Page 3 of Never Dare a Duke
“If he did, I never heard that he revealed it. He took over the reins of the family. He spends most of his time at Madingley House, the family home in London, while his mother oversees their country seat outside Cambridge. She is not one for London.”
“The old duke fell in love with her in Spain, did he not?”
“And what a scandal it was, since she was a poor commoner as well. Thetoncan be brutal, and she never did fit in. But she and the duke were very much in love, so I imagine she did not care.”
“And now you’re saying that this newest duke, someone supposedly so perfect, has a scandal of his own.”
Gwen shrugged. “It is up to you to find out. I only know about the rumors that someone had to pay someone else on the young duke’s behalf. Could it be blackmail, do you think? Or an illegitimate child? Or even bribery of a government official?”
“We cannot continue to guess wildly,” Abigail said sternly. “We must gather the facts before we form a conclusion.”
“And I have the perfect way for you to do that.” Gwen took Abigail’s hand. “Now, Abby, I know you’ve never done anything like this before, but I want you to give it considerable thought.”
“Done what?” Abigail asked in confusion. “Give what considerable thought?”
“I received an invitation to Madingley Court, the duke’s country seat, to attend the first house party that the dowager duchess has ever given. I believe it is to benefit her only daughter, who recently made her coming out to the queen, and now needs to be introduced to eligible gentlemen. My aunt will be attending to chaperone me, and I am sure I can convince her that my dear friend, a gentleman’s daughter who happens to be visiting me, should come as well.”
Abigail gaped at her. “You cannot possibly meanme.Was that why you told him I was new to London?”
Gwen laughed, twirling her parasol. “And how else did you plan to investigate a private man such as the duke?”
“With my talented investigative skills, of course.”
“Did you think he would agree to an interview? That his relatives would gladly tell you everything that—”
“Oh Gwen, hush! You planned this! You deliberately suggested the Cabots as my target because of this party invitation.” Abigail crossed her arms in a huff. “Approach him in his own home and lie to him?”
“That you are a gentleman’s daughter? Is not your father a good man?”
“He is the owner of a newspaper! Regardless of his genteel manners and his wealth, thetonwould never call him a gentleman. He works for a living.”
“My father says that only calling large landowners gentlemen is nonsense.”
“As an earl, your father can afford to be different.”
“You know that my father considers all men equal, that he—”
“Gwen,” Abigail interrupted, “you know I adore your father. If not for his progressive ideas—he might almost be called an American—you and I would not have met. I will be forever in his debt for the gracious way he has treated me and my family.”
“Then let me do this for you. It is only a little lie. And it will be such fun to have my dearest friend with me. These affairs can be so dreary, especially if the weather is bad. How many letters can one write to while away the day? And remember, the duke seldom visits the country this time of year. Parliament is in session, and he is far too busy to attend a house party.”
“You’re sure he won’t be there,” Abigail said, shuddering as she remembered how she’d just humiliated herself.
“I am certain.” Gwen grinned. “You will simply be another guest, rattling around in their home as you talk to his family and servants and learn all about him and how he grew up. Isn’t that what you do when you interview people?”
“Of course, but I haven’t had the chance to interview many people. Remember, all I usually do is see the play and write my review.” Abigail heard her own tired bitterness. Only a year ago, she’d been thrilled to write anonymously for her father’s paper. It had been her own secret, her chance to prove her skill. But if the paper closed, she wouldn’t even have that—and her father might be ruined, the most important consideration of all.
Gwen grinned. “But now you’ll have the chance to show the world what a talented woman is capable of.”
Abigail sank back on the padded bench in the carriage, closing her eyes against the sun’s brilliance. “Oh, Gwen you are making this far too tempting.”
“It is as if fate, in the form of a rare invitation, gave you this perfect chance. And before you protest that you were not invited, if you are visiting me for a month, they would expect you to come as well. And you are my dearest friend. I am not lying to them about that either. Say yes.” Gwen blinked her persuasive eyes, smiling with hopefulness.
Abigail hesitated, and in the end, good sense won out. “I…will think on it.”
Gwen pouted. “Can you not think quickly? I need to send my response within the next day or two.”
“I will tell you my decision tomorrow.”
