Page 48 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

“Simmons says his name is Harry Featherstone, the Duke of Dovegrove.”

Jenny scrunched up her nose. “Never heard of him.”

“I have. Nothing scandalous. He seems like the perfect gentleman, which, based on your most recent conquest, may sound dull to you. But give him a chance.”

Jenny ignored Frannie’s insinuation about her feelings for David. After all, her sister-in-law was right. David was nothing but a confusing headache. Maybe she should give this new man a chance.

“What do you suppose he wants?” she asked.

Frances scowled and tapped her on the shoulder. “What do you think he wants? To court you!”

Jenny straightened up. “What do you mean, to court me? I’ve never met the man, why would he just show up out of the blue? Maybe he wants something else?”

Frances snickered. “Sure. He wants advice on his latest needlepoint.”

Jenny was not amused. This morning had been a whirlwind of emotions, and she was not in the mood to entertain anyone. She just wanted her bed to wallow in self-pity.

Frances nudged her. “Come on. You say there is nothing going on between you and the Duke of Marlow—by the way, you ended your conversation with him. I can attest to that. Why not give this man a chance?”

Jenny rested her head against the grain of the door. When did life get so complicated? When she said she wanted to experience life, this was not what she had envisioned.

“I guess there is no harm in finding out what he wants.” She sounded resolute, but she felt a small piece of her heart shatter.

She placed her hand on the doorknob, and with a silent prayer for strength, she opened it.

The Duke of Dovegrove stood up from where he was sitting in front of the fireplace.

Frances entered first, gesturing to Jenny behind her. “Duke, may I introduce my sister-in-law, Miss Jane Bennett. Jenny, this is Harry Featherstone, the Duke of Dovegrove.”

The Duke took Jenny’s proffered hand and placed a chaste kiss on the back of it. Her mind conjured up images of David kissing her neck, and she withdrew her hand, cradling it to her chest with her other.

“I’m sorry, Miss Bennett. I didn’t mean to startle you,” the Duke muttered as he stepped back.

Jenny could feel the blush rise to her cheeks. She brought a hand up to her neck where she could still feel David’s kisses. “No, please, it was me. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Oh.” The Duke furrowed his brow in concern. “Come, sit down. The Duchess said that you were both out for a walk. Maybe you are just tired.” He guided her to a chair next to where he was sitting.

“That must be it.” Jenny threw a cautious glance at Frances, who was staring at her as if she completely lost her mind. She shrugged and sat in the chair.

“Jenny, I will send in some tea. Your maid Martha is here and will sit with you both. Duke, it is an honor to have you in our home. Please excuse my absence while I go attend to my child.”

The Duke of Dovegrove stood back up. “That’s right, I remember hearing that you and Pilton welcomed your first son. Congratulations to you both. Children are God’s greatest blessing.”

Frances dipped her head in agreement. “Yes, he would be a greater blessing if he would sleep through the night.”

While they conversed, Jenny took the opportunity to gather her thoughts.

How was it just five minutes ago when she was joking with David, then having her heart ripped out, and now she was sitting in the parlor with a potential suitor?

She rubbed her temples. How did this become her life?

Frances saw herself out when Martha settled into the chair by the window.

The Duke sat back down and turned towards Jenny. “You’ll have to forgive me for coming without prior notice. The truth is that I’ve been wanting to call on you for some time now.”

“Have you?” Jenny tilted her head in his direction.

The Duke was a nice-looking man. He was not tall like David, but he had an agreeable height. His kind blue eyes sparkled when he smiled at her like he was doing now.

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