Page 9 of Wicked Is the Duke
"You look stunning, my lady," Mildred said. The woman had recently come to work for her. She'd worked for a marchioness until her death, leaving her future uncertain. Anna felt fortunate to have found her.
"I do," Anna said. "Thank you for your assistance."
"Now be off with you. I believe the duke is waiting downstairs in the drawing room."
"He's here?"
"Yes, my lady," she said, handing Anna a fan.
Anna took one last look before quitting her room and heading to the staircase. She took in a deep breath as she neared the drawing room doors. This was her first public appearance with the duke and she wanted to make a good impression.
She knew her brother wanted nothing but the best for her, but so far she felt she'd disappointed Robert with all the men she’d refused. He'd been patient with her, but she knew his understanding nature would sooner or later come to a halt. The duke was extremely thoughtful, kind, and very handsome. From the few times they'd been in each other's company, she’d felt like they would be a good match. The last thing she needed to do was bungle this.
A footman opened the door and she proceeded through the opening. The first thing she noted was Blackmont. He stood near the fire, looking at the flames from afar. He immediately turned hearing her cross the room.
"Good evening, Your Grace. I hope you haven't been waiting long," she said as she neared.
"Good evening, Miss Grover. No, I haven't been waiting long," he replied. "If you are ready, we should depart for the theater. I'm sure there'll be quite a line, so we'll have to wait to disembark the carriage."
She flushed. Not because she was drawn to this man, but because she felt as though it was her fault they would have to wait. "I apologize, Your Grace. I should have..."
"Nonsense. You're right on time," he said, a bemused smile on his face.
He gestured to the door, and trying not to look at him, she made her way back to it. Once outside, he helped her into his carriage. As his hand made contact with hers, she felt a certain electricity between them. Anna knew she was blushing, and from the look on the duke's face, she was sure he felt it as well.
To make sure no one would question her accompanying the duke to the theater, Robert had sent her maid to act as a chaperone as he'd been delayed. The young girl was around Anna's age and was well schooled in disappearing into the shadows. Mildred sat on the seat beside Anna in the shadows of the corner.
Blackmont climbed in and took the seat across from the two women. Making sure Anna was settled, he tapped on the roof of the carriage. The carriage lurched forward into the evening traffic. It seemed everyone in Mayfair was going somewhere this evening.
"You look quite stunning this evening, Miss Grover."
Once again, she felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She wondered if he noticed. "Thank you, Your Grace."
"I keep a box at the theater. It's the same one my father had, and I try to use it when I'm in town."
"What do you prefer, Your Grace? Plays or a concert such as tonight."
"Both," he replied. The corner of his mouth curled up. "I do enjoy a good, well-performed play, but I’m always in awe of the talent of some of the opera singers and the orchestras that visit."
"Does His Grace play an instrument?"
"I do. Violin and piano. I find it's a great way to clear my mind, though I'm sure some would say my ability is passable at best. And you?"
"Piano, and I hardly believe your playing is simply passable, Your Grace. You seem to be a man who is a perfectionist in whatever he does."
Blackmont arched a brow. "And you would be correct, Miss Grover."
Anna, she thought to herself. She wanted him to call her by her given name, but until he initiated that conversation, it wasn't something she could do. She imagined what her name would sound like rolling off his tongue. The man was incredibly handsome, his voice deep and smooth as silk.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. "What else does Miss Anna Grover like to do with her time? I know you can dance with grace, and you like good literature. What else?"
No man had ever asked her that before. It was something that went unsaid. Men usually weren't interested in what qualities a woman possessed outside the marital bed, bearing them heirs, and being an amazing hostess. Blackmont, on the other hand, seemed to genuinely care about learning her likes and dislikes, which was a refreshing change.
"I love to ride astride, and I love to paint. Watercolors." She wondered if he was shocked by her revelation concerning horses. Most men looked at her with horrified faces upon learning that morsel. The duke, however, was unfazed.
"Do you have your own horse?" he asked softly, his lips twitching in an effort not to smile.
"No. My brother talks of purchasing one for me but has yet to. I suppose he's afraid I'll go galloping through Hyde Park at full speed," she replied.
