Page 66 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Escorting her downstairs, he saw Hannah waiting and asked, “Where is Aunt Constance?”

“I’m here, my darlings.” The older woman hurried down the stairs. “Oh, my. Those rubies are exquisite, Laurel. They look as if they were made for you.”

The younger women turned to go. Aunt Constance touched Anthony’s arm, holding him back. “Well done, Anthony. Very well done.”

The carriage ride to Lord and Lady Prattford’s seemed to take forever. Traffic was heavier than usual. Hannah constantly tapped her foot. At least Anthony knew why. Laurel had told him they were to meet a certain Lord Brixley tonight. Laurel had already met the viscount at tea when he’d visited—twice. Tonight, though, Brixley had to pass inspection from Anthony.

They finally arrived and joined the crush of people entering the townhouse. After interminable minutes in the receiving line, Hannah was off with her friends. He and Laurel joined Lord and Lady Alford. The two women immediately began talking about the latest novel their book club would discuss next week. He and Alford talked boxing and the latest illegal match to be held outside London in two days’ time. Though women weren’t supposed to attend boxing matches, they did so all the time. Because of that, Anthony was considering asking Laurel if she wished to go with him. The carriage ride would be at least two hours to get there.

A lot of kissing could occur in two hours.

“Hannah wishes for us to join her,” Laurel said.

“How do you know that?” he asked. “I’ve kept my eyes on her the entire time Alford and I have been talking.”

“It’s the fan,” the earl told him. “Women send messages all the time using their fans.”

“They do?” Anthony asked, perplexed.

“Clearly, you’re clueless, Linfield,” Alford said, laughing.

“I must be. Are we to rescue Hannah?” he asked his wife as they started in his sister’s direction.

“No. Quite the opposite. She wants us to meet Brixley.”

They arrived and the viscount greeted Laurel, kissing her hand. “You are a vision of loveliness tonight, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Lord Brixley. May I introduce my husband, the Duke of Linfield?”

The two men eyed each other with interest as they shook hands.

“I hear you’ve called upon my sister,” he said gruffly.

“Yes, Your Grace. Lady Hannah is a remarkable young woman.”

“I agree.”

Anthony noticed the pleased look on both Hannah’s and Laurel’s faces and said, “Do you like horses, Brixley?”

“I do, Your Grace. I have just purchased a new set to pull my curricle.”

“Hmm. Why don’t you bring them around tomorrow afternoon? I can see them and you may stay for tea.”

Brixley beamed. “Would it be possible after tea to take Lady Hannah riding in the park?”

“I’ll think about it,” he said, not wanting to make things too easy for this suitor.

They spoke a few more minutes and then the musicians began tuning their instruments.

Brixley said, “I will see you for the supper dance, my lady,” and bowed to Hannah.

The moment Brixley was out of earshot, Anthony asked his sister, “Do you like this one? Better than any of the others?”

Hannah’s eyes shone. “I do, Anthony. Very much.”

“Then you may ride with him in the park tomorrow. Only don’t tell him tonight. Let him keep wondering.”

“Isn’t that a little cruel?” Laurel asked, though she failed to hide her mirth.

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