Page 4 of The Duke of Ice
Simon shrugged. “I have no expectations. I may very well walk into the Linfords’ drawing room and receive the cut direct from everyone in attendance.”
“And you’d risk that?” It wouldn’t bother Nick, but he wasn’t sure about his friend.
“I prefer it to sitting alone and staring at the sea,” he answered dryly.
Nick smirked at Simon’s jest. “We’re an odd pair. I hope the Linfords and their guests are ready for us.”
“Indeed.” Simon’s eyes glowed with mirth. “I’m pleased to hear your enthusiasm.”
“Do not take my surrender to your pitiful pleas as enthusiasm. I am going to support you, and I will leave at the earliest opportunity. On that I want to be quite clear.”
“Understood.” Simon stood and stretched. “I’m going upstairs to change and then I shall beat you at chess.”
“You can try.”
Nick watched his friend leave, his mind churning over the hell he’d just agreed to. A house party? When he was in London to conduct business and perform his duty in the House of Lords, he kept to himself. He hadn’t the first notion who was who, nor did he care. Yes, he’d go to support Simon, and he’d do his damnedest to keep to himself as he always did.
Markley entered to remove the tea tray. As he gathered up the implements, he shot a quick, curious glance at Nick. “May I say how nice it is to see His Grace here? His visits always brighten things.”
What he meant was that when Simon was around, Nick was somewhat palatable. “Yes.”
Nick knew he was difficult. But he was also patient and generous when it came to his retainers and tenants. So they didn’t love him or particularly like him. It was for the best.
To care for Nick was to commit yourself to misery. Nick had tried to warn Simon off, but he only rolled his eyes and told Nick to lighten up.
And now he was going to a house party where heshouldbe light of mood. Except that wasn’t who he was. Hewasthe Duke of Ice.
That was precisely who the Linfords and their guests would get.
Chapter 2
By design, Lady Violet Pendleton was the first to arrive at the Linfords’ house party. Hannah Linford was her closest friend, and Violet always supported her social endeavors.
Hannah swept into the drawing room after Violet had already finished a cup of tea. She offered a half smile as she drew Violet into a quick hug. “I’m running late, of course.”
“Of course,” Violet murmured.
Laughing, Hannah shot her a mock indignant look. “You didn’t have to agree!”
“You’re always running late. Should we pretend otherwise?”
“No.” Hannah’s dark brown eyes twinkled with mirth. “You had a pleasant journey?”
Violet lived in Bath, only a few hours away by coach. She’d left early that morning in order to be the first guest to arrive. “Yes, although it does look as though the weather is going to turn. Hopefully it will hold until evening so that your guests may get here safely. Are you expecting everyone today?”
Hannah, always full of nervous energy, paced before the hearth. “Yes, and I’m so anxious. This is either going to be the most successful house party ever or the biggest disaster.” She paused to look at Violet. “Either way, it will be the most talked about.”
“That is your goal, is it not?” Violet loved her friend dearly but had never understood her need to be recognized among the leaders of Society.
“It’s all I have,” she said. “I haven’t a title like you.”
Violet had married a viscount, but she would’ve gladly traded theladypreceding her name for true happiness such as Hannah had with her husband, Irving. They had two small children and were the epitome of what Violet had once wanted. What had once been in her grasp.
“I’d give it to you, if I could,” Violet said.
Hannah exhaled, her lips curving into a warm smile. “I know you would, dear.”
Violet smoothed her hands over her skirt. “Now, what do you need me to do? Will Lady Dunn be here?”
