Duchess by Chance by Wendy Vella Page A

several times before gaining enough momentum to get out of the chair.
    “Simon, this is Miss Belton.” Eva waved a hand from Claire to Simon as she tried to hear exactly what Mrs. Potter was saying to her husband. “Allow me to introduce you to Lord Kelkirk.”
    “A pleasure,” Simon bowed deeply over Claire’s hand. “We met briefly in London, I think?”
    “Yes, we did, my lord,” Claire said, not sparing Simon a glance, Eva noticed, as she too, was attempting to follow the conversation between Mrs. Potter and Daniel.
    “I am charged to convey an invitation to you, your Grace, to attend church this Sunday. My husband is to give a very fine sermon.”
    Eva held her breath. Surely Daniel would not tolerate Mrs. Potter making such a request?
    “Of course, Mrs. Potter. All who reside at Stratton will be attendance.”
    “Oh, that is wonderful news, your Grace. Reverend Potter will be very happy indeed.”
    The duke turned to smile at Claire and Eva before continuing. “There are many here at Stratton, Mrs. Potter, who need spiritual guidance and it is my responsibility to ensure they receive it.”
    “He is a silver-tongued sod,” Simon whispered to Eva from the side of his mouth.
    “I have never once seen Minerva Potter at a loss for words,” Claire added.
    Eva wanted to giggle as she watched color flood the round face of Mrs. Potter after Daniel complimented her on the stylish arrangement upon her hat.
    “Duchess, could you have Luton replenish the teapot?” Daniel asked, winking at the small group gathered by the door. “Mrs. Potter and I have much to discuss.”
    “Allow me.” Simon made a dash for the door before Eva could even lift a foot.
    “Come and join us, ladies,” the duke added.
    Grabbing Claire’s arm before she, too, fled, Eva towed her to one of the couches. Sitting together, both ladies watched Daniel as he proceeded to ladle on the charm. Within minutes, Mrs. Potter was blushing and twittering like a debutante at her first ball.
    “He should be on the stage,” Claire whispered.
    “I am coming to realize there are many sides to my husband.”
    “Oh, Daniel has a wicked wit when he unleashes it,” Claire added. “And his smile has often got him what he wants.”
    “Is my smile not as distracting?” Simon said, returning. “Country manners are so charming,” he added with a goodly dose of sarcasm, as both women ignored him and kept their eyes firmly trained on the now giggling Mrs. Potter.
    “The male ego is such a fragile thing, Eva.” Claire threw Simon a scathing look.  
    Eva swallowed another laugh as she peeked at Simon and noted his scowl.
    “We are so honored that you are to attend dear Reverend Potter’s service this Sunday, your Grace.” Mrs. Potter clutched the duke’s hand as she prepared to rise after drinking two cups of tea and eating two jam-laden scones.
    “I shall look forward to it.” Daniel bowed low over her hand.
    The small group then walked outside and goodbyes were exchanged and finally Mrs. Potter left, casting longing looks at Eva’s husband until her carriage was no longer in view.
    “That was very well done of you, your Grace,” Claire said, pulling on her own gloves. “Although I fail to see how you will rid yourself of her company now that she is halfway in love with you.”
    “Tsk, tsk, Claire, I was merely being friendly.”
    Claire snorted as they walked to the waiting carriage. “Be careful of this man, Eva - he can wrap any woman around his finger. Even my mother is infatuated with him. She used to make him play the piano and sing whenever he visited. If one is gifted with the voice of an angel, one must use it, she used to say.”      
    “A woman with exquisite tastes, your mother,” Daniel drawled.
    “Or she’s tone deaf with failing eyesight,” Simon added.
    “I assure you, Lord Kelkirk, my mother is in full control of her faculties,” Claire snapped, the smile leaving her face as she faced Simon.
    Simon’s mouth