Page 74 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
Nash cleared his throat. “How goes school?”
“Good,” he said with a broad grin. “I should not want to bore the lady with the details, as I am sure she is not interested in boarding school.”
Nash told Emmeline, “He is attending the same school that your brother and I both attended.”
“That is lovely. I have heard it is a very good school.”
Master Ian looked around and whispered, “Mother has not yet spotted me. Do you think I have time to steal some biscuits before she sends me to my room?”
“If you hurry,” Nash whispered. Master Ian took off toward the refreshments as discreetly and yet as quickly as he could.
Emmeline hid a laugh behind her hand. “He is quite precocious. I dare say that he probably is a lot like his older brother was in school, if I recall the stories from my brother.”
“And yet another member of your family holds childhood pranks against me,” Nash said with amusement. “I am hopeful that he will settle into his duties.”
Emmeline enquired, “Like yourself?”
“Certainly,” Nash acknowledged. “I have never shirked my duties. I was simply not overly fond of getting married on other people’s agendas.”
***
Lord Hawley adjusted his waistcoat for the thousandth time. He swallowed hard and walked to the Dowager Randall and her niece, who were standing to one side of the dance floor sipping mulled wine. As he approached, their eyes came around to greet him and he put on a smile.
“Good evening Dowager Randall, Lady Anderson.” He felt as though his throat were going dry, but he tried his best to breathe normally.
Dowager Randall pressed her lips flat, as though she were a hungry vulture and he a tasty morsel. Edward straightened his shoulders. “I was wondering if Lady Anderson would be inclined to dance.”
“That sounds lovely. Does that not, Aunt Myrtle?” Lady Anderson raised her eyebrows slightly, face hopeful as she eyed her aunt.
Dowager Randall conceded with a sigh. “It sounds acceptable, if you are willing.”
“Thank you, Aunt Myrtle,” Lady Anderson said.
Edward held out his hand before looking at the dowager. “Thank you, Dowager Randall. I promise to take good care of her.”
They slipped out onto the floor with the other couples and Edward breathed a sigh of relief.
“She scares you, does she not?”
Edward hated to admit to something to so weak, but it also seemed silly not to acknowledge something just because of ego. “She does indeed put me in a mind of a very hungry wild animal that would like to gnaw upon my bones.”
Lady Anderson laughed and failed at hiding it behind her fan. Her laughter released the last bit of tension in Edward and he relaxed into the dance with her. “You know, my father has been looking for a new supplier for various things. You really should send him a letter and introduce yourself. Perhaps your acquaintanceship with myself could be of use.”
“That is really not necessary for you to vouch for me,” Edward assured her, but added, “It is lovely that you would consider it.”
Lady Anderson gave him a smile. “What is it that you fill your time with other than work, Lord Hawley?”
“Oh, I like a spot of fishing,” Edward admitted freely. “Also I like to garden and torment the cook with my own creations at times.”
The look on Lady Anderson’s face was worth the venture. “I adore fishing. Most ladies do not like it as it gets your hands very dirty. But I find it relaxing.”
“It is indeed quite a splendid sport if you need a quiet moment to reflect. My father used to take me down to the port and we would fish for hours.” Edward smiled as he thought on the memory fondly.
Lady Anderson nodded. “My father as well. He used to set me up with a pole and bait to entertain me while he worked at the shipyard.”
“We are a fine pair, then.”
The dance had slowed and he could not believe that it had come to an end already. He lingered a bit in the dance before he led Lady Anderson off the dance floor. He asked hopefully, “Would you like a refreshment?”
