Page 24 of The Truth about the Duke
Lydia lifted her shoulders and then let them fall. “Mayhap he has decided to continue with the search alone.” She did not know why, could certainly not even attempt to explain it either to Sophie or even to herself but there was something that upset her about that silence. It was as though part of herwantedhim to come to speak with her, even though she found his presence overbearing and irritating.
“But you have been able to concentrate on your articles,” Sophie said, with a small shrug. “That is a good thing, at least.”
“It is. Helped by your presence and your willingness to take me to the various bookshops and libraries!” Lydia laughed, as Sophie chuckled. “My mother would never permit such a thing if she knew of it.”
Sophie grinned. “It is just as well that she does not! Though I am concerned that as yet, no gentlemen have come to call on you.” Her smile began to fade. “That will trouble your mother, will it not? After all, she knows that I have introduced you to my acquaintances, and yet… ”
“That is because I refuse to show them any interest,” Lydia answered, with a roll of her eyes. “Yes, many of them do not appear to care whether one is a bluestocking or not but these same gentlemen seem to be quite unable to have a prolonged conversation about anything other than shooting, hunting, or the local gossip!” She had tried, during her dances at various balls or in conversation at soirees, to bring the conversation around to weightier matters but none of them had been successful. Her remarks had either been met with silenceor turned around to suit whatever it was that the specific gentleman she spoke with was interested in.
“All the same, I do think – ”
“Ah, Lady Markham. You are come to call again.”
Lydia and Sophie’s conversation was brought to a swift close as none other than Lady Hampshire swept into the room, her eyes sharp – and Lydia’s stomach twisted. Clearly, her mother was in some sort of temper today and Lydia feared she would soon bear the brunt of it.
“I had hoped that you would have someoneotherthan Lady Markham calling, Lydia.” Lady Hampshire came to join them both, giving Lydia a somewhat impervious look as she did so. “But alas, it is still only Lady Markham!”
“I was just about to suggest that we go into town,” Sophie answered, a smile on her face which Lydia knew she did not really feel. “There will be many of thetonpresent at this hour.”
Lady Hampshire’s lip curled. “I am not certain that it will bring any hope to the present situation, Lady Markham. My daughter does not appear to be attracting the interest of any gentlemen and that concerns me. Even Lord Kendall, who has danced with her and spoken at length on occasion, has never come to call.”
Lydia fought the urge to either shrug or respond with sharp words of her own, wanting to state that she had no interest in whether or not Lord Kendall had come to take tea, for though he was a handsome and considerate gentleman, it was clear to her that he was looking for something more than she was willing to give.
“I think that – ” Letting out a breath of frustration at the knock which came to the door, Lady Hampshire called for the servant to enter. Her eyes still lingered on Lydia as the footman came in, bearing a card which he handed directly to Lady Hampshire.
Her gaze fell to it and Lydia shared a look with Sophie, silently wondering how she might escape from her mother’s harsh words and clear intentions to have herdosomething to garner the interest of a gentleman.
Then, Lady Hampshire gasped, her eyes flaring wide as she gazed back at Lydia. “The Duke of Melrose is come to call!”
Lydia blinked quickly, a tightness in her chest as she clasped her hands tightly together in her lap, something like relief flooding through her.
“Send him in at once!” Lady Hampshire exclaimed, rising to her feet and practically shooing the footman out of the room. “Hurry now!” Turning, she came towards Lydia who also got to her feet. “Oh, if only you’d chosen your best dress! This is certainlynotthe right color for you, for – ”
“It is perfectly all right, Mama,” Lydia answered, refusing to let her mother fuss over her and desperately hoping that she would not take the Duke’s presence for interest. Lydia knew precisely why he was here. “Hurry now. He will come any moment.”
The door opened again before Lady Hampshire had a chance to return to her seat and in a moment, the Duke walked into the room, a heavy set expression on his face as he took them in. His gaze lingered on Lydia for a moment before he bowed, making her shiver in fear of what the darkness on his face might mean.
“Thank you for permitting me to call unexpectedly,” he said, no smile on his face.
“But of course, Your Grace!” Lady Hampshire’s voice was filled with excitement and inwardly, Lydia winced. “Do you wish to join us? We were just about to take tea.”
“I will not, I thank you.”
“Oh.” Lady Hampshire’s face fell in an instant, though Lydia continued to hold the Duke’s gaze, wondering what his purpose was in coming to call. “Then might I ask – ”
“Lady Lydia,” the Duke interrupted, though Lydia presumed he had not meant to. “I wondered if you would join me for a ride in the carriage? I understand this is a little unexpected and if you have intentions for this afternoon already, then – ”
“She does not. Of course, she would be glad to join you!” Lady Hampshire waved one hand at Lydia, gesturing her to the door. “Though she will need a chaperone.”
“Lady Markham?” Lydia spoke quickly before her mother could place herself in that position. “Would you care to join us? I know that my mother has Lady Gillingham expected later this afternoon.”
Lady Markham nodded and smiled, moving towards the door as Lady Hampshire began to stammer. “But of course.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Lydia inclined her head for a moment and then came towards her mother, grasping her hand briefly and seeming to pull her from her confusion. “I will not be too long, Mama. Lady Markham shall be a perfect chaperone, I can assure you.”
It took Lady Hampshire a moment but eventually, she smiled. “Of course. Do enjoy yourself, my dear.” She looked to the Duke, a dazzling smile on her face now. “Thank you for your consideration of my daughter, Your Grace. I hope that you have a wonderful drive together.”
Heat seared Lydia’s cheeks as she made her way to the door, fully aware of her mother’s expectations about this carriage ride. The Duke had not called to have her for her company alone, he clearly was expecting her to take him to the library – or wanted to tell her that he no longer thought it wise to have her help. It did not take her long to make her way to the carriage, the Duke handing up both herself and Sophie. The ladies sat together and Lydia found herself grateful for Sophie’s company. The Duke’s presence was unnerving enough!
