Page 7 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

Noted.

Normally, he would put a stop to this sort of conversation, but he learned the hard way that it was easier to let the Countess get out what she wanted to say. It was less taxing that way.

“She’s a lovely girl, very bright, and a wonderful conversationalist. A bit strong-headed if you ask me, but I think she would be an excellent match for a man such as yourself.”

Pilton coughed. “I don’t think he’d be interested in my sister.”

David looked at him and found the amusement had turned into derision.

Well, now I am interested in this chit.

“Someone who is intelligent and well-spoken, you say? Tell me, what does this young lady look like? Not like Pilton, I hope.”

The Countess fawned over his quip while the Duchess grabbed her husband’s arm before he charged.

“I think that is our carriage that pulled up,” the Duchess interjected. “Thank you again, Lady Staunton, for the lovelynight. We feel better knowing that we are leaving Jenny in your capable hands. We appreciate your hospitality.”

With that, she dragged her husband out the door, leaving David alone with the Countess.

The Countess barely registered their goodbyes. She was looking over the couples on the dance floor. “She should be around here somewhere. I think Her Grace said that Jenny had stepped out for some fresh air, but she should have returned by now.”

That definitely sparked his interest.

She stepped out for some fresh air? Could it be…?

“Ah, there she is. Do you see that young woman over there by the entrance to the hallway?” The Countess pointed in the direction he had just come from, and his heart rate quickened. “See there? The girl with the reddish-brown hair? That’s her, Jane Bennett—Jenny to her friends.”

David’s breath stuttered as he tookherin. The shadows in the library played with the color of her hair, but here in the light, it was a beautiful mahogany. Her alabaster skin glowed under the light from the chandeliers, and a smattering of freckles peppered her face and shoulders.

He watched as she scanned the ballroom. She carried herself with poise and confidence, much like she did in the library.

“She is something isn’t she?” Lady Staunton nudged him.

“Yes, something.” He looked back at the grinning woman next to him. “Perhaps next time, Lady Staunton. I really must be going.”

The Countess sighed. “Fine. But one of these days, I’m going to sic a darling young woman on you, and you won’t be able to deny her.”

David nodded his farewell and ducked into the entryway.

He knew from previous parties that the ballroom could be accessed from a side door. He wasn’t ready to leave just yet. For as much as he’d hate to give the Countess an excuse to invite him to another gathering, she just may be onto something with this girl.

It was time he got to know Miss Jane Bennett, Jenny, in the light.

CHAPTER 3

After splashing some cool water on her face to ease her nerves, Jenny made her way back into the ballroom. She found Lady Staunton standing by the entrance.

“Miss Bennett! I just saw the Duke and Duchess—their carriage just pulled away. It seems as though they couldn’t wait to leave.”

Jenny smiled. “Yes. They were both anxious to get home to Simon.”

Lady Staunton shook her head in disbelief. “I remember when you and your brother first joined Society. It has been like night and day with him. He definitely found a good match in her.”

Jenny’s smile grew wider. “He certainly did.”

A gentle cough came from her right.

“Oh!” Lady Staunton exclaimed. “My apologies, Lord Rifly. Miss Bennett, may I introduce Lord Rifly. He is the son of a distant cousin of mine. Lord Rifly, this is Miss Jane Bennett, sister of the Duke of Pilton.”

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