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night. She could only assume he did so for a measure of safety, but she hesitated on drawing any obvious conclusions. She’d never mixed much in society, yet prided her ability to decipher the male mind, her father and Addington simplistic in their thinking. Yet Devlin proved something altogether different; the man’s reasoning as mysterious as his appearance. She would need to work harder to decipher his manner of consciousness.
    At least Henry proved no bother and found a comfortable blanket and a new friend on the top bench with the footman.
    The barouche made a turn onto the long drive leading to Devlin’s estate and Alexandra could no longer contain her impatience. How she yearned for a hot bath and a comfortable bed. With restless anticipation she peered out the window, the drive lined with walnut trees, their leaves a mottled green. There was not another house for as far as the eye could see, the property so expansive. Right at the center stood Kenley Manor, if one could label the large building as a single household. Her breath caught and she dismissed it as need for fresh air, yet with each revolution of the carriage wheels, her mind spun faster.
    Brick upon brick, the home rose to the sky, each level marked by varying sized windows, the tallest at the top to accommodate the high ceilings indicative of the most opulent rooms. Concrete balconies complimented the upper sash windows, a few overlooking a cobblestone walkway, and pilasters outlined the massive front doors. The grounds were impeccably manicured and instead of appearing over-run by the verdant green ivy that crept up the north wall, the blanket of green appeared perfectly placed.
    She exited the coach and a line of servants assembled to angle up the manor steps in a makeshift processional that echoed a formality she’d never have paired with Wharncliffe. Again, she amended her thoughts. He was a member of the aristocracy, after all.
    Much to her surprise, Devlin had sent a messenger ahead and she was introduced to each member of the household. Considering the series of events that led her to Kenley Manor in the course of two short days, her heart softened at the unexpected gesture.
    Perhaps her stay would not prove so terrible. She glanced over her shoulder to see her new guardian in discussion with Reeston, the butler. He held Henry captive at his side in an attempt to prevent the pup from tearing through the long hall on an adventure to explore the new surroundings. Henry’s tail wagged with furious enthusiasm. Such a striking contrast, the angry little white pup in the arms of the dark duke. His butler said something and a smile graced Devlin’s lips. For an odd moment, he appeared vulnerable and her breath caught. He must have sensed her attention as he turned in her direction. His eyes caught hers and held for longer than was proper, her heart hammering in her chest triple time. Surely everyone on the steps could hear it. With a little gasp of surprise at her sudden rush of emotion, she averted her attention and followed the housemaid upstairs.

Chapter Eight
    Tillie was the most talkative individual Alexandra had ever met. The petite maid, whose dark brown curls bobbed with as much energy as her conversation, spoke non-stop all the way to the west wing, quite a distance from their point of origin. Oh, it was refreshing to hear everything the young girl shared, but to have it rattled at such speed and quantity after the long confinement of her travels was enough to send Alexandra to bed for the night. But of course, that would be unacceptable. Tillie had already informed her of the menu, the guests in attendance, and of the expectations for the evening. The young maid was a force to be reckoned with, of that Alexandra was sure, yet she meant well and possessed the smile of an angel.
    “Well, here we are. It is a wonder His Grace ordered this wing opened for your arrival. No one stays in this part of the estate. Well, not since his parents.”