Page 6 of Her Infuriating Duke

She sighed. “No, not every time.”

“So then, there’s no reason to assume it would go well.”

“But you can’t do anything to change it, so you have to find a way to hold onto hope.”

“Just say whatever it is you’re trying to say.”

“I only wanted to tell you that I know things feel rough now, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I am here to talk if you need any help adjusting to what comes next.”

Amber stared at the floor, pushing back the urge to let her despair flood out. “I’ll remember that. Can we get back to the party now?”

“Of course, whatever you like.”

They joined another small cluster of people, and the conversation began to flow once again, Mary’s concern playing in her mind.

Still, she couldn’t afford to get distracted now. She was on a mission this night. Every few minutes, she scanned over the guests to see if there was anyone she thought might agree to her slightly crazy plan.

So far though, she hadn’t had any luck.

“Amber, dear,” Mary said, pulling her out of her thoughts, “is everything all right? Do you want me to walk you back to your room? Maybe you need a lie down.”

“There’s no need for that. Of course, I’m all right. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Mary frowned, clearly not completely convinced. She opened her mouth to continue talking, but one of the men cut her off.

“She’s probably just hungry. Don’t worry, Lady Amber. Dinner will be ready soon, I’m sure.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Of course. What kind of man would I be to not show concern for a lady.”

Then the conversation turned to other topics, leaving her to return to scanning the room for anyone who could help.

Amber was starting to give up hope when the door suddenly swung open, revealing the two final guests, late to the party as they were. The first was a petite young woman with auburn hair swept back from her face, a jeweled turquoise pin, and large hazel eyes, looking over the party with visible glee. Her elegant mint green gown had lovely embroidery along the hem, but that wasn’t who had caught Amber’s eyes. No, she was focused on someone she’d only heard of, someone who from everything she could tell had no place with her cousin Simon or any of his friends.

The Duke of Easton, Christopher Garvey.

She couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing here.

He cut an imposing figure. He was tall, muscular, with dark brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes. While she had never met him, she knew his reputation. The Duke was known to be less than sociable. He usually only came to outings when his sister wanted to go places. He had never had any kind of serious courtship with anyone, but his name had been associated with a few scandals.

Amber lit up; he was perfect.

She waited until there was an appropriate moment. Finally, she saw her opening. His sister had run off, leaving him on his own. She knew she had to act fast before his sister came back and roped him in to conversation.

Amber turned to Mary. “If you’d all excuse me for a moment.”

Mary caught her eye, but Amber just smiled, walking away. She tried not to be too obvious, making her way along the edge of the room as though she didn’t have any destination in mind before finally walking over to him.

“Duke of Easton, I believe,” Amber said.

Immediately when he saw her, his demeanor shifted. “Do I know you?”

“No, I don’t believe we have met before. I’m Lady Amber Parr. Could I speak with you for a moment?”

“I see.” He glanced around with a grimace. “If you are trying to make the best of your available prospects for the evening, then you are going to be sorely disappointed.”

“Excuse me?”

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