Page 34 of A Fake Courtship with the Duke
Anne and Richard took the lead, while Susan struck up a jovial conversation with Martha a few paces behind them. Anne realized that her friend was treating the outing as though it was an official outing of courtship. She didn’t know whether to be pleased or afraid. But the duke’s warm, cheerful grin helped her feel a bit more at ease.
“Shall we head to Rotten Row?” Richard asked.
Anne gave him a tense smile and nodded. She knew that was where most of the higher status nobility of the ton tended to take their strolls. Would they encounter worse jeering and snide remarks there? She didn’t care what anyone thought about her. She just didn’t want to make the Duke regret agreeing to be seen with her.
“That sounds lovely,” she lied.
As they turned south and headed toward the popular walking and riding path, Anne noticed that her fears were largely unfounded. While there was the occasional sneer or horrified glance her way, people were instantly corrected with little more than a mere nod from the Duke. Most of the noble men and women they encountered stopped to bow and curtsey, respectively, and everyone who spoke to him was polite and pleasant.
Anne noticed that no one directly addressed her. But that was fine with her. She was happy to remain shadowed by the duke. The respect he commanded from the other people in the park helped her feel less nervous and filled her with awe. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt safe and comfortable being out in public.
Even though no one spoke to her, she kept a small, polite smile on her face, keeping her eyes from locking with those of anyone in particular. She was determined to be on her best behavior, but not because that was what her mother wished. It was because she didn’t want to cause a scene or create any reason for gossip with her dear friend and a kind soul such as the duke in her company.
“I do hope I’m not being too forward,” the duke suddenly said as they turned onto Rotten Row. “But I haven’t been able to stop thinking about your performance at the pianoforte yesterday. It is clear that you have a deep passion for music. I was just wondering, who is your favourite composer?”
Anne blushed. She herself had nearly forgotten about playing for him the day before. She certainly hadn’t expected him to take an interest in anything she cared about. But so far that day, he had mentioned Mischief all on his own and was now inquiring about her love for music. Was he just being nice? Or did he really wish to get to know her?
“I’m rather fond of Mozart,” she said softly. “I enjoy his operas most of all. Though there is something to be said for his symphonies, as well.”
The Duke’s eyes widened, and he looked momentarily shocked. Then, his smile returned, bigger than before.
“Mozart is my favourite composer, as well,” he said with awe. “And I must agree with you. His music is glorious. I dare say it is akin to a magical experience to hear it performed.” He paused, then furrowed his brow. “You like the opera, then?”
Anne nodded. It had been years since she had gotten to attend the opera. Her mother didn’t see her behavior as suitable for such events.
“I do,” she said. “Mozart’s are the best. But I enjoy any performance where the music is delightful.”
The duke nodded.
“I enjoy a good opera performance, myself,” he said. “Many of the ton’s fine citizens seem to only appreciate on the level at which they feel expected to enjoy it. Most people appear to just suffer through it. But I find it invigorating to attend a spirited opera.”
Anne nodded, surprised at the connection she felt with Richard. It went far beyond their present arrangement. In fact, it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
“I feel the same,” she said. “It’s a pity, too. The people on the stage have a true passion for their work. They deserve to be appraised for their talent. Just as phenomenal composers deserve to be appreciated for everything they are.”
The duke nodded, thoughtfully, his gaze drifting for a moment. Then, he looked at her again with a hint of eagerness in his eyes.
“Would you like to accompany me to the opera tomorrow night?” he asked. “I have my own private box. And, of course, your maid is invited along to act as your chaperone.”
Anne’s breath caught. She knew instinctually that the invitation was impromptu. It wasn’t part of his plan to ask her out again so soon. And the thought of sitting beside him in the dim ambiance of the theater, surrounded by the musical trills and crescendos that brought her joy made her heart race wildly. Martha and Susan still chatted away behind them, but in her excitement, she barely noticed them.
“I would be thrilled,” she said most truthfully.
Anne felt as though she was on top of the world. The walk had been more wonderful than Anne could have dreamed, even if she were a normal ton lady. And now, the duke, who made her feel perfectly at ease at all times, wished for her to join him at the opera, which was a great love of hers. She thought nothing could tear down her delighted mood.
Yet, as they rounded a corner, a familiar and utterly unwelcome face came into view. Sebastian, accompanied by Lady Beatrice noticed their group at the same time Anne noticed them. A smug expression spread across his face, and Anne realized with horror that he was encircled by a group of notorious gossipmongers. The very group with which Lady Beatrice always surrounded herself. The tension in the air was palpable. Anxiety flooded Anne, and she desperately wished she could turn on her heel and flee. But Richard and Susan noticed them, as well, and Susan moved to stand between the duke and Anne.
Sebastian opened his mouth, undoubtedly, to say something atrocious. But Richard stepped forward, dipping into a deep, slow bow.
“Good day,” he said. His greeting was pleasant enough, but his voice carried the faintest undercurrents of icy warning that could be easily missed if a person didn’t know him very well.
Clearly, Sebastian and Lady Beatrice noticed. They shared a taken aback glance before bowing and curtseying, respectively, in return. The two groups spent a moment exchanging awkward, tense pleasantries and forced smiles. But with the Duke’s formidable status and no-nonsense demeanor, none of them dared to slight Anne. Even so, Anne was glad when the larger group bade them farewell and carried on down the path.
Richard offered her his arm again, giving her a mischievous smile.
“Are you ready to continue, Miss Huxley?” he asked.
Anne gave him a grateful smile as she took his arm.
