Page 42 of The Duke of Desire
West watched her with admiration as she bid Lunden good day. West did the same and followed her out of the workhouse into the overcast day. So much for the sun that had shown itself earlier.
Some of the group moved up the street to the public house, where they were meant to have luncheon, while others returned to Greensward. As soon as Miss Breckenridge and Lady Dunn headed for the pub, West joined the group. He made his way alongside Miss Breckenridge.
“Your knowledge of workhouses is impressive, but your concern for the welfare of the inmates is even more so,” he said.
She glanced in his direction very briefly. “Thank you.”
“She’s very modest,” Lady Dunn said. “Or so it seems.” She chuckled. “She made it a condition of employment that I allow her certain times to conduct her charitable activities. How can one say no to such a requirement?”
“Indeed.” West was fairly certain he couldn’t say no to anything Miss Breckenridge requested. He only hoped she would ask him to do something.Anything.
Lady Dunn looked at her charge. “For a moment there, I worried you were going to offer your services to Mr. Lunden.”
Miss Breckenridge gently touched Lady Dunn’s arm. “And leave my post with you? I wouldn’t do that.”
West noted the brief gesture. It seemed…odd. He realized Miss Breckenridge generally displayed a cool and aloof manner. He’d seen bits of warmth and charm—enough to thoroughly entice him. And it was precisely because these episodes were infrequent that he longed to know her better. He could see that she possessed a fondness for her employer, which only added to her character.
Once they reached the pub, West was swept away by the other gentlemen into a private dining room. He would’ve preferred to remain with Miss Breckenridge and Lady Dunn, but couldn’t do so without making a spectacle.
West and the young Matthew Travill joined Lords Wendover, Kirkland, and Greaves.
“It looks as though you’ve an eye on Kirkland’s gel,” Greaves said to Travill, making the younger man blush.
“She’s a charming young lady,” Travill said.
West had noted they seemed to share a mutual interest, but leave it to someone like Greaves to embarrass the lad. “Surely we’ve more entertaining topics—let’s leave the matchmaking to the women, shall we?” He gave Greaves a tolerant stare before turning to Wendover. “Remind me of tomorrow’s activities?”
“I thought to have another round of pheasant hunting.” He looked over at Matthew. “You’re quite the shot, young man.”
Another flush of pink brightened the man’s cheeks, but there was pride in his gaze. “Thank you, my lord.”
The conversation turned to hunting, and West sipped his ale. After a few minutes, Greaves, who was next to him, leaned close. “I’ve a wager going with Chalmers as to your current paramour. My money’s on Lady Jessup, since her husband isn’t in attendance.”
“Are you saying that none of the other women whose husbandsarein attendance are engaging in liaisons during the party?” West teased. If only Greaves knew that his wife was carrying on with Axbridge. But West wouldn’t tell him.
“I’m not saying that at all, of course.” He cast a speaking glance toward Wendover, who was undoubtedly entertaining Lady Pelham. And it seemed likely that Lady Wendover was busy with Lord Kirkland.
West darted a look toward Kirkland, and Greaves nodded knowingly as he lifted his ale in salute. After he put his mug back down on the table, he turned his body toward West. “So, Lady Jessup? I’d like to collect from Chalmers tonight.”
West offered a bland smile. “I’m afraid not.”
“Damn me.” He lowered his voice to just above a whisper and sent a brief glance at Matthew. “Tell me it isn’t Mrs. Travill. That’s Chalmers’s pick.” He looked pained, and West wondered at the size of their wager.
“Rest easy. It’s no one.”
Greaves blinked. “No one? How can that be?”
West shrugged. “I am not always engaged. Would you begrudge a man a respite?”
Greaves chuckled. “Bloody hell, I would not.” He slapped his hand on West’s shoulder. “Cheers.”
West suffered through the remainder of their stay, anxious to get back to Miss Breckenridge. Mary? No, he wouldn’t think of her as that, not until he had confirmation.
Finally, they joined the ladies and made their way from the pub toward the vehicles that would take them back to Greensward. Luck smiled on West as Lady Dunn was occupied talking to Mrs. Marsh, which left Miss Breckenridge alone as she followed behind them.
Seizing the opportunity, he made his way to her side. “How have you enjoyed today’s outing?”
She peered over at him, but kept it brief. “Quite well, thank you.”
