Page 29 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“Who would want to?” Eleanor interjected.

Sarah laughed. “That notwithstanding. Why don’t you approach this party with the intention of giving the men a chance.”

Eleanor took the hand of the footman waiting to help her into the carriage. She looked down at Sarah. “When did you become so wise? You’re only seventeen.”

Sarah smiled. “I’ve learned from the best,” she said, giving her big sister a wink.

Thankfully the ride over to Lady Merrington’s was short, so Eleanor didn’t have enough time to stew over her conversation with the Duke.

“Come, girls, we must say hello to Lady Merrington.” Charlotte herded her three daughters out of their carriage and towards the back garden. “Your Grace, will you be joining us?”

Graynor stepped out of his carriage and dusted off his jacket. “Please go on; I’ll be right in.”

Eleanor threw a questioning look in his direction but shrugged it off. It was none of her business when he joined the party or if at all.

The girls followed their mother around the back of the house and into a sprawling garden that took up several acres. Lady Merrington’s estate was located just outside of London and allowed for spacious and well-cultivated gardens. Eleanor always loved coming here, even if it meant putting on her “society” hat and playing the perfect daughter.

“Ah, Charlotte, I am so glad you and your daughters have made it.” Lady Merrington was a stout sixty-something woman who was well known throughout society for her acute awareness of everyone’s comings and goings.

Lady Merrington’s face fell when she looked over Charlotte’s shoulder. “Is His Grace with you?”

Charlotte waved her off. “Oh, of course. He’s just seeing to the carriages. I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.”

That seemed to appease Lady Merrington. “Oh good. I had a pickle of a time getting him to agree to come here today. I wanted just a little soiree with a few couples and friends, but His Grace insisted I up the invitation list to include more people.”

Charlotte tilted her head. “How odd.”

Lady Merrington nodded her head in agreement. “Indeed. But the more the merrier, I say.”

A funny feeling settled over Eleanor. “Lady Merrington, forgive me for asking, but may I ask how many more couples did you invite?”

“That’s the thing! He wanted me to invite more men. I had to scurry to find women to come as well.” She dipped her voice so only the women could hear her. “I couldn’t have a party and have an unequal number of men and women. Think of the scandal that would cause,” Lady Merrington whispered, horrified.

Eleanor’s heart dropped to her stomach. He was literally parading her around men like a pig at a meat market. Sarah nudged Eleanor’s arm and gave her a supportive look.

Charlotte patted Lady Merrington’s shoulder. “Well, everything looks lovely, and I think you have outdone yourself even with adding invitees at the last minute. I would have no idea if I didn’t know.”

Lady Merrington smiled at Charlotte’s compliment.

“Lady Eleanor, I hear this year will be your lucky year, and you are determined to find your match.”

Eleanor acknowledged the comment while trying to figure out the most proper way to respond to her without speaking ill of her benefactor.

“Yes, Lady Merrington. I hope that I shall find someone compatible soon.”

Lady Merrington let out a girlish squeal, something Eleanor found ill-fitting for such a matronly woman.

“I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve invited some very capable, and I think suitable, gentlemen that may interest you.”

Sarah grabbed Eleanor’s hand. “But first, may we get something to drink? It’s starting to get warm, and I fear I may faint if I don’t have something to drink.”

Eleanor squeezed Sarah’s hand in gratitude.

“Mother, Lady Merrington, would you please excuse us? I’ll take Sarah to get something to drink, and then we will properly make our rounds.”

“Of course, my child, go on right ahead. And if you need anything, just let my man Kellan know, and he will be able to assist you.” With a small nod and a smile, the girls left the two women and Beatrice chatting.

When the girls were far enough away, Sarah leaned into Eleanor. “Do you think they bought it?”

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