Daily Lines- The Reluctant Duke. Introducing Archie

“Oh bother.” Victoria muttered, startled at whatever she had just seen.

Colin turned to look in the direction she was looking.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, looking for something to justify her present stricken look.

“Here comes your sanctimonious friend.”

Colin was surprised, he’d never seen that particular look on Victoria’s face before. She looked truly uncomfortable, a faint blush rising in her normally pale cheeks.

“Archie? What’s wrong with Archie?” Colin asked, baffled. Victoria couldn’t be having such a strong reaction to his quiet friend could she?

“He always makes me feel like I’m a tease because I’ve refused more than one marriage proposal. I don’t know how he even knows about them.” She muttered.

“Everyone knows about the men you have turned down Victoria.” Colin smiled, happy that Victoria was the one feeling uncomfortable now.

“Well, it shouldn’t be common knowledge.” Victoria snapped, she was truly scowling now.

“Archie, old boy.” Colin greeted his friend, feeling better than he had in days.

“Your Grace, Lady Dunford,” Archie bowed politely at them both, low enough to indicate their rank but also his intimacy to Colin himself.

Colin scowled.

“If you call me Your Grace in company again, I’ll give you the cut direct.” 

Archibald Turner smiled at that, the expression lighting up his rather solemn face.