Page 22 of A Duke to Elude (Sherton Sisters 1)

James lifted one shoulder in what he hoped appeared an offhanded shrug. “The thing is, my sister is young, closer to you in age and circumstance, so I thought you would be an appropriate friend for me to introduce to her.” He paused for a moment. “Of course, if I’ve presumed and you have no wish to be so imposed upon, I’ll understand perfectly.”

It was exactly the right thing to say to the young lady. As her sister had said, Vigilia was a true middle child with all the people-pleasing impulses that came with it. She quickly launched into speech.

“No, no, not at all, Your Grace. I’m honoured that you would think I’d be a good friend for your sister, and I will look forward to making her acquaintance. There are any manner of things we could do together. Stroll in the park, drive out of town a bit for a picnic, she could join us for our dance lessons, we could paint together, or go to the lending library.”

James thought his eyes might be glazing over from the thought of all those things and was ready to kick himself for the suggestion, except he hadn’t been lying when he said his sister was coming, and she would probably enjoy all those things.

“Wonderful. Then would it be all right if I called round with her after she arrives, and we can work out the details?”

“That would probably be best. That way I will have had time to discuss it with my sisters. They’ll probably have even better ideas than I do. And too, we can find out what your sister wishes to do.”

“I’m quite sure she will be in raptures over each of your ideas. I might have to beg you not to present too many options, as she’ll be sure to pick them all.”

Vicky laughed but then demurred. “Oh no, she won’t wish to spend her entire visit with us. She’ll surely prefer her big brother’s company.”

James had his doubts but didn’t bother arguing. He would have to be satisfied with what he had accomplished that day. He would have far preferred to have spoken with Rosabel and demanded to know what she knew, but that would cause a bigger scandal than even he could weather. This way, he hadn’t even spoken with her. Any gossip would be kept to a minimum. But that also meant that it would be several more days before he would have an opportunity to speak with her, unless he managed to partner her in a waltz at another ball. That might be his best opportunity. It would afford them very little time, but since she was so skilled at masking her reactions, it might prove to be the most privacy he could manage with her.

“I ought not to monopolize all of your visiting time, and I’m fairly certain I’ve exceeded the polite allotment for my own stay, so I shall bid you adieu. Perhaps I might have the privilege of partnering you in one of the dances this evening? Where are you promised?” It was the smoothest he could manage. Thankfully, the innocent young girl didn’t seem to notice that he was prying.

“We shall be having supper with our Grandmother Sherton and then we are attending a ball at Rose Park.”

“A busy evening ahead of you, then. I’m not completely certain if I’ve been invited to Rose Park this evening, but I shall see you soon either way.”

Her tinkle of laughter answered him. “Your Grace, it is highly doubtful you were not invited.”

She was correct. He didn’t bother to argue. He merely bowed and left after another bow to Lady Sherton. He was fairly sure Rosabel’s gaze was burning a hole in his shoulder blades as he departed without a backward glance. But he couldn’t stop grinning all the way back to his own home. If he was going to be gallivanting that night, he had a pile of work requiring his attention in the meantime.

He had never looked forward to an evening more.

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