Page 38 of The Duke of Seduction
Chapter 7
Grant her high favor and be glad
For the smile she bestows, dear lad.
Give your care to this charming miss
Love’s reward is elegant bliss.
-FromA Ballad for Miss Anne Berwick
by The Duke of Seduction
The Reeves routwas a terrible crush, and Lavinia had a hard time finding Sarah and Fanny, particularly without her spectacles. It was moments like these when she wished she just wore them anyway. Perhaps she would start carrying them so she could whip them from her reticule and use them for a brief time.
Squinting through the throng, she finally caught sight of Sarah, who was nowhere near the wall. But why should she be? The Duke of Seduction’sOde to Miss Sarah Coltonhad been published that very morning, and Sarah was currently experiencing the effect.
After seeing the poem that morning—Beck had truly outdone himself—Lavinia had rushed to visit Sarah, along with Fanny. Sarah had been so happy that Lavinia knew she’d done the right thing in asking Beck to write it for her. And Lady Colton was ecstatic. In fact, their visit had been cut short so they could go shopping for something special for tonight’s rout. Which was exactly what Lavinia’s mother had done.
Leaving her mother’s side, Lavinia made her way to Sarah, who stood beside her mother. As Lavinia cut her way across the large drawing room, she heard a snippet of conversation that made her stop and listen.
“I just can’t see that it will help the poor gel. She has the personality of a mouse, regardless of what the Duke of Seduction says.”
Lavinia gritted her teeth as she recognized the speaker—Lady Nixon, one of the ton’s most malignant gossips. She was talking to her closest friend, who was equally toxic, Mrs. Law.
Mrs. Law sniffed. “I must agree. It doesn’t seem the Duke has been able to help Miss Pemberton or Lady Lavinia land husbands. Perhaps his magic has worn off.”
“Pity. I’ve so enjoyed his poetry. Today’s ode was simply magnificent.” Lady Nixon let out a sigh.
Lavinia thought of a few things she might like to say to the old biddies, but took herself off before she created a scene that would mortify her mother. Unfortunately, Sarah was no longer where she’d been. Lavinia squinted in search of her and saw her speaking with a gentleman. Ah, well, she’d find her later.
Instead of returning to her mother, Lavinia went in search of Fanny before recalling that she wasn’t coming tonight. Lavinia did, however, see Miss Pemberton, who was just finishing a promenade with a gentleman. After he departed, Lavinia swooped in.
“Good evening, Miss Pemberton.”
The other woman’s sherry-colored eyes lit with recognition. “Lady Lavinia, how lovely to find you here. I see your friend Miss Colton is the latest recipient of the Duke of Seduction’s…kindness.”
“Yes, she’s quite thrilled.”
“Unlike us,” Miss Pemberton said drily.
“I don’thateit,” Lavinia said, immediately wondering why she had. Now that she knew Beck was behind it all, she felt a bit less annoyed. “But it will be nice to be forgotten.”
“Hopefully soon. Things have begun to settle down, for which I’m grateful.”
“I just overheard Lady Nixon and Mrs. Law discussing the Duke’s failure since you and I are not betrothed.”
Miss Pemberton let out a sharp laugh. “Clearly it hasn’t deterred him from continuing his ridiculous campaign. Have you had any luck with determining his identity?”
Lavinia didn’t hesitate to answer. “No. I don’t think we’ll ever know.”
“Unless the editor of theMorning Chronicleis susceptible to bribery.” Miss Pemberton appeared quite serious. “Do you suppose he is?”
“I’m sure I don’t know.” Lavinia laughed, hoping Miss Pemberton was jesting, and was rewarded with a grin. Relaxing, she asked, “What would you do if you learned his identity?”
“Besides demand he stop? Part of me would like for him to suffer some sort of public discomfort, but I am not a vindictive person. I should just feel better if I could unburden myself on him.” Her lips widened in another smile.
“I can understand that.” Lavinia haddonethat.
