Page 16 of The Duke Meets His Match

“Now that I’ve returned Miss Jennings to you, you will excuse me,” he said, bowing, turning, and striding off into the crowd.

Thatwas more like what Susan had expected to happen when they’d rejoined Lady Walmsley and the others.

The two ladies pointed to the empty chair where Susan had been sittingpreviously, and when she sat, they beckoned her closer. “You were waylaid by the Duke of Aylesham, were you?” Lady Walmsley said in a low voice, her eyestwinkling. “No wonder we waited so long for our punch! Not that I blameyou—he’s the catch of the Season, you know.”

Susan actually didn’t know, but it didn’t surprise her. He could weigh twenty-five stone and have the face of a gargoyle and, because he was a duke, would still be the catch of the Season.

“He’s been the catch of every Season for at least ten years now,” Lady Bledsoe said, still fanning herself.

“That’s right,” Lady Walmsley said, taking a sip of her punch. “Now that Ithink about it, I remember something from several years back ... courting a young lady, something going amiss, that sort of thing. I can’t recall the particulars.”

“And nothing much to speak of since.” Lady Bledsoe shook her head in a resigned manner. “I told him earlier he needed to dance at least twice before taking his leave.” She looked at Susan. “He didn’t happen to dance with you, did he? Oh, I certainly hope so!”

“He did, actually,” Susan said. “More or less.”

Both ladies made squeaking sounds that grated on Susan’s nerves.

“I wouldn’t get too excited about it, if I were you,” Susan said. Although it would make an amusing story to share with Rebecca in her first letter.

“But dancing with aduke, Miss Jennings, especially the Duke of Aylesham, is just the thing!” Lady Walmsley exclaimed. “People will take note, you know.Aylesham is highly particular about his friends and associates. What a coup!You will be the darling of the Season; I can feel it!” She clasped her hands at her bosom. “We must go shopping for your new wardrobe tomorrow. If it weren’t evening, I would take you right now.” She glanced down at Susan, reassessing her appearance. “Oh dear. What has happened to your gown?”

“My gown and I had a slight accident with the punch,” Susan said. Her bodice was only a bit damp now, but the contrast of color was still noticeable. “The duke was kind enough to lend me his handkerchief.”Kindwas a bit of a stretch in describing his attitude, but she needn’t burden the ladies with her opinion of him.

“Well, after tomorrow, this gown will be a thing of the past,” Lady Walmsley said. “It has performed its service and will be allowed to retire to the rag bin. And you, my dear, are in for the Season of your life! I am ecstatic!”

Susan certainly hoped not—especially if it was due to having danced only part of a waltz with His Loftiness.

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