Page 28 of Fit for a Duke
Daisy helped Clio to strip off and then provided hot water for a much-needed wash. When she was clean, her nose smudge-free, she submitted to the long and painful process of having her hair untangled, thinking she only had herself to blame for riding hatless as she half listened to Daisy’s chatter about the goings-on below stairs.
Eventually her hair was restored to the type of order that Daisy insisted upon but seldom managed because Clio didn’t have the patience to sit still long enough for her to achieve it. She had only just finished a late breakfast and stepped into a pretty walking gown when Adele burst into the room.
‘Ah, you’re back. I came looking for you earlier.’
‘I lost track of time.’ Clio couldn’t admit the truth, not even to Adele. Especially not to her. ‘It’s such a lovely day, and there didn’t seem much point in rushing back when I knew everyone would still be asleep.’ Clio thanked Daisy and dismissed her. ‘Come and sit with me.’ Clio lowered herself onto the window seat and patted the space at her side. ‘I can see that you have something that you are bursting to tell me. Besides, I want to hear everything about you and Lord Fryer.’ Clio pinched her cousin’s cheek. ‘He was very attentive last night, which shows great good judgement on his part.’
‘Beth is dejected,’ Adele said, ‘and Mama is doing her best to comfort her.’
‘What is she dejected about?’ Clio asked, knowing very well.
‘She doesn’t think that she made a good impression upon the duke. He is so formidable that he intimidated her, and she got tongue-tied as a consequence. She forgot all the things she had endlessly practised saying to him inside her head and…well, she finished up not saying much of anything at all.’
‘Even so, she is by far the prettiest girl here, so if she does not meet with his approval there is no hope for anyone. And as for not talking,’ she added, thinking of her own outspokenness in the duke’s presence earlier and blushing, ‘we all know that young ladies are not supposed to be capable of forming opinions of their own, so I do not see how her reticence in that regard could have met with ducal disfavour.’
‘Oh no, no one could ever accuse my sister of having decided opinions.’
They both laughed.
‘Does Beth actually like the duke, or is she acting solely on my aunt’s orders?’ Clio asked after a short, reflective pause. If it proved to be the latter, then Clio would feel less guilty about occupying his attention, even if she had not done so with amatory intentions in mind.
‘I think most of the ladies in the room last night were intimidated by him, not just Beth. All except Cora Marlow, who is a forward little madam who thinks far too highly of herself. I heard her crowing to her mother about how ineptly Beth had handled the duke and how much better she will do when her turn comes. Anyway, I understand why Beth felt unequal to the task. He does rather dominate, although I don’t suppose he does so on purpose. It’s just his natural authority, his regal bearing and cultured style that gives one pause. But despite being daunted by his presence, all the ladies feel they have a duty to attract his interest. All except you and me, dearest. We are far too sensible and down to earth to harbour such lofty ambitions—but there is healthy competition, at least amongst the mothers and chaperones in that respect.’
‘Which seems unfair. It would be perfectly possible for Beth to make a good marriage to a man who does not frighten her. However, enough of Beth. I dare say the duke will decide upon a wife without concerning himself with our speculations.’ Clio turned towards her cousin and clasped her hand. ‘I am more interested in your impressions of Lord Fryer.’
‘Oh, Clio, I am so very pleased with him!’ Adele’s pretty eyes glowed. ‘He is so well travelled, an excellent raconteur and so attentive. I will confess that I liked him very much, and I dare to hope that he likes me a little in return.’
‘How could he not? But have a care, dearest, I have heard it said that his attentions can be fleeting. I would not have you build your hopes up only to have them dashed.’
‘Wherever did you hear such a rumour?’ Adele sent Clio a wary look. ‘I am perfectly sure there is no truth in it and someone was simply being spiteful because they are jealous that Lord Fryer showed me so much attention.’
‘I cannot recollect who told me.’ Clio grinned. ‘But even if it is true, someone must make him realise that he has finally met his heart’s desire, and if he cannot see that for himself in short order then he does not deserve you.’
‘Well, you are biased, and I know your warning was kindly meant. However, I shall not put myself forward today, and I shall see if Lord Fryer seeks me out. If he does not then I shall know that you are right about his fickle character and think of him no more.’ Adele bounced on her seat. ‘Anyway, I came to ask you about Captain Salford. He has created such a stir and set hearts afluttering. We were not at leisure to discuss his unexpected arrival last night, but I remain to be convinced that you knew nothing about it in advance. Come along, Clio, tell me everything. Has he proposed? Will you accept him? This is all so very interesting.’
‘Sorry to disappoint you, my love, but there is no mystery. Well actually, there is. His arrival here and the assumptions he appears to be harbouring as far as I am concerned are both mysterious and presumptuous.’ Clio sighed. ‘I suppose I shall have to listen to whatever he has to say in his own defence. I owe that much to my father, even though I cannot believe that the captain is acting with his prior knowledge and approval. Nor can I ask him, which is rather convenient from the captain’s perspective. Anyway, you can be sure that I shall not be announcing my engagement to the captain and leaving you to make your curtsey to thetonalone. Not that you will have to, since I dare say Lord Fryer will have the good sense to go down on bended knee long before then and save himself from the torment of seeing you surrounded by a dozen suitable beaus.’
‘If you are dead set against Captain Salford, then of course that is your decision, but don’t feel that I will hold you to your promise about our coming out together if you have found your heart’s desire.’
‘I have not, but if you have then you can be sure that Iwill excuse youfrom our agreement.’
Adele glanced out the window and smiled. ‘We ought to go down. Some of the guests are already gathering outside.’
Clio followed Adele’s glance, and immediately noticed the tall figure of the duke in the middle of a cluster of gentlemen. As though sensing her watching him, he glanced up and their gazes briefly clashed. He inclined his head and Clio felt her cheeks warm as she imagined the lazy, appreciative and slightly irreverent smile gracing his lips that she had become familiar with. A smile that she hadn’t noticed him employing with anyone other than her.
She turned away, adjuring herself not to get carried away with fanciful notions.
Chapter Eight
‘I thought the assassin must have succeeded, you were gone that long,’ Godfrey remarked in a matter-of-fact manner when Ezra returned to his room with Merlin panting at his heels.
‘I have enjoyed a charming conversation with Miss Benton,’ Ezra replied, stripping off his shirt and throwing it on the bed.
Godfrey chuckled as he poured hot water into the ewer. ‘Is that what they’re calling it this week?’
‘I told her everything.’
‘You did what?’ Godfrey looked up askance, appearing to forget the scalding water and pouring it over his own feet. ‘Damn it!’ He quickly jumped clear of the flow and put the jug aside. ‘Bit risky, wasn’t it?’
