She had been prepared for an explosion after the duchess recovered, but the woman had handled it with remarkable poise, a cool if dignified felicitation falling from her thinned lips. The call for champagne had surprised Sarani, given her swoon, though the coldly appraising look Rhystan’s mother had leveled across the rim of her flute had not.

A keen judge of character, Sarani guessed that the dowager would be a formidable enemy, and already after only eight days—having been swiftly ensconced at Huntley House for decorum’s sake—she felt the knife edge of disapproval. A huff here, a curl of a lip there. The keen glances at Asha, who had accompanied Sarani while Tej had stayed on with Rhystan under the kindly eye of Harlowe.

None of it was ever in view of her precious son, of course. No, her smile was practically painted on for her dear duke of a boy. With him, her subterfuges were much more practical.

Embry, dear, don’t you want to wait to make an official announcement? You’ve only just arrived.

Or Sarani’s favorite: At least allow me the dignity to save face before you’re taken off the marriage mart. Surely you don’t wish to embarrass me, given the soirees I’ve held on your behalf?

And by soirees, she meant interviews for her son’s future wife.

Of course, Rhystan had diplomatically agreed. The farce of their engagement had been only for his mother’s benefit, after all. Though his acquiescence didn’t seem to have deterred her efforts in the least. No, the competition was still fierce. Ravenna had been delighted to show Sarani the popular London newssheets, which were calling the contest for Rhystan’s hand the Duchess Duels.

The Duchess sodding Duels.

Like that arrogant devil was some spectacular prize to be won. On paper, he was, considering his title and fortune, but if his head were to grow any bigger with self-importance, he’d float away to the moon.

“It’s ridiculously brilliant,” Ravenna had giggled one evening after she’d snuck into Sarani’s chamber, a regular occurrence that Sarani didn’t mind. Unlike the duchess, Ravenna had been a breath of fresh air in an otherwise suffocating space. The girl’s dry sense of humor, unfailing honesty, and clever mind were things that Sarani appreciated. Admittedly, at times not so much the unfailing honesty. Especially with respect to her brother.