Page 9 of Never Dare a Duke
She blinked at him. “Pardon me, my lord?”
“I think you are not one to take all of this too seriously. Perhaps you can even enjoy yourself over the next few days, while the rest of us are jostling for notice between the respective ducal siblings.”
“And you are that desperate for notice, my lord?” she asked wryly. “Why does that ring false with me?”
He laughed again. “You are a sly one, Miss Shaw. I will keep an eye on you.”
At last he turned to speak with Gwen, and in that moment of changing conversation, the gazes of both Abigail and the duke collided once again. He arched a brow at her. What did he want? And could one look away from a duke? After all, she could not converse with him by shouting across two other people. She offered a polite nod and turned to her other luncheon companion.
Excitement warred with her nerves. Although she had the rare opportunity to interview the subject of her article himself, she would bide her time. She would be able to form her own conclusions rather than just relying on the opinions of others. But how easy was it going to be for a woman of her lowly status to pursue conversations with the duke without making anyone—especially him—suspicious?
When the luncheon was over, Lady Elizabeth rose to her feet. “Ladies and gentlemen, we were going to retire to the garden for dessert and relaxation, but I fear the rain has spoiled our plans. Instead, we will adjourn to the conservatory. And then later tonight, I will announce a special surprise. Our house party is to have an unusual theme.”
Several people voiced approval and excitement, and casually they all arose and began to follow the duchess and her daughter back through the drawing room and eventually out a door at the far end of the library. Immediately, a warm earthen smell touched by the intangible scents of dozens of exotic flowers wafted toward Abigail. On the glass roof, rain beat softly, running in streams down the windows, blurring the view of the park.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Gwen said softly as she took Abigail’s arm.
“I have never seen a conservatory so large.” Abigail tried not to gape as she saw the stone paths disappearing deep into ferns and shrubs. The occasional small tree rose above the rest of the greenery, and vines wound their way up the walls.
Gwen led her toward several tables overflowing with a selection of fruit and cheese and tarts. As they stood with plates in hand, trying to choose between one delicious item after another, Abigail casually glanced around.
“The duke did not join us,” she said in a quiet voice.
Gwen frowned and looked over each shoulder. “I thought I saw him come through, but perhaps I was wrong. Since he did not know of the party, he might have had other plans.”
“Or perhaps he wanted to show his mother that he could not be controlled all the time.”
Gwen gave a soft gasp.
“I’m sorry,” Abigail quickly said. “Just knowing that he might have been protected from suffering the consequences of his actions, all because he’s a duke, makes me assume the worst of him. That is unprofessional of me.”
As others approached the refreshment tables, Abigail inclined her head, and Gwen followed her until they were standing alone beneath an orange tree.
“Lady Gwendolin!” Lady Elizabeth waved as she came toward them. She lowered her voice. “So what did my brother say to you during luncheon? I am so excited for you!”
Gwen glanced at Abigail with wide eyes and answered cautiously. “We simply spoke of people we knew in London. Why are you excited for me?”
“Because Mother invited you to spend time with the duke.” And then she frowned in dismay. “Oh, dear, perhaps I was not supposed to say that. I am forever speaking before I think.”
To save her friend from having to answer, Abigail said, “So the duke is at last planning to marry.”
Lady Elizabeth blushed. “Well, he has begun to hint such a thing to Mother. And it is time, you know. I keep telling him that once he marries, I might actually have women friends who like me for me!”
When Abigail and Gwen winced in sympathy, the young woman only shook her head and chuckled. “Do not worry for me. I have good friends I can rely on.”
“Then forgive my curiosity,” Abigail said, “but beyond the obvious, why has he suddenly changed his mind about marriage? Is there some mystery we ladies should know about?”
Abigail was hoping for her first clue into the mind of the duke. Even Gwen seemed frozen, waiting for the answer.
Lady Elizabeth only chuckled. “He is seven and twenty, Miss Shaw. I think he has finally realized that a woman can help him, perhaps even be a comfort in his busy life.” She patted Abigail’s arm. “You are so amusing!”
And then she sailed away, and Abigail felt like deflating.
“Good try,” Gwen said, taking a sip of her lemonade.
Abigail sighed. “I’m sure the answer would have helped you, too.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, her brow wrinkled in confusion.
