Page 48 of Love Unraveled
Catherine laughed delightfully and proceeded to regale Sophia with stories of Daniel’s exploits. Although Sophia could not comprehend how an infant could be so endlessly fascinating, she was happy for her friend’s joy. And for the distraction.
Stratton hugged them both before they left, and all worry slipped from her shoulders. Her secrets were safe with him. She stepped out into the sunlight, feeling lighter than she had in years. Stratton accepted her and was sure the others would too. Gaston was by her side. She was beginning to accept there was light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.
There was work to be done before the war ended, and she would do what she could to see it through. She smiled at Catherine as she climbed into the carriage. But the war effort would wait for another day. Today she was shopping.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The distinguishing characteristic of the dandy’s beauty consists above all in an air of coldness which comes from an unshakeable determination not to be moved.
—Charles Baudelaire,The Painter of Modern Life
“Inever agreedto go to Newmarket,” Gaston said as they watched the filly go through its paces. He’d nothing better to do until Sophie was available so had agreed to join Bentley again at Tattersall’s. Bentley seemed keen to buy a horse, although Gaston wasn’t sure why he needed someone by his side to do so. But Bentley was an amiable man, if somewhat frivolous, and he was a friend of Sophie’s friends. It could only help to have an ally in her circle.
“You most certainly did. When we were last here.”
He mentally reviewed their previous visit to Tattersall’s and, unfortunately, did recall Bentley chattering on about something while Gaston was trying to listen to the Duke of Salinger’s conversation.
“The others were exceedingly excited and have secured rooms for us all. The Walfords will head back to their estate afterward. Apparently, Lady Walford is running out of enthusiasm for the season. Surprising she was here at all considering how new to motherhood she is. Of course, Walford is more than happy to head back to the country. He was never big on town life. What?” Bentley said, looking at Gaston. “Don’t shake your head. It’s all set. One week from today.”
“I did not… I cannot…” Gaston was not averse to some fun, and he enjoyed a good horse race, but he must focus on his mission for Liverpool.
“Oh, but you must,” Bentley said, swiping casually at his cuffs and raising an eyebrow. “Or I will have to tell everyone how you came back to your room a second time in the clothes you had worn the day before.”
Anger rose. Quick and fierce, it warred with the wisdom of hitting a lord in the face at such a public venue.
Bentley broke into laughter, and Gaston lost his mental footing.
“I wish you could see your face, Durand.” Bentley clapped him on the shoulder. “I tease. I would never. Your business is your business.” He turned back to face the horse. “She is a beauty, don’t you agree?” He glanced sideways at Gaston. “The horse, not Countess Tessaro. She is beyond beauty. And she will be joining us, I’m sure. She never misses a good party.”
Gaston was not used to this strange camaraderie. He’d spent too many years on his own, pretending to be anyone but himself. To be invited into Sophie’s private world was equal parts disconcerting and cheering. It seemed a good place to start if he and Sophie were to build a new life together.
“It would seem I have no choice in the matter,” Gaston said, and Bentley smiled triumphantly.
“Right. Everyone who is everyone will be there.” Bentley turned his attention back to the horses.
Gaston considered the number of people in attendance at such an event. Perhaps Newmarket would prove to be more fertile for information than London. He glanced around at the other spectators, wondering how many were actually interested in horseflesh and how many were there to see and be seen.
He spotted the duke over by the small temple in the middle of the courtyard. He was in conversation with the same man as last week, and it appeared to be a heated one. The other man shook his head, and the duke’s face fired red. Gaston truly could not see what appeal the duke had held for Sophie other than his title. But Sophie was much like her parents in her disregard for such things, so he could not credit the idea that she’d been considering marriage simply to become a duchess. Of course, they had both changed over the years, so he could be wrong.
Bentley turned and followed Gaston’s gaze. “It would seem His Grace is not a happy man this day.”
“It would seem. I wonder what the countess saw in him?” Gaston voiced his question out loud.
“Saw?” Bentley said and clapped Gaston on the back. “I knew it. Impressive. Well done, Durand.”
Gaston felt heat rise in his cheeks. It was not how he meant it, but he did hope his use of the past tense was true.
The duke left his companion and stormed in their direction.
“Your Grace?” Bentley said, stepping into his path.
The duke was plainly in a foul mood, and Gaston was surprised Bentley was foolish enough to block his way. The duke scowled at him, then glared at Gaston, scanning him from head to toe before saying, “You.” The simple word contained a world of disdain, and Gaston bristled.
“Are you heading to Newmarket for the race next Monday?” Bentley continued, oblivious to the interplay between Gaston and the duke. “We are off, are we not, Monsieur Durand? With Lords Walford and Thornwood.”
The duke turned his glare on Bentley.
“And Countess Tessaro, of course,” Bentley added.
