Page 33 of The Duke of Kisses
“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance finally,” David said.
“Yes, finally.” Mrs. Stoke laughed. “Yardley always planned to bring us to Huntwell for a visit, but it just never came about. We’ve been to London a few times, but you weren’t with your father.”
No, because he preferred the country. He directed his attention to Miss Stoke. She was far more petite than Fanny, with light brown hair and deep green eyes. “How do you find London?”
“It’s exciting, my lord. There is so much to do and see.”
“And what of that interests you?” David asked.
“I like visiting sites that predate the Great Fire. I appreciate history.”
“She also enjoys riding in the park and dancing,” Mrs. Stoke said with a laugh. “It’s too bad there isn’t dancing here, or you could see for yourself.”
“I would say that’s to Miss Stoke’s benefit, for I am a rather awful dancer, I’m afraid.”
His mother laughed too, and it was apparent the mothers were doing their best to make a match. “He’s not awful at all. And he just purchased the most gorgeous phaeton. You can see yourself in the shine of the black lacquer.”
Mrs. Stoke’s eyes gleamed with fascination. “One horse or two?”
“Two, of course,” his mother answered. “Spectacularly matched bays. Their black tails are the exact color of the lacquer.”
David was about to suggest that his mother take Mrs. Stoke for a ride but decided this was not the time or place for sarcasm.
“How splendid,” Mrs. Stoke exclaimed. “I’m sure Arabella would be delighted to take a ride.”
Blast.Now he’d have to avoid taking his phaeton to the park unless he wanted to take her for a ride. He’d wanted to take Fanny for a ride.
Blast again.He owed it to his father and the Stokes to give Miss Stoke a chance. And where did that leave Fanny?
Exactly where she was and had been. He’d made no promises to her. He suddenly longed to be as far away from this rout—and any other rout—as possible. He flashed everyone what he hoped was an amiable smile. “Please excuse me, but I’ve an appointment to keep at my club.” He looked specifically at Miss Stoke. “I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” He glanced toward Mrs. Stoke and then his mother, bidding them both good night before turning to go.
Walter walked with him a few steps. “Your club? We were supposed to attend another rout.”
David gave him a beleaguered stare. “Must we? I’ve already met Miss Stoke, and wasn’t that Mother’s objective?”
A burst of laughter drew both of them to turn their heads toward the base of the staircase.
The Earl of Ware stood with a group of people who were all focused, rapt, on him. “The first race will be Wednesday, and we’ll start with the ladies.”
A woman next to Ware put her hand on his arm. “Truly?”
“Why should you miss all the fun?” Ware asked playfully.
The woman let out a rather undignified squeal, and everyone laughed. Whether they were laughing at her or simply buoyed from Ware’s exciting announcement was unknown, but neither did it matter. Ware’s gaze met David’s. “Ah, here’s my friend St. Ives. Have you all met him?” Ware made quick introductions as he beckoned David to join the group, indicating he should move to Ware’s side.
When he finished, David leaned close to him and whispered, “Is there any chance you’re leaving soon?” David belatedly realized he’d just left his uncle standing several feet away and hadn’t bothered to include him in the group.
“In fact, I am. Why, do you want to tag along?”
“Yes, please. My mother and uncle are here, and they require my coach to attend another rout.”
“And I can see you’re done with routs for the evening.” Ware chuckled. “We’ll depart momentarily.”
David smiled in gratitude, then went back to Walter. “I’ll leave with Ware. You and Mother can take my coach.”
Uncle Walter nodded. “Your mother only wants what’s best for you.”
“And that’s Miss Stoke?”
