Robert rose to join his beloved at the window. “They are concerned for you, as I am.”

Constance’s gaze went to the moors stretching endlessly to the west. “I am concerned for my daughter, Your Grace. I have ever been concerned for her, and now it appears she’s to be dragged off to some colonial wilderness by a scripture-spouting martinet. Ships sink, foreign climes are full of diseases, and she does not want to go. I felt the same way every time Quinn dragged us south to London.”

Robert took Constance’s hand when he wanted to enfold her in his arms. “Miss Abbott, our thanks for all you’ve done. You will please accept Lynley Vale’s hospitality for the night, and I’m sure Lady Constance will have more questions for you later.”

Miss Abbott gathered up her walking stick and satchel. “I need not stay the night, Your Grace, but thank you.”

“Stay anyway,” Constance said, “please. I’d like an opportunity to discuss the matter with you further.”

“Of course, my lady.” Miss Abbott rose, curtsied to Constance, and withdrew.

“She’s being diplomatic,” Constance said, wandering back to the sofa and picking up the sketch. “Miss Abbott is not usually so delicate. Maybe you intimidated her. You did get a bit ducal. I was impressed.”

“Maybe she’s castigating herself for failing to make the familial connections sooner. Come here.”

Constance stared at the sketch a moment longer. “Do you give orders when you’re upset?”

He gave orders when he was determined. “I need to hold you when I’m upset.” The notion of a young girl, forced to remain where she was unhappy, a loving mother unable to help, family nearby but of no use to her…Of course he was upset.

Constance put the sketch aside and came to him, slipping her arms around his waist. “How soon can we be married?”

“I have the special license, but I thought you wanted to wait until your sister had spoken her vows. Are you fond of shortbread?” The plate was half empty, though Robert could not recall anybody consuming so much as a single bite.

Constance eased away. “Miss Abbott pinched it. She has a sweet tooth. I suppose we’d best get on with the family conference.”

“In a moment.” Robert caught her by the wrist and stepped closer. “Do you know, I have yet to kiss you today?”

Her smile was wan, but it was a smile. “You should remedy that oversight immediately, Your Grace, for I grow difficult when deprived of your kisses.”

“Make haste, you two,” Stephen said, stopping just inside the door to the duchess’s sitting room, “we must interrogate Miss Abbott while we have the opportunity. Constance and her duke won’t be gone long.”