Dare me

Even the duke was stunned at first, not able to form any words on his lips.

"Mother, you are putting the duke in an uncomfortable stance, don't you think?"

"What? I am only helping." She eyed the duke. "Unlike you, someone might actually need my help; is that not right, Duke Hector?" The tables had turned back at the duke as soon as they were gone.

He cleared his throat, meeting Belle's confused and questioning gaze before saying to Meredith, "If you say it like that, how can I refuse your generous aid?"

Meredith beamed in achievement. "So I had assumed correctly; you do fancy my embroiderer after all." She turned expectantly to Belle. "What do you think of the duke's unspoken intentions towards you, Miss Thornhill?"

Belle glanced in a rush at Kione, who had finally now stepped away from her, and he was no longer staring at her; instead, he made his way back to his seat, probably to get a better view of the unfolding drama.

"I-i—"