Page 111 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
How could she not know that attending an all-male preserve such as this was just as scandalous and trying to enter a gentleman’s club in St James?
He stilled.
Barbara was no fool. Was it possible she had known what she was doing all along? That she intended to ruin herself utterly?
Why on earth would she do such a thing?
Because she thought to make sure Xavier wouldn’t marry her? Would she go so far?
He recalled the things he had demanded with a wince.
‘Sorry, Your Grace.’
‘No, no. Not you. A thought.’ A terrible realisation.
He needed to talk to her and see what he could do to make things right.
Chapter Eighteen
Aunt Lenore appeared at the doorway of Barbara’s chamber. She stared at the trunk in the middle of the room and the half-filled portmanteau.
‘What are you doing?’ she asked.
‘Packing.’
‘Where are you going?’
‘To Lady Wells’s ball. Charles will accompany me.’ She needed to leave before the news of her attendance at the boxing saloon reached her aunt’s ears.
Aunt Lenore flitted into the room and perched on the chair at the dressing table. ‘This is very sudden, Barbara. You said nothing to me about going to this ball alone.’
‘I most certainly did. I told you I would go if I could find a suitable escort.’
‘I should go with you.’
‘No, no. You go and enjoy your game of cards. I will be perfectly safe with Charles. You know I will.’
‘But why are you packing? Will you not return tonight?’
‘It will be very late when the ball is over and Charles was worried about footpads. I might even stay a day or so longer. I have never been to Greenwich. I would like to see the observatory.’
Her aunt looked doubtful.
Barbara gave her a quick hug. ‘Do not worry. Everything will be fine.’
‘If you say so. But you will take your maid?’
‘Naturally.’ She just hoped her maid wouldn’t object to country living, because after today, Barbara could never return to London Society.
‘Have you heard from Derbridge?’
The sound of his name was like an arrow piercing her heart.
She took a deep breath. ‘The Duke and I agreed that we were not suited and he will pursue a bride elsewhere.’
It hurt to say it.
It hurt to think it.
