Juliette couldn’t tell if the duke was pleased or surprised or both. It was unusual to have someone of Daniel’s stripe as an invited guest at a society gathering, but then again, her parents were known for bringing eclectic groups together.

“Or is it that there is something amiss? A crime perhaps?” The duke smiled as if jesting, but questions lingered in his pale-blue eyes.

“Your Grace.” Daniel nodded. “Lady Juliette.” He bowed, handing his cloak and hat to the footman. “I have been invited by the earl and countess. A thank-you, I believe, for services rendered.”

“Well deserved.” The duke’s hand tightened over Juliette’s on his arm. “Not only at the return of all that stolen artwork, but when those men kidnapped Lady Juliette …” He shook his head. “You were most brave in recovering her, and I thank you sincerely.”

Daniel’s eyes darted from the duke to Juliette, and his brows came down. Juliette flushed. Did Daniel, too, hear the proprietary tone in the duke’s voice?

Agatha Montgomery, Juliette’s best friend, hurried toward them from the dining room. “Jules, I’ve been hoping for a moment alone with you—” She skidded to a halt, blinking. “I beg your pardon. I didn’t realize you were busy.” Shifting her weight, she twisted her fingers together, biting her lip.

Juliette could not ignore her imploring look. Clearly she had something of import to share, though with Agatha, everything was important and nothing trivial. At least it would give Juliette an excuse to escape Duke Heinrich’s attentions for a moment—and Daniel’s presence too—until she could compose herself properly.

“Gentlemen, if you will excuse us?” She stepped back. “Agatha, perhaps we can move into the salon?”

As she linked arms with her friend, Uncle Bertie appeared in the dining room doorway. He jerked his chin toward Daniel and beckoned. “Ah, good, you’re here. Juliette, are you coming?”

“Please, go in without us. I need a word with Agatha.” And an opportunity to retrieve my pistol before it is discovered.

Agatha all but bolted into the drawing room, spinning on her toes to face Juliette. “You’ll never guess.”

“What is it?” Juliette sneaked a glance at the settee, noting that the tip of the holster protruded from beneath the edge.

“Alonzo proposed. He actually proposed.” Agatha bounced, clapping her hands, color riding her cheeks and happiness sparkling from her eyes. “I’m getting married.”

Juliette dropped to the settee, her mouth agape. “What? When?” The couple had barely known each other a month. Was that long enough to know if you wanted to marry someone?

“He asked Father’s permission. Alonzo told me Father jested about someone finally taking me off his hands, but I think he’s very pleased. A viscount, heir to an earldom. For me. Can you believe it?”