Page 46 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
Barbara couldn’t quite believe her ears. Not terrible looking? In Barbara’s eyes, the Duke was one of the most handsome men she had ever met. Compared to the manly and darkly handsome Duke, the Stallton lad, for example, was a weedy, spotty youth. Well, there was no accounting for taste. Poor Derbridge. Poor Isabelle.
‘Perhaps if you let him know your heart is engaged elsewhere…’
Isabelle shuddered. ‘I couldn’t. Mama will murder me. And besides,’ she said in awed tones, ‘it would not be so bad being a duchess. I mean, to be so rich… If only he would stop frowning at me. I feel as if I am doing something wrong all the time.’
Once again, Barbara felt a stab of pity for Derbridge. And a touch of annoyance at Isabelle too. On the other hand, she could understand why his wealth and position might attract the young and impressionable girl. Not to mention that she had seen no sign from Derbridge that he was looking for a love match.
But if Miss Simon truly cared for someone else, wouldn’t that make life unbearable to both of them as time went on? Or perhaps once wed they would simply ignore each other for the most part, once duty was done.
Her heart ached for both of them. She knew what it was like to be pressured by family into doing the ‘right thing’ to suit others. She also knew how it felt to be stuck in a loveless marriage.
Not that her father loved her more because she had obeyed his wishes.
She took a deep breath. ‘I really do not think I am the right person to offer advice. I barely know the Duke.’
Isabelle sighed. ‘Mother says this Season is my one chance to make a good match and help my sisters. And that if I don’t, I will be left on the shelf like my Aunt Bertha.’
Aunt Lenore had also been left on the shelf, but Barbara had no idea if it was by choice or because no opportunity had presented itself.
‘I see. My advice is to give yourself time to get to know the Duke better. Do not be rushed into anything before you are sure.’ It was the best she could offer, without seeming to interfere in something that was not her business.
‘C-could you mention to him what I said?’
‘About the frowning.’
She winced. ‘Well, that and well, about you know—my preference for another.’
Her stomach sank. It all sounded a bit melodramatic. ‘I do not know. If the opportunity arises, perhaps.’
Miss Simon beamed. ‘Oh, thank you. I knew you would help me.’
‘I—’
‘There you are!’ The plump figure of Mrs Simon came through the gate.
‘I have been searching everywhere for you. Isabelle.’
‘I was about to return to the house,’ Isabelle saidquickly, jumping up.
Her mother nodded briskly. ‘People are leaving. You need to come and bid them farewell.’
‘Yes, Mama.’ The pair hurried off.
Barbara sauntered along the path between the tulip beds, yellow on one side and pink on the other, trying to imagine telling the Duke not to frown at his intended.
‘Countess.’
Startled, she turned.
Derbridge? Here? After he had already refused a walk in the garden with Miss Simon?
The sunlight that made the flower colours so vivid made his hair gleam with hidden gold highlights and made him look taller and more substantial than ever.
‘Your aunt asked me to seek you out. She is waiting to leave.’
Barbara gritted her teeth at her aunt’s obvious ploy to throw her and the Duke together. Not only was it unconscionable, given his interest in Miss Simon, it was absurd. The Duke barely tolerated her for the most part.
‘I was admiring the flowers. They are beautiful, are they not?’
