Page 37 of A Scarred Wallflower for the Duke
And Vincent strode determinedly toward Lydia before he ended up knocking Greenford out at his own damn ball.
* * *
The Duke of Levinton, it turned out, could not even dance properly. His Minuet was full of missteps, and his Gavotte an utter disaster. No doubt he had spent his life drinking and philandering instead of learning how to dance. Lydia would almost have been embarrassed if she could bring herself to care.
As they stumbled through the set, she found her gaze pulled toward Peter and Georgina. Unlike the Duke, Peter was light on his feet, his steps flawless. Since they had stepped into the ballroom tonight, Georgina and Peter had taken this game to the next level. He was watching her every move with a besotted expression and whispering constantly in her ear. Meanwhile, Georgina had been fawning all over him like some lovesick puppy, with hands trailing down his arms, and light fingertips dancing across his chest.
Lydia had never seen her sister act in such a way, and it did not suit her at all. In fact, she found it damnably hard to watch.
I know this act is all for my benefit, but that does not mean I enjoy watching the man I love putting on such a convincing display with my sister!
As though feeling Lydia’s eyes on him, Peter looked her way, flashing her the briefest of smiles. Lydia’s heart swelled, the gesture somewhat quelling her displeasure.
How she longed to be dancing on Peter’s arm, instead of with this clumsy oaf. He was not even pretending to look interested in her. In fact, ever since they had stepped onto the dance floor, the Duke had had a faraway look about him; had seemed to be always gazing in someone else’s direction.
Could he be any ruder?
Curious, Lydia followed his gaze. Who exactly was this lady who had captured the Duke’s attention so? And the thought came to her suddenly. If he truly had eyes on another, she could use it to her advantage. Make him see he would be much happier with this mysterious lady than he would be with her. And then she would be free to marry Peter and everything would be simply perfect. With a pang of shock, she realized the Duke’s eyes were pulled in Peter’s direction. Lydia frowned.
Does he suspect there is something between us?
She had thought they were being extremely discreet. She looked back at the Duke again. And she held back a gasp. Because it was not Peter he was watching so intently, she realized. It was…Georgina?
Lydia’s heart began to thump.The Duke is interested in Georgina?
Surely not. As much as she loved her sister, Lydia knew Georgina was not the kind of lady men sought as their wife. Especially not men like the Duke of Levinton. Besides, her grandmother had told her again and again that His Grace wished for an obedient lady as his wife. And if that did not rule Georgina out, then she did not know what did…
But there was no denying it. The Duke was watching Georgina’s every move. Every perfectly placed dance step. Every coy smile she flashed Peter. Every featherlight touch she placed on his arm.
Suddenly, things began to fall into place. Lydia thought of the interminable tour of Levinton Manor the Duke had dragged Georgina on earlier in the week. Thought of the way he had chattered so warmly to her during the afternoon tea, practically ignoring everyone else at the table. Thought of the way had chuckled to himself during Georgina’s clumsy display with the cream jug.
The Duke is interested in Georgina!Anger flared inside her.
How dare he? My sister is far too intelligent for him! Far too kind for him! Far too… decent for him!
The evening after their visit to Levinton Manor, Georgina had been quiet and withdrawn. Was she aware of the Duke’s interest in her? Had he behaved in a less-than-appropriate manner? Poor Georgie! Just what had that scoundrel subjected her to?To think what I have put her through! This is all my fault.
Lydia decided then and there that she would see to it that the Duke of Levinton kept away from her sister. And the rest of her family. She did not care what it took; she would never be his wife. The moment the set finished, Lydia charged from the dance floor, not even waiting to see if the Duke was following. She could hear his footsteps click-clacking behind her. He caught her arm, tugging at it gently.
“Miss Lydia. Slow down. People are staring.”
“I do not care,” she hissed. Something passed across the Duke’s eyes then, and Lydia could tell he knew she had caught him staring after Georgina. She stared up at him with fierce eyes.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. She saw the Duke swallow visibly. Then he said, “Your sister and Lord Renshaw.” His voice was low. “Are things serious between them? Do you imagine a proposal will be forthcoming?”
Lydia could hardly believe his nerve. Now he was blatantly admitting to an interest in Georgina? All while she was standing at his side? Not that she wished to marry him either, of course. But it was just… It was just so… sotastelessandoffensive.
Not that I would expect anything less from such a man.
“Yes,” Lydia said sharply. “Things between my sister and Lord Renshaw are very serious indeed.” She lifted her chin, determined to ward him away from Georgina.I got Georgie into this mess, and I will get her out of it, too.
“I happen to know they are extremely happy together,” she continued. “She loves him very much. As he does her. Georgina believes a proposal is imminent. Perhaps even tonight.” She narrowed her eyes. “So whatever interest you may have in my sister, you can put an end to it right now. I am afraid she does not share that interest, Your Grace.” Her words dripped poison.
There was something oddly refreshing about speaking to the Duke this way. Up until now, they had barely communicated; her mumbling one-word answers to questions he only ever seemed to ask under duress. As much as she hated the thought of the scoundrel leering after her sister, Lydia was glad he had the courage to speak openly. It allowed her to speak with a similar frankness. To let him know what she really thought of him.
Hopefully, that will go some way to scare him off for good.
The Duke watched her closely for a moment, as though trying to determine if she was lying. “I see,” he said. His voice gave nothing away. He looked over his shoulder for a moment, before turning back to face her. “Will you excuse me a moment, Miss Lydia?”
