Page 12 of Three Nights with the Beastly Duke

The next morning during breakfast, their father announced that the Duke had sent tickets for the Opera that would be performing in three days’ time. While Rebecca and Lavinia shared a glance, Agnes excitedly asked if she would be allowed to attend as well.

“Indeed, you will,” Kenneth replied jovially. “He’s sent tickets for all of us and has included in a little note that his mother would be joining us well.”

He looked up from the letter, smiling at Rebecca. “You will be able to meet your future mother-in-law,” he stated happily. “Won’t that be nice?”

“It certainly will not,” Rebecca grumbled under her breath.

“What was that?” her father asked, his brow raised in an intimidating fashion.

“I certainly believe so,” Rebecca said louder, forcing a smile. “Quite a lot.”

“Ah,” Kenneth replied, regaining his smile. “And how is your engagement going, thus far? Did you and your fiancé get a chance to converse with one another at the dinner party last night?”

Rebecca looked quickly at Lavinia, her eyes pleading for help.

“Actually, Papa, we spent last night introducing the Duke to our friends,” Lavinia replied, setting down her cup of tea. “There’s so many horrid rumors about him, you know, and Rebecca and I wanted to help dispel such vile speech.”

“How honorable of you,” Kenneth praised. “But the Duke is a grown man. I am sure he can speak for himself.” He turned his attention back to Rebecca. “At the Opera on Friday, I want to see you speaking with your fiancé. Do you understand? One way or another, hewillbe your husband. And the union will benefit greatly if you make time to get to know one another.”

“Yes, Papa,” Rebecca sighed, turning back to her poached eggs with a look of defeat.

After they finished breakfast, Lavinia was on her way to attend to her embroidery when she was approached by a valet.

“Pardon me, Miss Dennis, but a missive has just arrived for you,” he stated, bowing low as he offered the letter on a silver tray.

Lavinia quickly thanked him and took the letter. She waited until he walked away before stowing herself into a nearby closet and opening it.

The first was compelling. But how will the second go? See you at the Opera.

There was no signature, but she knew who it was from. She was starting to enjoy these secret missives from the Duke. Even if they were irritatingly short and slightly annoying.

Unable to help the grin on her face, Lavinia tucked the note into her bosom, left the closet, and began to mentally prepare herself for what was coming next.

CHAPTERSIX

“Oh, my darling, this was such a wonderful idea,” Marianne stated enthusiastically, looking over the edge of their Opera box. “I am so happy you are taking your engagement seriously.” She turned back to her son with a slight pout and added, “Though I do wish you’d tell me more about how the dinner went.”

“It went perfectly well, Mama,” Arthur assured her, taking her hand to guide her to her seat. He had sent word ahead to the Opera house to have two small tables set up in the box.

“Yes, you said that.” Marianne sighed. “But that isallyou have said about it.”

“Well, that is because that is all there is to say about it,” Arthur replied as the curtains to the box were pulled back.

A moment later, the two of them were joined by Kenneth and his three daughters. Rebecca and the youngest sister looked lovely in their pastels, but it was Lavinia he was immediately drawn to. She wore a navy blue gown with black lace gloves, and her dark curls were pinned prettily, with a navy blue feather sticking out of them.

His body reacted immediately to the sight of her, but he ignored it and went to Rebecca first.

“Ah, my lovely bride-to-be,” he greeted cheerily, kissing her hand. “Thank you for your presence.”

Rebecca gave him a thin smile and nod, but nothing more, and her father quickly approached her side to speak.

“We are honored that you thought of us, Your Grace,” Kenneth stated pleasantly. “You know Rebecca and my eldest, Lavinia. But may I introduce my youngest daughter, Agnes.”

“A pleasure to meet you, young lady,” Arthur said, bowing to the smallest of the Dennis sisters.

“The pleasure is mine, Your Grace,” Agnes stated in a most elegant fashion. Then, in a more childish nature, she added, “Are you to be my big brother? I’ve always wanted one.”

At this, everyone in their box chuckled, and Marianne quickly seemed taken with the young girl.

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