Page 32 of The Duke of Seduction
Lavinia’s mother rushed to answer, likely before Lavinia could say anything derogatory. “It’s certainly elevated her profile!”
“I imagine she has plenty of suitors.” Mrs. Lennox gave the countess a knowing look. “You’ll be planning a wedding soon, I’ll wager.”
“Well, that would be splendid,” the countess said with a nod. “I don’t mind telling you I’d begun to wonder. Decent, eligible men are certainly in short supply.”
“Don’t forget interesting,” Lavinia put in sweetly.
“I would add intelligent,” Miss Lennox offered.
Lavinia nodded. “Most definitely.”
Miss Lennox turned her head toward Lavinia. “Do you suppose the Duke of Seduction is intelligent?” There was an edge to her tone that spoke volumes to Lavinia.
“Probably,” Lavinia said carefully. “He’s at least interesting?” She flashed a smile and, when it wasn’t reciprocated, let it slide from her mouth. “He’s certainly good at interfering.”
“Oh, I’d say he’shelping,” Mrs. Lennox said. “Phoebe agrees. If not for his poetry illuminating Phoebe’s grace, she might still be on the Marriage Mart.” Her gaze moved past her daughter. “Mr. Sainsbury is coming.”
“I wasn’t unhappy,” Miss Lennox muttered.
Lavinia seized the moment to edge closer to Miss Lennox while their mothers conversed. “Are you unhappy now?” she whispered.
Miss Lennox’s eyelids fluttered with surprise. “No. Sainsbury is pleasant and charming.”
“And yet you don’t sound very enthusiastic.” Lavinia’s anger toward the Duke of Seduction kindled anew. No, her anger toward Northam. She would tell him that he may have ruined Miss Lennox’s life with his meddling. Except hehadbeen trying to help. His sister’s failure obviously weighed heavy on him and had driven him to action.
“This has all just happened so quickly,” Miss Lennox said. “It could be far worse. I’ll be content with Mr. Sainsbury. It’s certainly preferable to spinsterhood.”
“Is it?” Lavinia couldn’t say anything more, as Miss Lennox’s betrothed arrived.
They exchanged pleasantries, and Lavinia concluded that Mr. Sainsbury was indeed charming and seemed besotted with Miss Lennox. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he was effusive in his greeting. In fact, Miss Lennox perked up a bit in his presence, her features softening as he complimented her walking costume.
Lavinia hoped they would be happy. Unfortunately, Miss Lennox was stuck with her groom. To cry off after a betrothal caused considerable scandal, as it had for Lavinia’s friend Diana.
As if conjured from her mind, Diana strolled into the park with another party to their “scandal,” Violet, the Duchess of Kilve, whom Lavinia had met and befriended at a house party last fall.
Before Lavinia could excuse herself from her mother, Sarah seemed to appear out of nowhere. “Lavinia, may we walk for a moment?”
“Go ahead,” the countess said resignedly. “There aren’t many people here, so we won’t stay long.”
Lavinia linked arms with Sarah. “Did you see who just arrived?”
“Yes, that’s why I came to get you,” Sarah said.
They walked together, their pace quick, and met Diana and Violet on the path. Diana smiled warmly and they all ended up embracing and launching into a babble of excitement at seeing each other again.
Diana beamed at them. “I’m so glad to see you both.”
“You look so happy,” Sarah said. “It can’t be from encountering us.”
“Why not?”
“Because your happiness jumps off every single letter you’ve written. It isn’t us, it’s your husband.”
Diana blushed. “I can’t deny it.
Violet nodded in agreement. “It’s true.”
Throwing her a sidelong glance, Diana laughed. “You are every bit as happy.
