Page 12 of Fit for a Duke
‘I had hoped for a more fulsome welcome,’ he replied, his broad smile slipping.
‘I am sure you are very welcome,’ Clio replied evasively. ‘It is just that no one told me you had been invited.’
‘I hope the surprise is not an unpleasant one.’
‘I dare say you will prove a welcome addition to the party.’
Captain Salford did not look encouraged by Clio’s ambiguous response but only had himself to blame for that misfortune. Had he taken the trouble to get to know her better during her formative years he would be aware that she spoke as she found.
‘Lady Fletcher was kind enough to offer me her hospitality when she learned that I was in England, desirous of seeing my ward.’
‘Your ward?’ Clio elevated a brow. ‘To whom do you refer?’
Clio was conscious of the duke moving closer to her position by the open French windows, as though attempting to repay the favour and eavesdrop onherconversation. She smiled in spite of herself. Although she didn’t know him well, she suspected it was just the sort of capricious revenge he would enjoy exacting. Why he felt the need to do so when half the room was clamouring for his attention was less obvious to her.
To say she had only just become conscious of his close proximity would be a falsehood. She had been acutely aware of his presence dominating the room for the entire evening, along with just about every other female in occupation of it, she suspected, allowing herself a wry smile. She hated herself for being so predictable, but her mind appeared determined to dwell upon his myriad attributes, which did not improve her mood.
She had noticed just how well he and Beth complimented one another at table. They were by far the most attractive couple in attendance, and Clio was thoroughly ashamed of herself when part of her rejoiced because the duke and Beth had appeared to have little to say to one another. When she had been alone with him in the tack room, the conversation had never been in danger of drying up. Now Cora Marlow, with her mother’s not-so-subtle encouragement, was hovering in the duke’s periphery, displaying her admittedly attractive person for his approval. Sadly for Lady Cora, the duke wasn’t paying her even scant attention.
‘Why your dear self, of course.’
‘Me?’ Clio pointed at her own chest for emphasis. ‘Your ward? Nonsense! I was not aware that Papa had—’
‘He did not, but only because he ran out of time. I thought you were aware of his intentions in that regard.’
‘It’s the first I have heard of it.’
Clio glanced over her shoulder, annoyed to discover that Lady Fletcher had been waylaid by another guest. Clio had no intention of introducing the captain to the rest of the party, thereby emphasising the impression that he had some sort of claim on her affections. It was not her place to do so. Besides, she couldn’t recall who half of the elegant people were.
‘He was worried about your wellbeing and knew he could trust me to look out for your interests—to guide you, if you like.’ Clio did not like, but refrained from saying so, at least for now. It would result in a battle of wills that had no place in Lady Fletcher’s drawing room. ‘But alas, his illness got the better of him before the arrangements could be put in place, and clearly before he could mention the matter to you. However, I fully intend to keep my promise to him and take care of you.’
‘Thank you, Captain, but that will not be necessary. I am quite comfortable here with Lady Fletcher, where no harm can possibly come to me. It would not be fair to keep you from your soldiering.’
‘We are currently at peace, Clio, and my duties are not onerous. Certainly not so onerous that I cannot make time for you. My presence is required at Horse Guards from time to time but the distance from there to here is not considerable.’
No one seemed to be paying them much attention anymore, other than the duke, who still lingered and actually sent her a concerned look when she glanced in his direction. One or two of the ladies who had clearly decided they had no chance of attracting the duke’s interest sent speculative looks the captain’s way instead, Lady Cora amongst their number. Clio could quite understand why. He was unquestionably a handsome man, and his military bearing lent him a sophisticated air. He could also be entertaining when he put his mind to it, but Clio found his charm shallow and insincere. The only person Captain Salford loved was himself.
‘Thank you, but please do not spare a thought for me. I am settled with my aunt and quite old enough to take care of myself.’
‘Ah, you think you are.’ He grasped her hand, placed it on his sleeve. ‘Come, let us take a turn around the room.’
The unnecessarily proprietorial display irritated Clio and her inclination was to decline. But such a gesture would be impolite, and she was unwilling to create a scene that would embarrass her aunt, so she walked at his side, quietly fuming.
‘You are unaccustomed to gatherings of this nature,’ the captain said, causing Clio to wonder how he could possibly know what she was and was not accustomed to. ‘Your father worried about your introduction to society.’ Clio raised a brow, thinking that if such a thing was true it would be the first time that he had worried about anything other than military strategy. ‘You are attractive and wealthy—a lethal combination that will make you the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. I aim to protect you from those who would exploit your innocence.’
‘You assume to know a great deal about me, but we are barely acquainted,’ she said coldly.
He looked down at her and sent her a look that was probably intended to be intimate. Clio averted her gaze. ‘A situation that I intend to rectify,’ he said.
‘You presume too much, Captain,’ she said in an arch tone.
‘Ah, my dear, I am so sorry.’ Clio could have kissed her aunt when she bustled up to them. ‘Lady Dennington needed my advice and I could not get away. However, I shall introduce the dear captain to the rest of my guests. You come too, Clio. I would not separate you love birds for any consideration.’
‘Love birds?’ Clio shared a bemused look between them.
‘Clio, I can explain.’
‘You presume too much,’ Clio repeated in an angry hiss. ‘No, Aunt, thank you,’ she said in a normal voice. ‘You must excuse me but I have nothing more to say to the captain and shall enjoy a moment to myself.’
