Page 8 of A Duke But No Gentleman
A husband… for her?
Imogene smiled and nodded, but her stomach fluttered at the thought.She was young—a mere eighteen years old.Her mother had assured her that she should enjoy London this spring and that marriage would come later.Had her mother lied?Was there a much older suitor waiting for a proper introduction?
With undefined fears whirling in her head, Imogene excused herself and fled the library before her father noticed the distress his words had caused her.
Chapter Three
“Well, this is a most welcome surprise, Blackbern,” Norgrave said, inclining his head in deference to Tristan’s title.“I thought you were attending the theater since the playThe Suspicious Husbandis being performed this evening.”
“Why attend a play, when the subject is being performed in every ballroom in town?”Tristan said blandly.
Norgrave laughed.“I thought that pretty actress who is playing the lead still had her hooks in you,” the marquess teased, though his expression revealed he found the predicament appealing.
“Not quite.I showed my appreciation for her performance with a few bouquets.It was harmless flirtation,” Tristan said dismissively.The actress had been spellbinding on stage, but in the proper light, she was older and less attractive in temperament when she uttered her own words.
“A pity you found her so lacking,” his friend said, deducing what Tristan was too polite to admit.“I shouldn’t mention it, but Eunice has inquired after you.Months have passed since she last enjoyed your company, and she is eager to renew your friendship.”
He had been extraordinarily drunk the night Eunice had crawled between his legs and pleasured him with her skillful mouth and tongue.It had been a pleasant few hours, but he had decided to select his own mistress.If the gossip was accurate, the courtesan had not mourned his disinterest for long.She had had two protectors in his absence.What baffled him was Norgrave’s casual attempts to push him back into Eunice’s arms.
“What if I told you that I have sworn off courtesans and actresses this season?”
His friend pursed his mouth in contemplation.“I would have to call you a liar, Your Grace.”
“There is no challenge in pursuing such greedy wenches, my friend.”Together they threaded their way through the crowded entrance hall of Lord and Lady Kingaby’s town house.“They can be tamed with a few coins.”
“I heartily approve of the simplicity of such pleasurable transactions.Those few coins buy you a convenient female who will not burden you with guilt, demands, and tears.”
“You can keep your gold if you use your hand.”
Norgrave choked on his laughter.
Nearby, a gasp from an elderly matron and a censuring glare reminded him that he was not being discreet.
“I do beg your pardon, madam,” Tristan said as he raised his hand to his mouth to hide his smile.“My comment was not directed at you.”
“I doubt the dowager is acquainted with that particular vice,” Norgrave muttered under his breath.
He wasn’t being very helpful.
“Indeed it should not, Your Grace!”The lady halted, preferring not to walk beside them.
Norgrave glanced over his shoulder and winked at the elderly woman.“Her disposition might improve if someone taught her—”
“Enough.”Tristan cursed softly.“Are you volunteering?”
“Christ, no!”Norgrave said, looking appalled at the suggestion.“I do have some scruples.”
“Some?It sounds like you have just one clinking around in your empty head,” Tristan teased.
“Arse.”
“Blackguard,” he replied affectionately.He caught sight of a familiar profile.“Ah, just the gentleman I was seeking.”
“Who?”Norgrave peered in the same direction as his friend.
The man in question sensed he was the object of scrutiny, and searched the crowd around him.He immediately noticed the two gentlemen and lifted his hand in greeting.
“Jasper.”Tristan raised his brows in acknowledgment, and nodded at the pantomimed instructions to meet outside the ballroom.“I have finally convinced the earl to part with his prized stallion.”
