Page 53 of The Duke of Seduction
“We’ll deal with that problem should it arise. The countess and I are confident your interest will spur a few men in particular to make their move. Let us worry about that maneuvering.”
Maneuvering? Christ, would they manipulate the other suitors as well? Any anger he had toward Lavinia dissipated. For all he knew, they’d done something to manipulate her too.
The earl cleared his throat and straightened, adopting the stature and tone of someone conducting a business transaction. “You’ll call on Lavinia tomorrow and walk with her in the park some time this week. And dance with her at your earliest convenience. We will be attending the Halliwell ball and expect to see you there. If you fail to meet our terms, we will publish your identity as the Duke of Seduction in theTimes.”
Beck glared at the man across the table. “Your manipulation is rather despicable.”
“No more so than your meddling and unsolicited ‘help.’” Balcombe finished his whiskey and stood. “See you tomorrow.”
Fury raged through Beck as he watched the man leave the room. He was so focused on the earl’s retreating back—and staring daggers into it—that he failed to notice Felix approach.
He sat down in the chair Balcombe had abandoned. “What the devil was that about? You look as though you’d like to run him through.”
“I would, actually,” Beck said tightly.
Felix cast a look toward the door through which the earl had departed. “Why?”
Beck couldn’t explain without telling Felix everything. And he might—just not right now. He was too angry. “Never mind. I don’t want to discuss it.”
The footman came over and swept up Balcombe’s empty glass, then deposited a fresh one for Felix.
“I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but you seem a bit off lately,” Felix said, picking up his glass and taking a small sip. He swallowed, flexed his lips, then took another. “Have you been writing? Playing?”
“Both.”
“You aren’t seeing anyone right now, are you? Perhaps we should visit Madame Bisset’s again. I had a grand time the other night.”
“No, thank you. I’m not up for that this evening.”
Felix surveyed him a long moment. “You’re in another of your moods. I hope this doesn’t last long.”
His moods could last a few hours or a few weeks. Or, as in the case of Priscilla’s rejection, months. Beck hoped this wasn’t one of those times.
He finished his whiskey and decided he should engage in “rakish things,” reminding him of what he’d said to Lavinia at the Fortescues’ musical performance. “Let’s go play cards.”
“Brilliant.” Felix plucked up his whiskey and stood.
Beck rose and followed him into the card room. Tomorrow he would call on Lavinia and pretend to court her. She would be extraordinarily baffled given how he’d acted last night. He’d either have to convince her he was earnest in his desire to court her or tell her the truth about her parents’ extortion. Unless she already knew.
God, had she come up with this scheme after he’d refused her advances last night? She’d tried to flirt, and he’d rejected her. He’d told her they couldn’t repeat what they’d done in the library. He knew he’d disappointed her. However, he apparently hadn’t realized how much.
Disappointment washed over him too. He’d liked her so much. And now he didn’t know what to think. Tomorrow, hopefully, he’d find out.
