Page 34 of The Duke of Seduction
Lavinia recalled the conversation she had with her mother about reforming rakes. “Neither of them were rakehells, however. I can’t imagine those can be changed.”
“I think it depends on the man,” Violet said. “If a woman is lucky, she can perhaps divert his rakish behavior so that he spends it all on her.” She exchanged a knowing look with Diana, and their mouths curved into rather satisfied smiles.
“I do believe they’re talking about sex,” Sarah stage-whispered to Lavinia, who burst out laughing.
Violet and Diana joined in, and by the time they reached the gate, they were dabbing their eyes and making plans to go shopping in the very near future.
Just before they parted, Lavinia leaned over to Violet and quietly said, “When you send invitations to your dinner party, invite the Marquess of Northam.” That would be one event where she could be assured of seeing him—so they could discuss their mutual assistance scheme.
Violet’s eyes widened with curiosity, but before she could ask why, Lavinia added, “He’s a friend of Sarah’s brother’s. And he isn’t terribly fond of Society events. I think he might enjoy the company we keep.”
“I’ll be sure to add him to the list.”
They said their good-byes, and Lavinia squinted down the path. “My mother is coming.” She turned to Sarah. “She didn’t really want to come today, but I dragged her along. And I’m so glad I did.”
“I am too. How splendid to see Diana and Violet.”
“Yes.” Lavinia clasped Sarah’s hands. “I hope you aren’t upset with me and everything that’s been happening. I would much rather trade places with you. You’re far better suited to this than I am. I just want to talk about rocks and dirt and the age of the Earth. No one cares about those things.”
“Yes, fashion and popular literature are far more interesting.” Sarah rolled her eyes, then laughed softly. “You are my dearest friend, and I love you beyond measure. I am not upset with you. I am happy for you and sincerely hope this chaos draws forth the man of your dreams.”
Sarah squeezed Lavinia’s hands. “Now I must go before your mother arrives.” She mouthed,sorryas she departed.
The countess slowed but didn’t stop as she reached Lavinia. “I’m ready to go.”
Lavinia fell into step beside her. “Then I suppose I am too.”
Her mother sent her a perturbed look, and Lavinia feared she was in for a lecture. She was right.
“Why were you conversing with those women?”
Those women.“They’reduchesses, Mother. They’re also my friends. You like Diana.”
“I did when she was respectable. Now she’s a pariah. But I suppose that’s just as well since she married one.”
Lavinia stopped short on the pavement just outside the gate. “Mother. She’s my friend. And a duchess. Have some respect, if not kindness.”
“She eloped with the Duke of Ruin! You can’t maintain a friendship with her, not in your precarious situation.”
“Now my situation is precarious?” Lavinia narrowed her eyes as anger coursed through her. “I thought it was glorious.”
“For now. Thanks to the Duke of Seduction, but my dear, you are not encouraging matters.” She clasped Lavinia’s elbow and guided her across the street. “You could have your pick of any gentleman, and you can barely be bothered to be civil.”
“That’s not fair. I’m quite civil, pleasant even. Yes, my enthusiasm is lacking from time to time, but so many of these gentlemen are boring and self-important.” She slid an exasperated look at her mother. “I’ll also argue that I don’t have my pick ofanygentleman.”
The Marquess of Northam came inexplicably to mind. She didn’t want to pick him. He was a rake and a poet, which was about as far from science as one could get without falling off the Earth, which one couldn’t do, of course, because it was a sphere.
“Lavinia, pay attention!”
“Yes, Mother.”
“I don’t want you to spend time with theduchessesright now. Not at this important time—your entire future is hanging by a thread.”
Lavinia gritted her teeth and swallowed a sarcastic suggestion that her mother should have been on the stage. Her flair for the dramatic was unparalleled. She thought of Violet’s dinner party and vowed to find a way to attend. Father would be amenable to the idea. He was far more concerned with aligning himself with dukes than paying attention to gossip and nastiness.
They completed the walk home in silence, and upon their arrival, Lavinia went directly to her room. To hell with Society and its stupid rules. She had half a mind to ask Lord Northam to find her a husband as far outside London as possible.
An academic in Oxford could be perfect, and she began to see how love could play a secondary role. If she could have security and contentment without the drama of the ton watching her every move—and judging them—that might be enough.
