The Regency Season: Passionate Promises: The Duke's Daring Debutante / Return of the Prodigal Gilvry

Defending her, when he had not defended himself. Warmth spread in her chest.

His mother’s shoulders stiffened. ‘You said nothing about her speech. I am sure I had no intention to criticise, I just didn’t expect...’ Her voice trailed off in a weak gesture of her hand.

Freddy’s lips flattened to a thin straight line as if he was doing all in his power not to say something harsh.

Minette kept her expression pleasant. ‘My mother was English, but she died when I was very young. I am sure, in time, I will become less noticeably French.’

‘I like the way you speak,’ Freddy said stiffly.

She gave him a grateful smile.

His mother gazed at him thoughtfully, her glance holding such coldness Minette stifled the urge to shiver. ‘Ring for tea, Falconwood. Miss Rideau must be parched after her journey.’

Stone-faced, he strode across to the bell-pull beside a hearth of brilliant white plaster carved with vegetation and ferocious-looking animals.

‘Your leg is dragging more than usual,’ his mother said with a grimace. ‘I told you not to hack out on that animal of yours this morning. It tires you.’