Page 30 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
“Lady Grayson?” Emmeline did not know of any such person and thought it odd that one would call on her.
He nodded and whispered, “She is the wife of one of your brother’s business associates, Miss. Her husband is here to call on your brother.”
“Well, please send her in, Gerald.” Emmeline put her book away and straightened herself up.
Gerald was back a few moments later with a dark-haired woman in tow. “Lady Grayson, Miss.”
Emmeline stood up and smiled at the woman. “Please come in, Lady Grayson. This is a pleasure. I so rarely get to meet anyone outside of my household.”
Lady Grayson joined her and Emmeline accepted the brief hug that the woman offered. “Your brother has talked of you so much, but he failed to mention how lovely you are.”
“I fear that my brother has not told me much of you, but he rarely speaks of business. Will you sit with me?” Emmeline waved at the chair near the one she had been occupying.
Lady Grayson accepted the invitation with a dip of her head. “This is a spacious library.”
“I rather like it here. I come here to read whenever I can.”
Lady Grayson was a beautiful woman with long dark hair and a fair complexion. She looked as though she had stepped out of a storybook that had been brought to life. Beside her Emmeline felt quite clumsy and dull. But Emmeline felt like that a lot around the women of society.
“Your brother said you would need some introductions around society,” Lady Grayson ventured.
Emmeline blushed at her brother having to put out the word for her, but when would she have had the time? “Truthfully he is correct. I am new here, and I could really use all the help I can get.”
“Well, I am acquainted with several high-ranking ladies. We meet for tea at least twice a week. I am sure that they would all adore meeting you, and they might even have connections that may help along the way.” Lady Grayson folded her hands gracefully over her knees.
Emmeline bit her lip. She was pondering what to say when Jasmine came back. The maid made a squeak of surprise. Emmeline waved her hand toward the maid. “This is Jasmine, Lady Grayson.”
Lady Grayson inclined her head politely to the maid, who hurried to put the tea tray down. “Is that all you needed, Miss?” Jasmine bit her lip as she looked over at Emmeline’s guest.
Emmeline looked over the tray to make sure that there was a spare cup. “That should suffice. Thank you, Jasmine.”
The maid curtseyed and quickly left the room. Lady Grayson covered her mouth as she laughed softly. “Forgive me, but we have a maid that acts just like that. The little thing squeaks and runs off at the least provocation.”
“I think she is shy,” Emmeline said as she poured the tea.
Lady Grayson took the cup that Emmeline offered her. “I meant no offense toward the child. She seems perfectly darling. I just have one at home like that. I am hoping she calms down. She sends the dogs right into fits with all her jumping about.”
“You have dogs?” Emmeline looked at the woman with interest.
She nodded enthusiastically. “My husband hunts, but I have taken two of the hounds as my own. They stay with me most all the time, especially when my husband is away.”
“We have large sheep dogs at the castle and some smaller dogs for the rats. The little dogs love to scamper around my feet when I am out walking.” Emmeline smiled fondly at the memory.
Lady Grayson gave her a curious look. “You are from Scotland, is that right? Your brother never said. But now that I hear your accent, I think it is a thing of certainty.”
Emmeline giggled. “I really cannot hope to hide my ancestry around here.”
“I think it is a charming accent and one that may entice the young men. It gives you a little something different than all the other young ladies hoping to show themselves at the balls.” Lady Grayson lifted her teacup as if to toast Emmeline.
Emmeline lifted her cup back in salute to the woman. She took a sip with a smile. This season might not turn out so badly after all.
Chapter 6
The first ball of the season was held on the Fillory estate. Nash arrived just a touch late due to road conditions. One of the streets had flooded, which made the driver take a different route.
The sound of a violin and cello drifted softly out into the courtyard as Nash left the carriage. The footman bowed his head and swiftly picked up the step stool before hurrying back to his post at the back of the carriage. Nash gave a nod to the driver, Roger, and headed up the steps to the impressive home of Lord Fillory and his splendid wife.
“Your Grace,” the doorman said with a bow to Nash as he held the door open.
