Page 33 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Oh, I do love a good morning ride. Though I am rather impressed you managed to fit one in before joining us. Unless this is an entirely different kind of riding wear than I am used to?” Lord Briston’s eyes twinkled.
“Actually, we did not go out riding. One of Lord Cotswalts’ beagles has recently had puppies, and we went to visit them.” Olivia felt her cheeks redden. “Though if we had had more time, I am sure a ride would have been lovely.”
“Ah. Yes. Well. I am sure visiting puppies was just as good a use of your time.” Lord Briston tugged at his collar.
“Does one always have to use one’s time well?” Nigel asked.
“I suppose it depends on what you mean by a good use of time,” Olivia replied before Lord Briston could. “Perhaps your cousin simply meant productive.”
“Well, surely any use of one’s time that brings one joy is a good use of it?” Nigel countered.
“I would say I have to agree.” Olivia nodded. “Time is well spent when one is not aware of how much time has passed. In truth, we were a little behind in our preparations as we got rather caught up in the whole affair.”
“It is easily done. I remember spending several hours with the corgis when Dandelion whelped her last litter.”
“Dandelion?” Olivia canted her head.
“My dog. When she was still a puppy, and I had not chosen a name, she stumbled into a field of them and came back covered in bits of them, and I just thought, yes, that’s your name.” Nigel looked slightly embarrassed.
Olivia found the image of Nigel following a small puppy through a field of dandelions rather endearing “I had not realised you kept corgis.”
“My cousin is obsessed with them.” Lord Briston shook his head. “But rather than use them as working dogs or to show, he keeps them as pets.”
“I enjoy their companionship. And they do have such wonderful spirits.” Nigel shrugged.
“Do you keep Cardigans or Pembrokes?” Olivia asked, surprising herself. “My aunt used to keep both, but I have always preferred the Cardigans over the Pems.”
Nigel’s eyes widened but only for a moment. “I had forgotten that you had an aunt who used to breed them. But in answer to your question, I have Cardigans. I just like their colouring. In particular, the red brindle and white ones — I think they are stunning.”
“Please do not get him started on his dogs.” Lord Briston shook his head. “He will talk of nothing else.”
Olivia frowned. “Do you not like dogs, Lord Briston?”
“I love them. I just do not wish to have one as a house pet.” Lord Briston shook his head. “Besides, when you have listened to my cousin prattle on about his dogs for hours, it does get rather wearing.”
“Then I shall try my hardest not to bore you with further discussion, dear cousin.” Nigel said though Olivia thought she could detect a hint of irritation in his voice.
“And what have you two amused yourself with this morning?” Jane asked, clearly trying to steer the conversation back to more neutral ground.
“Oh, I had some errands to run. A few last-minute affairs to settle,” Lord Briston answered. “I would not want to bore you with the details.”
Olivia held in a sigh.He may not want to bore us with the details, but he does not give us a lot to work with to make conversation.
“And you, Duke, what did you occupy yourself with this morning?” Jane asked.
Nigel smiled. “Well, I was rather preoccupied waiting for the reply to a rather important invitation.”
“Were you indeed?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “I did not think our response took quite so long as to make you wait all morning.”
“Rather presumptuous to assume it was a response from you I was waiting for, don’t you think?” Nigel raised his own eyebrow at Olivia, but his voice held a teasing note.
“Ah, forgive me — it was bold of me to assume we were the only ladies you invited on such a promenade.” Olivia glanced around dramatically. “Do you have several more we are expecting to join us, or were we the only ones to accept?”
Nigel shrugged. “I suppose I deserved that. And to be kept waiting for your response.”
“I hardly kept you waiting. Any wait cannot be laid at my feet. I penned a response almost immediately.”What are you doing? You should be talking to Lord Briston.Catching herself, she turned to Lord Briston and said, “Do you not think that if your cousin so eagerly awaited our response, he might perhaps have entrusted the invitation to a speedier messenger?”
Lord Briston nodded, but before he could say anything Nigel said, “Yes the penmanship did rather suggest the note was written in some haste.”
