Page 27 of His Scarred Duchess
Edmund started, realizing he’d completely zoned out during the conversation. “I… yes, quite extraordinary,” he managed, hoping his lack of attention wasn’t too obvious.
Daniel, sensing his friend’s discomfort, smoothly interjected. “Speaking of extraordinary feats, did you gentlemen hear about Lord Hamilton’s recent escapades at White’s? I dare say it puts your hunting adventures to shame, Rutherford.”
As Daniel launched into what was no doubt a highly embellished tale, Edmund shot him a grateful look. Daniel winked in return, before throwing himself into his storytelling with gusto, complete with dramatic gestures and impersonations that soon had the entire group in stitches.
Edmund, for his part, was content to fade into the background, offering the occasional nod or murmur of agreement when it seemed appropriate. He had just begun to think that perhaps he might survive this social ordeal after all when a shrill voice cut through the air.
“Your Grace! There you are!”
Edmund turned to find Lady Thistlewaite heading towards him, with her daughter in tow, a determined glint in her eyes. He suppressed a groan. Lady Thistlewaite was notorious for herattempts to marry off her painfully shy daughter to any eligible bachelor with a title.
“Lady Thistlewaite,” Edmund said, bowing slightly. “Lady Jane. I trust you’re enjoying the party?”
“Oh, immensely!” Lady Thistlewaite gushed. “Your grandmother has outdone herself, as always. Jane was just saying how lovely the flowers are. Weren’t you, dear?”
Lady Jane, a mousy girl who looked as though she’d rather be anywhere else, mumbled something unintelligible and stared fixedly at the ground.
“Indeed,” Edmund replied, casting about desperately for some excuse to extricate himself from the conversation. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe I see my grandmother beckoning.”
“Oh, but surely you can spare a moment,” Lady Thistlewaite pressed. “Amelia so rarely gets the chance to converse with gentlemen of quality. Perhaps you might take a turn about the garden with her? The roses are particularly fine this time of year.”
Edmund opened his mouth, ready to deliver a firm but polite refusal, when Daniel suddenly appeared at his elbow.
“I do beg your pardon, Lady Thistlewaite,” Daniel said smoothly, “but I’m afraid I must steal His Grace away. Urgent business matters, you understand. Can’t be avoided.”
Before Lady Thistlewaite could protest, Daniel had whisked Edmund away, steering him towards a quiet corner of the garden.
“I believe that’s the third time you’ve saved me from social ruin today,” Edmund said dryly once they were out of earshot. “I’m beginning to think I should hire you as my personal guard against overzealous mamas.”
Daniel grinned. “What are friends for, if not to rescue each other from the perils of polite society? Though I must say, Edmund, your conversational skills leave much to be desired. ‘Yes, quite extraordinary’? Really?”
Edmund had the grace to look sheepish. “I’m afraid I was rather distracted.”
“Distracted?” Daniel’s eyebrows rose. “By what, pray tell? Surely not by any of the lovely young ladies in attendance? That would be most unlike you.”
Edmund frowned, unsure how to explain the restlessness that had plagued him since that night at Lady Windhurst’s soirée.
“It’s nothing,” he said finally. “Just the usual concerns about Holbrook. There’s so much to be done, and these social obligations take up valuable time.”
Daniel’s expression softened. “I know you take your responsibilities seriously, Edmund. But you can’t spend everywaking moment worrying about the estate. A little socializing won’t bring Holbrook to ruin, you know.”
Edmund sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. It’s just that I feel out of place here, Daniel. All this small talk and posturing—it’s exhausting.”
“Well, then,” Daniel said, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “perhaps we should liven things up a bit. What say you to a small wager?”
Edmund eyed his friend warily. “What kind of wager?”
“Nothing too outrageous,” Daniel assured him. “I bet you can’t make it through three separate conversations without mentioning Holbrook or any of your duties as Duke. If you succeed, I’ll take over your social engagements for the next month. If you fail, you have to attend Lady Windhurst’s musicale next week—and stay for the entire performance.”
Edmund grimaced. Lady Windhurst’s musicales were notorious for featuring her tone-deaf niece’s attempts at Italian arias. And yet the prospect of a month free from social obligations was tempting.
“Very well,” he agreed after a moment’s consideration. “You have a deal.”
Daniel’s face split into a wide grin. “Excellent! Now, let’s see… ah! Lord and Lady Musgrave. They’re always good for a bit of harmless gossip. Shall we?”
As Daniel led him towards the unsuspecting couple, Edmund squared his shoulders, as if preparing for battle. He could do this. Three conversations without mentioning Holbrook or his duties. How hard could it be?
Two hours and several painfully awkward exchanges later, Edmund was beginning to regret his decision. He had managed to navigate a discussion about the weather with Lord Musgrave and a stilted conversation about the latest fashions from Paris with Lady Ashworth. But now, faced with the formidable presence of the Dowager Countess of Marlborough, he found himself at a loss.
