He tugged at his cravat, loosening it and exposing his throat. Instead of looking out the window, she couldn’t stop staring at that small triangle of exposed duke. Her fingers wanted to explore. Did he have hair upon his chest? She couldn’t quite tell. She’d have to open his shirt more to find out.

He sprawled on the seat beside her, one hand casually placed next to her thigh. His other hand was braced against the carriage door. “Go on then. Let me have it. I’m ready.”

Let him have what exactly? Her hands exploring . . . their lips meeting . . .

Oh, Viola. You stupid, stupid thing. He’s talking about insults, not kisses.

“I shan’t insult you, Your Grace,” she said primly, “because I know that you’ve suffered a grave financial loss this evening. Which is a loss for your sisters, as well.”

“I’ll say. A truly staggering settlement all gone in the blink of an eye. Not all of it. The marriage contract was very clear. If she begged off, I kept every penny spent thus far, even the debts her father already settled. Mr. Chandler saw me as the one at risk for flight, not his daughter.”

“That’s something, then.”

“Yes, but I’ll still have to find another heiress. And they don’t grow on trees.”

“And not just any heiress. This time you’ll have to reform enough to find the perfect respectable duchess.”

He groaned. “You sound like Great-Aunt Hermione. Next you’ll be telling me to propose to Lady Winifred Woolfrey.”

“If you truly object to that lady, I’ll ask your sisters to make up a list of other candidates.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“For your sisters.”

“Right. Of course. For my sisters. What were their reactions, pray tell?”

“Blanche and Belinda were devastated, of course. Their suitors melted away like winter frost in spring. All except for Lord Flanders.”

“Good old Flanders. He hasn’t a large fortune but I don’t think he’d mind if Blanche were poor as a church mouse. I think he genuinely cares for her.”

“I think so, too. It’s such a pity that she doesn’t return his affection.”

“And the other girls?”

“Bernadette said that she might consider taking up strong drink. And Betsy wished she’d hit Miss Chandler with her cricket ball when she had a chance.”

Westbury snorted. “They’re such dear, clever things. I hope society won’t vent any of its displeasure on them. This is all on my shoulders. I should have researched the Chandler family more carefully before entering into a business arrangement with them.”

“It’s not your fault that Miss Chandler had a secret prior attachment.”