Page 43 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
Barbara stifled the urge to laugh. While the Duke had perfect control of his horses, they were a spirited pair and would tax the abilities of the best of whips. She could just see the Duke allowing this young man to take the reins. Not.
‘I thank you for your kind offer, Mr Stallton, but I believe I will have to forego the pleasure of Miss Simon’s company, since the Countess is due home shortly. Perhaps I may call on you tomorrow, Miss Simon?’
‘If you wish, Your Grace, only I thought we were to see you at our at home the day after tomorrow?’ She could not have sounded less welcoming. What was the matter with the girl?
Two mornings later, Xavier stared at the list he had written. Ridiculous. Most of it was common sense. Don’t kiss a gentleman in public. Don’t visit a bachelor’s quarters. Don’t wave to a male acquaintance standing in the window of a gentleman’s club. Don’t attend a boxing match. Don’t be seen in a gambling hell. Don’t run off with a married man. Don’t be taken up for stealing, or any other criminal activity.
What decently brought-up woman would do any of those things?
Not even Gloria, who he considered barely decent, would do such things.
He was tempted to tear the damn list up.
Better the Countess stick to those innocuous little faux pas she had quoted in his carriage a couple of days before.
He certainly did not want to put ideas into her head.
He stilled, recalling all of the things she had been accused of doing since she had arrived in London a few weeks ago.
All the things a debutante would be warned not to do.
Could she have been deliberately flouting the rules?
If so, why?
He shook his head. It was beyond belief. No. He had met her aunt, the woman was as totty-headed as anyone he had ever come across.
The mistakes the Countess had made were things that anyone new to London might do withoutproper guidance.
Look at that young chap with Miss Simon, suggesting he drive Xavier’s carriage. No one with a smidgeon of understanding of the rules and protocols would have dared make such an offer.
No. The Countess was being poorly advised by her aunt. And he could hardly blame her for her aunt’s failures.
Except maybe with regard to the dress she wore to Almack’s. She had admitted to being instructed not to wear red.
Geranium, indeed.
Still, she had looked stunning.
He opened his desk drawer and tucked the list inside. This list idea had been a bad one, no matter what the reason behind her request.
It was best forgotten.
He glanced at the clock on the mantel. Four already? Dash it. Why was he sitting here daydreaming, when he had promised to attend Mrs Simon’s at home this afternoon? Fortunately, it was a short walk and not raining, though it was overcast.
He gathered his hat and coat and gave orders for his carriage to pick him up in Mount Street in one hour so he could drive to his club afterward. Fifteen minutes later, he was ushered into Mrs Simon’s drawing room.
Surprisingly, the drawing room was crowded.
Mrs Simon hurried to greet him when the butler announced him.
‘Your Grace.’ She dipped a curtsey. ‘How kind of you to attend our small affair.’
Xavier glanced around. Half of London seemed to be there. Miss Simon was surrounded by a group of young people, including the Stallton fellow he had met in the park. Today she wore a pale pink muslin gown with lace at the neck and hem. Ringlets of light blond surrounded her heart-shaped face. She looked sweet. One of the other girls whispered something in her ear and she put her hand over her mouth, clearly hiding a giggle.
He felt a tug of irritation.
He had expected to find very little company given that the Simons were newcomers to town and hardly member of thehaute ton. He had hoped to have some quiet conversation with Miss Simon. She seemed nervous around him, and he wanted to try to make her comfortable.
