Page 65 of Rakes & Reticules
She cast him a wry smile. “My aunt probably begged you for help with me because she considers me hopeless and bound to die a spinster.”
Not that she was a dimwit or hideous to look at, just painfully shy when among this sort of elevated gathering. Much as she tried, she could never think of anything clever to say to the gentlemen who approached her, for she had little in common with them. They would go on about their exclusive clubs, their racing horses and phaetons, and their latest hunts.
She was not an accomplished rider, could never bring herself to cruelly trap a fox, and she was an atrocious dancer on top of it all.
“Rosie said nothing of the sort. She assured me you were charming and delightful.” Her aunt was atonfavorite. Everyone who knew her simply adored her, for she was lively and genial, and knew how to put people at ease.
Amelia nodded. “She is quite fond of you, as well.”
He returned her smile with another devastatingly glorious one of his own.
This man also had a way of putting people at ease. He was much younger than she expected him to be, somehow envisioning the Duke of Marston as elderly because of his close friendship with her aunt. But he was not quite thirty, judging by the look of him.
She took a moment to study him more closely now that she had descended the carriage.
He was tall and muscled, had a full head of dark hair and captivating, slate blue eyes. His looks alone would have been enough to put the ladies in a swoon, but when added to his wealth and title, the man was irresistible.
Not to her, of course.
She judged people by their character.
Besides, now that they had met, she doubted he would speak to her again. Severaltondiamonds were to be in attendance, soDuke Handsomewould forget her fast.
“Rosie tells me you have a love of antiquities.” He placed her hand on his arm to escort her into the house.
She nodded, trying to suppress a tingle as she clutched his solidly muscled arm. “Yes, I do. But I am allowed little other than attending lectures at the Royal Society. I would love to join as a member, but it is a male-only bastion, and contributions from bluestockings such as myself are neither appreciated nor encouraged.”
He cast her an odd look.
She groaned lightly, recalling the duke was a Fellow in the Royal Society and probably sat on its board. “Forgive me. I did not mean to prattle. You were only seeking a simple yes or no, and I pounced on it as a reason to gripe. Well, the simple answer is yes, I do enjoy the study of antiquities. Ancient civilizations and their relics fascinate me.”
“Then once you are settled, come down to my study and I will show you my family’s private collection.”
Her eyes lit up and her smile broadened. “Truly? I should love that.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Your aunt warned me this would be your response.”
“Oh.”
“Now I have made you blush.”
“It seems my aunt went into some detail about me, so you must know how witless I am socially. It is true. I never know what to say to the elegant gentlemen who approach me, and I am completely incompetent when thrust into a crowd.”
He cast her a surprisingly gracious smile. “The Marriage Mart can be daunting. But these country parties are meant to be more of an easy enjoyment. Just come to me if ever you feel overwhelmed. As your host, it is my duty to see that you are made comfortable. Are you a cards player?”
She nodded.
“Good, then you and I shall partner at cards whenever we play.”
She glanced up at him. “But you don’t know whether I am any good.”
“It does not matter. The games are for the entertainment of my guests. We are not in competition with the other players.”
She paused, her hand still tucked in the crook of his arm, and studied him more openly. A light breeze swirled around them, billowing her gown and ruffling his wavy hair. He still managed to look splendid with his hair slightly windblown. “You are being awfully nice to me, Your Grace. Has my aunt put you up to it?”
His chuckle was rich and resonant. “She merely warned me of your shyness. It is my bright idea to take you under my wing and look after you.”
Amelia let out a breath and smiled at him sincerely. “I can see why my aunt is so fond of you. That is very kind and much appreciated. I will try my best not to be a bother to you since I am sure everyone will be clamoring for your attention. An unmarried duke is a prize not to be passed up.”
