Page 113 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“A little.” She’d heard plenty at the time, since rumors had been flying.
“Oh, the Duchess of Ashford is a lovely woman,” Mrs. Babbington said, leaning forward so she could participatemore fully in the conversation. “She came here to buy books a couple of times, and the duke has collected orders on her behalf each time he came to Town this season.”
“I’m eager to meet her.” Amelia finished her sherry and placed the glass on the ground. “I’ve never met a woman who enjoys reading as much as I do—although, I must admit, that’s possibly because I’m not terribly social and haven’t spoken to many of my peers in depth.”
“You’ll like the duchess,” Lady Drake assured her. “As Mrs. Babbington said, she’s a sweet girl.”
Sweet. Not a word Amelia would believe could ever be applied to her. But if the sweet Duchess of Ashford enjoyed reading, then she was sure they’d get along just fine.
The three women chatted for a while longer, but eventually, Amelia sighed and conceded that she and Lady Drake should probably return home before Andrew got too worried.
They bid farewell to Mrs. Babbington, making a promise to call again, and departed the shop. The carriage Amelia had taken was gone, but Lady Drake’s was waiting, a footman standing out the front. He opened the door as they approached.
“I sent your driver home,” she said. “I didn’t see any reason for us to have two separate carriages.”
“I see.” Amelia suspected that her mother-in-law had also been trying to ensure that she didn’t flee before they had a chance to speak.
Lady Drake gave her a knowing smile. “Climb in.”
Amelia allowed the footman to assist her as she did so. Meanwhile, Lady Drake spoke to the driver. When Lady Drake joined her, she sat opposite Amelia rather than beside her, the better to hold her gaze while they talked.
“We’re making a quick stop on the way home,” Lady Drake said. “I hope you don’t mind.”
Amelia cocked her head. “Where?”
“Madam Baptiste’s. We’re going to commission dresses appropriate for the ball. Something tasteful but meant to stand out.”
“What colors were you thinking of?” Amelia asked. They hadn’t yet confirmed the color scheme. Their plans had gone off the rails when Lady Drake and Kate became ill.
“I like the idea of being bold.” Lady Drake flashed her a grin. “No insipid pastels. Perhaps deep greens and blues.”
Amelia nodded. “Blue suits me, and you look good in green.”
“So I do.”
Amelia considered Lady Drake. It had never occurred to her before, but she was rather young to be a widow with grown children.
“Do you ever intend to remarry?” she asked.
She was certain that if Lady Drake did, she would have plenty of suitors.
Lady Drake pursed her lips. “Perhaps one day, when my children are happily settled. Until then, I’m content as I am.”
They arrived at the modiste, and Lady Drake waited for the door to be opened before stepping down.
She turned toward Amelia. “Let’s make sure my son can’t take his eyes off you.”
CHAPTER 27
London,
December 1820
“Areyou looking forward to the ball?” Kate asked from where she was sitting cross-legged on Amelia’s bed.
Amelia grimaced. “About as much as I look forward to a visit from my mother,” she muttered under her breath.
Kate frowned. “What was that?”
