Page 37 of The Duke's Spinster

Boudicca hoped that the ride to the garden party did not portend the afternoon’s events, for she was being bombarded with questions. Some subtle, while others not so much.

“Was the duke here this morning?” Subtle. From Joan.

“Yes. We had a nice match. I think he’s improving his skills.”

“Is that his goal?” Zenobia asked, innocently, yet coyly.

“He’s very competitive. His goal is always to improve.”

“Sounds like you.” Zenobia said. “He’s known to have incredibly high standards. You’re quite special to have garnered more than one visit. Let alone four.”

“Seven.” That correction had been a mistake.

“You’ve been counting?” Mimi was on the edge of her seat. “So you like him then? I mean, who doesn’t? But still…youlike him. Imagine, the two people among thetonwith the highest standards falling for each other. It makes sense I suppose.”

“I’m not falling for him.”

“Right.” Not so subtle. “Have you kissed him?” Mimi stared directly at her.

There was no hiding it. Oh, she tried to hide it. Good Heavens, how she wished she could have hid it. Soon it would be known that she, the eldest, the spinster, the good girl, the one keeping them all in line, the prim and proper one was…a wanton.

“Oh my God, Bodi! You did kiss him. I can’t believe it.” Mimi’s limbs were swinging. Nobi retreated to the squabs to avoid a finger in the eye.

And Boudicca thought Mimi was going to add,How could you? I can’t believe it. You’re such a canting hypocrite.

Instead, she added, “I can’t believe how happy I am for you.” Was that a tear she saw in Mimi’s eyes?

“It’s not that big of a deal.” Wait. That was also the wrong thing to say. Kissing was a big deal.

“It’s a bit of a deal,” Joan said with a smile. “Did you like it?”

“How could I not?” The words slipped out, causing the sisters to chuckle. She was so lucky to have such a tight-knit family with sisters like friends. Often she felt too greatly the responsibility of being the eldest. Leading the way. Modeling the best behavior. It was a relief to let go and just be. Just feel. Just do.

It was not the way of theton. But it should be the way of their family.

“So it’s a real thing, then?” Nobi asked.

She shrugged. “Honestly, I have no idea what’s real anymore. But my feelings, I guess, are real.”

Mimi was crying. Boudicca saw her swipe at her eyes.

“What are the tears for?”

“I’m just so happy for you. You deserve to be happy. I hope it’s true love.”

“Thank you.” While she didn’t think it was true love, maybe it was, just a little more than like. “Now dry those eyes, we have a garden party to attend.”

The sisters alit the carriage, Mimi discreetly fanning her eyes (as inconspicuous as that motion can be). Immediately, they were greeted by their hostess, and the Countess of Linsgate was exceptionally loquacious today.

“It’s a delight to have you four here. I believe I have the perfect guestlist today.” Her hands were a flutter, almost a clap, but no sound.

“My daughter, Lady Simone, as I’m sure you know, has her pick ofallthe eligible bachelors. And then some.”

Lady Simone was quite lovely. Almost the opposite of Boudicca. Petite brunette to Boudicca’s tall blonde.

Unsure of how to respond to the countess’ claim ofand then some, Boudicca merely nodded her head.

After greeting their hostess and finding a table, the sisters sat amiably and chatted with a few friends.

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