Page 9 of The Duke of Seduction
Sarah exhaled. “You oughtn’t be pessimistic. Why not see what happens?”
“My parents have forbidden me to speak of geology or anything else I find interesting. How am I to ascertain if a gentleman and I will suit?”
Wincing, Sarah ducked her head. “I see what you mean.”
Lavinia linked her arm through Sarah’s. “I know you’re trying to find the bright side of this, and I love you for it. Ishalltry to do the same. I’d like to speak with Miss Pemberton.”
“Why is that?” Fanny asked.
Lavinia took Fanny’s arm so they were all linked as they moved toward the Serpentine. “I’m curious what this did for her marriageability, whether it’s been a help or a hindrance.”
“But we already know it’s been a help to at least two of his subjects, if not three,” Fanny said.
“So it seems. But do we know if they’re all happy?” Lavinia planned to withhold judgment until she spoke to one or more of them.
“Well, that wouldn’t necessarily be the Duke of Seduction’s fault, would it?” Sarah asked. “He merely elevated their visibility. What happened next could be due to a number of influences.”
“I’m beginning to agree with Lavinia,” Fanny said. “It’s a dangerous game the Duke of Seduction has started. Even if his motivation is charitable, who’s to say a young lady wants to be managed in this way?”
Lavinia nodded sharply, smiling. “My point exactly!”
“This looks like trouble.”
A loud masculine voice drew Lavinia to squint down the path at three men coming their way. Due to the setting sun and her myopia, she wasn’t able to identify them right away.
Sarah, bless her, knew of Lavinia’s nearsightedness and leapt to the rescue. “Trouble,” she scoffed. “You’re the trouble, Anthony.”
Anthony was her brother, so Lavinia knew at least one of them. The space between them lessened, and she recognized the one to his left—the bloody Marquess of Northam.
“Good afternoon, dear sister,” Anthony said with a bow. “You know Felix, of course.” He gestured to his right to the Earl of Ware. Lavinia had met him before too.
“Of course.” Sarah gestured to Fanny, and Lavinia unlinked her arms from theirs. “Allow me to present our new friend, Miss Frances Snowden, sister to the Duchess of Clare.”
Anthony’s dark brows climbed up his forehead. “Auspicious company, sister.”
“No more than you.” Sarah inclined her head toward Northam.
“Have you not met Northam?” Anthony asked. “I presume he doesn’t really require an introduction. This is the Marquess of Northam.”
The marquess gave a sweeping bow directed at all three of them, but his gaze landed solely on Lavinia. “I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Her name hadn’t yet been mentioned, but she was certain he knew it already. How? Had he asked after her? Had Anthony told him as they’d approached along the path? Oh bother, did it reallymatter? She’d only withheld her identity from him the other night to be contrary. Because he’d kissed her neck thinking she was his paramour. A shiver danced along her spine. She blamed it on the decreasing temperature.
“This is my dear friend, Lady Lavinia Gillingham,” Sarah offered.
“Lady Lavinia.” Northam’s eyes glinted, and though Lavinia couldn’t see the color from the distance, she knew from their encounter in Lord Evenrude’s library that they were a gray green. Like moss on a tree hidden deep in the forest. A secret-keeping tree.
A secret-keeping tree? Good heavens, she was the recipient of one flattering poem and suddenly she was waxing romantic.
“Where are you ladies headed?” Anthony asked.
“The Serpentine,” Sarah said, glancing at the dimming sky. “Though I wonder if we ought to turn back.” Clouds had moved in, and, coupled with the sun setting, twilight was coming quickly.
“May we escort you?” Northam asked politely. He’d thankfully directed his attention toward Sarah for the question. Lavinia took a moment to relax—and reflect upon why he set her on edge.
Sarah exchanged looks with both Lavinia and Fanny before agreeing to his offer.
They turned and started along the path. Somehow, Lavinia ended up in the rear with the marquess. She refused to let him rattle her. Or think about his lips on her flesh.
