Page 54 of The Duke of Seduction
Chapter 10
If wit were gold, her purse boundless.
If humor air, her world groundless.
If grace were rain, she’d fill the seas.
Her love’s warmth the cold heart unfreeze.
-FromA Song for Lady Lavinia Gillingham
by The Duke of Seduction
Lavinia had allowedherself to stew about Beck’s rakishness for most of yesterday, but she didn’t plan to give him such time today. Though it was difficult not to think of him, because every time she looked at her expanded fossil collection, he wasright there.
And she refused to return them.
So instead, she focused her energy on planning a geology-themed excursion. She often tried to find places around London where she could take a short jaunt. It took some planning—convincing her mother to go with her, which hadn’t happened in a few years, or taking some other chaperone, such as her sister-in-law if she was in town.
Lavinia had a destination in mind and a chaperone. Hopefully, her mother would agree to both. In the meantime, she’d write to Diana and ask if she’d chaperone. It was rather helpful to have a married friend who was a duchess to boot.
As she sat down at the desk in the upstairs sitting room, the butler came in to announce the arrival of Sarah. Lavinia hadn’t been expecting her. “Send her up, please.”
The butler nodded and left. A few moments later, Sarah, who’d come up to this sitting room dozens of times, came in wearing a tense expression. She removed her gloves and took her bonnet from her head.
“Is something amiss?” Lavinia asked.
“Not amiss, but I do have something to share.” She perched on the small settee and waited for Lavinia to sit in the chair angled toward her.
“You’re causing me concern,” Lavinia said.
“I don’t mean to. I just—” Sarah dropped her gloves in her lap and set the bonnet on the settee. “After what you told us about Northam the other night, I felt I had to tell you what I’ve learned.”
Instantly, Lavinia thought of his secret identity, but doubted that could be it. “What’s happened?”
“Anthony saw him—Northam—at a brothel last week. He was there with his friend, Mr. Jeffries, and Felix, of course.”
Lavinia felt a bit sick. Which was ridiculous. Beck was a rake. He likely went to brothels quite often. In fact, he’d probably been many times during their acquaintance. Perhaps he’d even gone to one after leaving Violet’s party the other night. After they’d kissed. “Well, I guess we have our answer regarding his reputation.” And it stung.
“Still a rake,” Sarah said flatly. “I’m sorry. I knew you’d want to know.”
“You were right. Don’t be sorry. I expected nothing from him. That kiss was a curiosity, nothing more.” Lavinia ignored the constriction in her chest and swallowed past the bitterness in her throat. “Enough of that. I’d like to take an excursion to the Charlton Sand Pit about ten or eleven miles east of town. I’m going to ask Diana to chaperone. Would you like to come?”
Sarah brightened, which did wonders for Lavinia’s mood. “Of course! But do you think your mother will allow Diana to chaperone?”
“I hope so. I believe she and Violet won her over with their wonderful party the other night. The scandal surrounding them is starting to recede.”
Sarah nodded in agreement. “Yes, it seems to be.” Her eyes lit with an idea. “Should we plan a picnic and include Fanny?”
“Oh yes, let’s!” Lavinia felt better already.
“If your mother refuses to allow Diana, perhaps Fanny’s sister would chaperone.”
“A splendid alternative. I’ll speak to Cook about preparing the picnic. We’ll leave midmorning.”
Sarah’s brow creased. “Why do you want to visit the sand pit?”
“Through excavation, they’ve uncovered an amazing strata of dirt. I’d like to see it.” Lavinia had read about it inPhilosophical Transactions, the Royal Society journal.
