Barely a Bride

  * * *

  She made herself wait a week before following Griffin to London and when she arrived, she went straight to his rented town house.

  “I’m sorry, Madam,” the butler apologized. “But His Grace is not at home.”

  “Then it is most fortuitous that His Grace’s presence isn’t required.” She smiled at the butler. “I am the Duchess of Avon. Please see that my bags are brought inside and that Durham, my lady’s maid, is settled in.” She arched an eyebrow. “And I’ll require tonight’s invitations. Please see that they’re brought to the master suite. Where is the master suite?”

  “Up the stairs, down the corridor to the right.”

  Alyssa breezed past him and started up the stairs.

  “But, Your Grace, His Grace said nothing to me of your impending arrival…”

  “I decided to surprise him.”