“I’ll leave your maid the recipe for the tea,” Nora said, accepting the cup. “With instructions. As with any remedy, you could take too much. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage.” Papa had taught her to be moderate in the use of willow bark. Too much could be dangerous. As with anything . . . any tonic, the elements must be carefully balanced.

Heat crept up her face and she couldn’t resist sneaking another look, only to find Constantine staring intently back at her. Of course. He was thinking of last night and how he had been affected from the dose he had taken.

“Well, I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” the duchess interjected, “but you won’t be leaving anytime soon.”

Nora’s gaze shot back to the lady reclining on the bed. “I was planning to leave today, Your Grace.”

“Nonsense!” The duchess waved a hand in rejection of that notion. “You cannot leave today. Not when I’ve planned a dinner party tomorrow night with you in mind.”

She blinked. “Me?”

“Why, yes, you. I’ve invited my dearest and oldest friend, Mrs. Prentiss, to dine with us. We’ve been friends ever since we came out together. She’s a widow now, but she has the most charming son. Dotes on her, he does. Such a devoted lad.” Her eyes grew misty and Nora suspected she was thinking of her own three sons, all lost to her. The moment passed, however, and she gave her head a slight shake as though clearing it. “You remember him, do you not, Constantine?” she asked in a voice that rang a fraction overly bright.

Nora followed her gaze to Constantine. He remained near the window, as upright and rigid as ever. “I believe so, yes. Always with his nose in a book.”

“Ah, yes, that was true then and remains so today. My godson, Vernon, is quite the scholar.” She preened, nodding as though that was the greatest endorsement she could offer to impress Nora.

“How . . . nice.” Nora was not sure how to respond. “Literacy is always a good . . . thing.” What else could she say?

“So no more talk of you leaving today. You must stay a little while longer.” The duchess clapped her hands once and held them together as though that settled the matter. She waited then, watching Nora expectantly.

“I . . . um . . .” Her gaze drifted to the duke. After their exchange last night, she did not feel welcome here. He had made it clear he thought her inferior. She had been a harmless diversion in the duke’s household until she went against him. She knew that now.