Page 15 of The Duke's Spinster

“I very well will say that I don’t know your intentions. In fact, you bring up a very valid question. What are your intentions, precisely?”

He straightened his spine, and murmured, “It’s not the time.”

“What better time—”

“Good afternoon, Lady Simone,” he called out. A bit early if Boudicca was being persnickety, which she was.

The slightly widened eyes of Lady Simone confirmed Boudicca’s judgment. The duke was obviously avoiding her question. Well, he couldn’t avoid it forever. She would see to that.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

“Lady Simone.”

The ladies dipped their heads in acknowledgment of each other. Though it had to be noted that Lady Simone cast her a wary eye, which made Boudicca wonder what the lady knew of the duke. And how well she knew it exactly.

There was some small chatter, about a ball, or something. But at the mention of a fencing tournament, Boudicca’s ears perked up.

“Will you and the Duke of Cadmore be joining the upcoming fencing tournament again?”

“Of course.” The subtle movement of the duke’s jaw tensing caught her eye.

“Best of luck to you.Thistime.” It was a clear mocking tone. And as if it were a side note, she added, “See you at the garden party later this week, Lady Boudicca.”

He grunted, dipped his head and flicked the reins.

“I didn’t realize you fenced?” Boudicca inquired. This line of conversation was of great interest to her.

Through clenched teeth, he said, “Yes, I do.”

“Are you any good?” And really, it wasn’t meant to be challenging, or mocking, or anything. It was a simple, direct question.

“You obviously heard that I lost the last tournament.”

“Actually, I did not hear of that.” Though she wasn’t sure how she hadn’t heard of it. She always tried to keep apprised of all fencing-related news amongst theton.

And then there wasn’t time to clear up the misperception that she wasn’t taunting him because another carriage was rolling toward them. The dowager Duchess of Melson (who should really just be referred to as The Meddler, or maybe Meddling Melson) was soon upon them.

“Good day to you, Duke.” Her brows were already waggling, and her lip was curled into a smile. “Lady Boudicca.”

“And you, Madame.”

Boudicca smiled in return.

“What fine company to find you in. I hadn’t realized you two were acquainted. I’ve known Lady Boudicca since she was just a young girl. I’m glad to finally see her in worthy…amity.” She winked. It wasn’t discreet in the least. But for whatever reason, it caused Boudicca to grow increasingly aware of the man beside her. The one apparently courting her. The one she didn’t trust was courting her. Yet, the one who was a hot-blooded, stone-cut of a man quite nearly touching her thigh, now that she thought about it. She scooted away from the fire. The hot-blooded stone. Or whatever he was.

“Yes, he’s a good friend.” Realizing the vague definition ofgood friend, she hurried to clarify. “Not a close friend. But a good man—person. He’s…erm…nice. Enough.” Botheration! Never, ever in her life had she stuttered so. What the deuce had come over her?

A gentle chuckle rumbled beside her. “Yes, well, thank you for that, Lady Boudicca.” He turned to The Meddler. “It does her justice to have someone speak to her long standing character.”

“I can’t say enough about her. Do you know about her love for fen—”

“Oh, I nearly forgot the time. Apologies, Your Grace, but I have to return home.” There was no chance that Boudicca wanted the duke to know her secret love of fencing. Not yet, at least. The duchess, though a meddler, was not a gossip. The two dominating roles in thetonwere quite distinct. To Boudicca’s knowledge, the duchess had kept the daughters’ secrets to herself. So it was unexpected that she was about to spill the tea now. And not even over tea.

It was time to leave. Thankfully, the duchess was already waving her goodbye.

“I think that was enough of a carriage ride for one day, don’t you, Your Grace?” Boudicca smoothed her skirts and picked afew flecks of fluff from her sleeves. Surely she needed to get out of the warm summer sun before freckles sprouted. Not that she cared about that, but any excuse for space from the duke would do right about now.

“A gossip and a meddler both in one day compels me to agree with your evaluation.” He turned the horses to head back to her house.

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