Kit asked as the flask was returned.

  “Just now. Took the train up first thing.”

  “Must be a perk of being a duke,” Harrison couldn’t help but say. “Showing up anywhere you like without an invitation.”

  “Miss Webster invited me, actually.”

  The comment dropped in Harrison’s chest like a stone, a boulder-sized lump of jealousy that lodged under his ribs. He forced his shoulders to relax, unwilling to see Lockwood as a true threat. It doesn’t matter. She will end up with me in the end.

  “First time to Newport?” Kit asked the duke.

  “It is. Lovely little town. Quite charming.”

  Harrison could barely smother a snort as the flask went around once more. God, the snobbery. “Charming” described a small English village, not a seaside beach resort where the wealthiest families in America spent eight weeks every summer.

  “We like to think so,” Kit said.

  “Do you plan to stay long?” Harrison blurted, not caring if he sounded rude.

  Lockwood angled his chair and crossed his legs, as if settling in for the duration. “I hadn’t thought about it, actually. Suppose I’ll see when I wear out my welcome.”

  “Then you should—” Harrison started but Kit talked right over him. “You’ll enjoy it here,” Kit said loudly. “The chateau is one of the finest properties in the country. Don’t you agree, Harrison?”

  “I’ve always loved it. But then, I spent my entire childhood here so I am likely biased.”

  Lockwood lifted a brow. “Ah, yes. From what I understand you’re practically a member of the family.”

  It was an unwitting jibe, but one that hit a bit too close to old wounds. “Practically, but not quite.” His smile was all teeth.

  Lockwood took a sip from his flask. “So what do you fellows do around here for fun? I hear the Newport Casino is a roaring good time.”

  Kit rubbed his hands together. “Oh, it is. We could go tonight, once the household has settled after dinner.”

  “I’d like that,” the duke said. “The three of us could make an evening of it.”

  Harrison would rather eat glass. However, if Kit took Lockwood out, then at least the duke wouldn’t be spending time with Maddie. “I’ll politely decline, but you two carry on without me.”

  “That’s a shame,” Lockwood said. “Maddie said you are quite the cardsharp.”

  It was true, and cards had been an easy way to make money in Paris, after he was disinherited. But he didn’t like Lockwood knowing anything about him.

  “Harrison’s a corker with cards,” Kit put in. “I wouldn’t play against him, if I were you.”

  Harrison rose and straightened his clothing. “Indeed, that is good advice. Best be careful, Lockwood, or I’ll take everything you have right out from under your nose.” With that, he excused himself and sauntered toward the house.

  Chapter Eight

  Despite the lively conversation around her, Maddie was distracted at dinner. Tension hung in the room, an uncertainty compounded by the questioning glances she received from both her mother and Lockwood. Harrison sat across from her, though he hadn’t contributed much to the discussion, either.

  The afternoon hadn’t gone as planned. Harrison won all the egg hunt prizes, including a picnic with Katherine tomorrow. Maddie should be happy for them both. Katherine was a good sort, nice and intelligent without a hint of scandal—yet the idea of their pairing caused Maddie’s stomach to churn.

  Would he make Katherine laugh during their outing? Would he charm her . . . then kiss her?

  It’s none of your concern, Maddie.

  Indeed, she had other things to worry about—such as why she hadn’t been thrilled to see the duke. Lockwood had traveled there to surprise her, yet she hadn’t felt anything more than appreciation for his thoughtfulness. No burning giddiness to get him alone. No desire to touch or kiss him. No jealousy as he’d interacted with the other young ladies.

  What was wrong with her? Lockwood was the catch of the season. She should have doted on him today instead of hiding in her room this afternoon. She made a desperate lunge for her wine.

  “Are you all right?” Lockwood asked softly. “Is it your head again?”

  She’d used a headache as an excuse for time alone earlier. “I am feeling much better, thank you. Is Your Grace having a pleasant time thus far?”

  “Of course. You are here. What more could I want?”

  The compliment warmed her. Lockwood really was a decent man. So why wasn’t she swooning with giddiness? She’d plotted since March to gain his attention. Now she had it—and she was focusing on Harrison’s outing with Katherine Delafield instead.

  Get your head on straight. Remember your planning.

  “Your Grace,” Mama said from Lockwood’s other side. “Tell us what exciting news you hear from London.”

  The duke wiped his mouth with a linen serviette. “I haven’t any excitement to share, I’m afraid. Most of my news is from the House of Lords. It’s quite boring.”

  “Yes, governing over
the rabble,” Harrison drawled. “How tedious.”

  Maddie gaped, astonished at her friend’s rude behavior. Lockwood, on the other hand, merely shrugged. “We do what we can to improve society. Leading is never an easy task.”

  Harrison opened his mouth, as if to cast another volley over the table, so she turned it around back on him. “What have you done to improve society while you were in Paris, Mr. Archer?”

  “I was working, actually.”

  Maddie blinked, surprise robbing her of speech. So his time away had been about more than merely mistresses and champagne. Why did she find that reassuring?

  Because you were jealous. She studied her plate, hoping no one noticed her reaction.

  “And where did you work?” Mama asked.

  “I had a position at the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique.”

  “Ah, the French shipping line,” Lockwood said as he cut into his beef. “Interesting choice. A competitor to your family’s company, if I am not mistaken.”

  “Are you intending to take a position at Archer Industries, then?” Mama signaled for more wine. “Now that your brother has taken over?”

  “Perhaps.” Harrison did not expound, but Maddie knew the answer. Harrison wanted nothing to do with his brother or Archer Industries. As soon as he found a bride, he planned to return to Paris.

  The duke reached for his wineglass. “If I am able to offer any assistance, Archer, send me a cable. I have contacts all over the world, you know. My name can open almost any door.”

  A muscle jumped in Harrison’s jaw as he stabbed a roasted potato with his fork. “Thank you.”

  Harrison’s gaze locked on hers, and the emotion roiling in his midnight-blue eyes pinned her to the seat. She could not move, could not breathe. The look was intense and heated—a combination she had seen only one other time in all the years they’d known each other.

  And that was when he’d nearly kissed her on the terrace last night.

  Growing up, they had been able to communicate without words, their minds almost linked, but this new man perplexed her. What was going through his head? Why was he wearing such a fiery, greedy expression, as if he were contemplating leaping across the table to get to her?

  A shiver worked down her spine.

  Then he blinked, his face clearing, and the moment passed. With an exhale, she angled her head toward her lap. Had she imagined the entire encounter?

  No, she hadn’t. The certainty of what she’d seen sank into her bones. Hand shaking, she reached for her wine. What was happening between them? He’d invaded her mind, twisted her into knots ever since he’d returned. It was more than friendly flirting, too. Kit and Preston flirted with easy jokes and broad smiles. Harrison’s attention lingered on her with steely purpose, communicating a new message she hadn’t yet deciphered . . . but found intriguing.

  They had always been drawn toward each other. She tried to tell herself this was merely another example of their natural ease and amiability, yet the tiny voice in her brain said this was more. Her heart was beating faster, her breath more rapid. A seductive warmth would spread in her lower half, her eyes searching for his whenever they were in proximity.

  This connection between them felt dangerous and wicked, but exciting, as well.

  Dinner continued until finally the ladies excused themselves to retire to the salon. Mama caught Maddie’s arm as they entered and kept her voice low. “Whatever animosity is between the duke and Harrison must stop. We are trying to find that man a bride. He cannot be sniping at Lockwood at every turn.”

  There was no use pretending ignorance. “I will speak to him.”

  “If Harrison is jealous of Lockwood—”

  “Harrison is not jealous. He’s being protective of me because of our past friendship.”

  “Even so, we cannot have the other girls suspecting jealousy, else he’ll never find a bride and Lockwood will never propose . . . unless that is your purpose?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Madeline.” Her mother stopped and let the other ladies go on ahead of them so they were alone. “I know you and Harrison were close all those years. He did seem particularly fond of you during your debut. I hope you are not seriously thinking of throwing over a duke for—”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Good, because your father and I want you to have the best. Someone powerful who will lay the world at your feet. Harrison is a nice boy but he is not a duke, with hundreds of years of lineage and history, pomp and circumstance. I never could have reached so high, but you, my girl, can have absolutely everything you desire once you become a duchess.”

  “I know, Mama. I am eager for Lockwood to propose.”

  “Good. To ensure it, you must fix this situation between the two men. If they spend time together, they’ll come to like one another.”

  Maddie wasn’t certain that would work, but she would try. “I’ll invite them to play tennis tomorrow morning. Kit, too.”

  “Good idea.” Mama continued to her favorite velvet sofa and addressed the room. “Ladies, let’s enjoy our coffee in peace before the men join us.”

  Coffee, fruit and tiny cakes were passed about. Before Maddie could sit, Katherine waved her over to the window. “Maddie, a word.”

  She went over. “Yes?”

  Katherine lowered her voice. “Will you come with me tomorrow?”

  “Come with you . . . ?”

  “On the picnic with Mr. Archer.”

  Maddie frowned, unsure what to say. “But that is your prize. Why would you want me there?”

  Katherine’s hands twisted, her eyes wild with panic. “I’d feel more comfortable with you there than my aunt. She will embarrass me to death.”

  “Oh.” She had no idea what to say. It stood to reason that Katherine would prefer an outing without an elderly aunt looming the entire time, but Maddie wasn’t certain how she felt about serving as a chaperone. To watch Harrison and Katherine laugh and smile at one another sounded positively awful. Yet who else could do it? “What if I sent a maid? Or one of the other ladies?”

  “No, Maddie. It has to be you. Otherwise we’ll just stare at the sea and search for topics of conversation. It’ll be so awkward.”

  “I swear that Harrison is easy to talk to. Did you not have a good time hunting eggs today? What did you discuss?”

  “You, mostly.” Katherine took a breath, then pressed her case, reaching out to grab Maddie’s hand. “I don’t know him as well as you do. Please. Please say you’ll come.”

  Maddie couldn’t think of a good reason to refuse. “Fine. I’ll come. May I bring the duke? That could be a fun outing, the four of us.”

  Katherine’s face fell. “Oh, I thought . . . that is, it’ll be more of a group outing then. Not a way for me to get to know Harrison.”

  That made sense. The winners had been promised a picnic with Harrison, not another man. “No, no. You’re right. Just the three of us, then.”

  Katherine bounced on her toes and squealed. “You are a peach, Maddie. Thank you. I promise, we’ll have a grand time.”

  Maddie sincerely doubted that.

  Dressed in their summer whites, Harrison and Kit traipsed through the chateau’s quiet corridors until they reached the terrace. The morning sun was barely up in the sky and they’d already been summoned for lawn tennis.

  White stripes outlined the court, the grass worn from Maddie’s regular use. During their summers together, she and Harrison had played nearly every day. Back then, they’d been fairly evenly matched, but he was sorely out of practice. Three years of debauchery and an office job hadn’t done much to improve his game.

  He nearly tripped when he caught sight of Lockwood, clad in a white sweater and matching trousers, standing with Maddie. Damn it. He hadn’t known the duke planned on joining them.

  Harrison wanted her all to himself.

  “I hope you have coffee,” Kit shouted as they approached. “This is too early to be awake.”

  “
You should go to bed earlier,” she called back. “But yes, there is coffee.” She pointed to a table set up alongside the court, where a silver carafe gleamed in the sunlight.

  “Thank Christ. You may have first game,” he told Harrison. “I need to sit down.”

  “I told you not to stay out all night at the casino.”

  “I won three hundred dollars, I’ll have you know.”

  “As if you need the money.”

  “That’s hardly the point,” Kit grumbled as he shuffled off in search of coffee and a chair.

  Harrison went over to where Maddie and the duke waited. “Any reason this could not have transpired at a normal hour?”

  She bounced the strings of her racket against the palm of her free hand. “A very good morning to you, too. We are playing now because it’s still cool out—and stop complaining. Everyone staying up late is not my fault.”

  Harrison had gone to bed at a reasonable time, leaving Kit to take Lockwood to the Newport Casino. Knowing that the duke was gambling instead of spending time with Maddie had allowed Harrison to actually get a decent night’s sleep. “Who has first game?”

  “I thought we’d play doubles,” Maddie said. “You and Lockwood versus Kit and me.”

  A harsh refusal lodged in Harrison’s throat. Before he could speak, Kit ambled over, a porcelain cup cradled in his hands. “Wait a moment. No offense to His Grace, but those matchups hardly seem fair. Harrison is woefully out of practice and we have no idea if the duke is even competent on the court.”

  “I am familiar with the game,” Lockwood said. “I’ll do just fine.”

  “When was the last time you played?” Harrison asked.

  “Miss Webster and I played in New York a time or two.”

  Harrison ground his teeth together, trying very hard not to react. He hated the idea of Maddie playing lawn tennis with the duke, showing off her bright smiles and sweaty skin. Jealousy burned under his sternum. “Lockwood and Kit will partner up, with you and I on the other team.”

  “But I thought . . .” She trailed off, then sighed. “All right. Perhaps we’ll switch it up after a few sets.”