Page 18 of A Duke But No Gentleman
“It is because all of them are,” he said in a suspiciously bland tone.“Where are you going?”
He paused and glanced at Norgrave.“To reacquaint myself with Lady Imogene.”
“You never precisely explained the circumstances which brought you and the lady together,” Norgrave said, joining his friend as they headed in the lady’s direction.“It is unlike you to keep an amusing tale to yourself.”
“There is little point.There is no story to tell,” he lied.“Besides, since we are competing to win the lady’s favor, I am hardly inclined to divulge my secrets.”
The marquess’s lips curled into a smile.“As your best and closest friend, I can attest that I am acquainted with your numerous flaws and sins.We have no secrets between us, Blackbern.”
“True,” Tristan conceded, though it rankled him.Norgrave had an uncanny knack for uncovering information if he stirred himself to make the effort.“Still, it will not stop me from winning our wager.”
Satisfied he had the final word, he headed in the direction of the captivating young lady who had unwittingly created friction between him and the marquess.
***
“I would also suggest writing down in your journal the names of the gentlemen you meet indicating those who have made a favorable impression,” Lady Charlotte said, fully engrossed in a subject near and dear to her heart.“It would not hurt to note attributes and your opinion on each one.”
“You have put an impressive amount of effort into this task,” Imogene said, not offering the lady a feigned compliment.“How do you use this information?Do you submit it to your father?”
Lady Charlotte giggled in a manner that made her sound like a bird.“Good heavens, no.The details are for my own use, though I have been generous with my knowledge.There have been a few occasions when I have spared a lady the heartbreak of placing her high hopes on the wrong gentleman.”
It was no wonder her mother and father thought she was too lighthearted about her marriage prospects.She studied one of the male guests whom she deduced to be close to their age.“Can you tell me something about this gentleman?”
Her new friend quirked her lips as she studied the gentleman with the medium-blond hair.“He is one-and-twenty years of age.Second son of an earl.Educated.Enjoys his wine and horse racing.His flatulence is humorous.Is a subtle dinner companion, but has a bad habit of spitting and making an awful clicking noise when he picks his teeth.”
Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Imogene covered her mouth to conceal her laughter.“Good grief, you learned all of those details in one conversation?”
“Not exactly.I deduced this through years of observation,” Lady Charlotte said blithely.“The gentleman is my older brother.”
Imogene’s shoulders shook as she struggled to compose herself.“I consider myself forewarned.Shall I pick another gentleman?”she asked, warming up to their new game until she noticed the approach of a familiar dark-haired gentleman and his blond-haired companion.“It appears we have two willing volunteers.”
She did not believe it was possible, but her friend’s smile grew wider and she unconsciously began to play with one of the curls near her right ear as she recognized the two gentlemen.
“Your Grace and Lord Norgrave,” Lady Charlotte said, visibly struggling to contain her excitement at their presence.She curtsied and Imogene swiftly followed suit.“I was unaware that you two gentlemen would be taking part in Lady Yaxley’s gathering.”
The blond-haired gentleman attired in a light brown frock coat and breeches who her friend addressed as Lord Norgrave offered them a disarming smile.“It was an impulsive decision on our part.”His gaze shifted to Imogene, and something akin to anticipation warmed his light blue eyes, making the contrast startling.“Nevertheless the best experiences are usually the ones unplanned.”
Imogene smiled in agreement.“I have often found it to be so, my lord.”She could feel the Duke of Blackbern’s gaze on her, and the embarrassment of the previous evening smothered her like a humid summer breeze.It would have been rude to ignore him, so she deliberately turned to address him.“Do you not agree, Your Grace?”
He surprised everyone, especially Imogene, when he grasped her hand and brushed the top of her hand with a kiss.“I have never squandered the opportunities that tumble into my lap, my lady.”
If he meant to fluster her then he would part company from her disappointed.However, there was little she could do about her blush, and it had not gone unnoticed by Lady Charlotte and Lord Norgrave.
“So you and Blackbern are acquainted?”Norgrave asked, making it seem as if she and His Grace were keeping secrets.
“No,” Imogene replied at the same moment the duke replied, “Yes.”
She glared at him.Only she, her mother, and the Duke of Blackbern knew about the humiliating encounter.While the amusing little tale might entertain his friends, it would not place her in a flattering light.
Lady Charlotte glanced from Imogene to the duke.“So which is it?”
Unhappy with the direction of their conversation, she had a desire to accuse the gentleman of lying.“We were not formally introduced,” Imogene said, hoping the explanation would satisfy her new friend.She looked for her mother, but she was nowhere to be seen.
’Tis a fine time for her to abandon me.
Understanding lit Lady Charlotte’s eyes.“Then you have not been—Oh, where are my manners.Forgive me,” she said, placing her hand on Imogene’s arm in a friendly manner.“Lady Imogene Sunter, may I introduce you to Cason Brant, Marquess of Norgrave.”
“My lord,” she said, curtsying.“It is an honor.”
