“Your Grace, the gentlemen in the dining room were asking for you.”
William bit back a sigh. “I should join them. Thank you for the game, you three.”
As he left the billiard room, he felt, oddly enough, as though he were leaving a piece of his heart behind.
Dukes can’t care about hearts. Dukes have duty to consider.
Chapter Eight
Gillian was in high spirits, at least.
Lavinia smothered a yawn and tried to look interested. Her sister was thrilled to attend the Pump Room, the centre of Bath Society, whereeverybodywent, and her mother was looking forward to taking the waters.
“It will give my health the boost it needs,” Lady Brennon said, more than once, inspecting her complexion in a nearby mirror and giving a self-satisfied nod. “I wish we could persuade your father to come out with us. He has closeted himself in the library since he arrived.”
“I’m sure Papa is enjoying himself quite enough,” Lavinia said mildly, earning herself a grunt in response. “I’ve heard that sea-bathing is supposed to be more healthy than taking the waters.”
She drew her knees up to her chest, perched as she was on the edge of her bed, and thought about that. Lavinia had never, of course, swam in the sea. What would it be like? Better than wallowing in a bath or even swimming in a pond. The sea was a living thing, full of other living things.Powerful.
“I should like to go sea-bathing,” she remarked after a pause, thoughtfully.
Lady Brennon snorted. “Do not place your hopes upon it. We have only just managed to persuade your Papa to join us here, and I dare say that a sojourn at the seaside is not without considerable expense. I would advise you to partake of the waters while you still have the opportunity and leave the matter at that.”
Lavinia sighed, banishing her dreams of sea-bathing. It was probably for the best. Given her customary fortune, she would no doubt be swept away by the tide regardless.
Gillian had finally settled on a gown, a frothy, pale green confection that suited her remarkably well. Lavinia was wearing a plain deep purple dress, along with her straw bonnet. Her mother glanced over the gown, thrown over the bottom of Lavinia’s bed, and pursed her lips.
“Gillian, my dear, if you are prepared, perhaps you might descend to breakfast. Your sister and I shall join you momentarily.”
“Oh, I don’t mind waiting,” Gillian said, oblivious.
Lady Brennon cleared her throat pointedly. “I insist, my dear. Off you go.”
Gillian got the hint at last, throwing an apologetic look at her sister, and scuttled away. Lavinia uncurled herself from where she sat, feeling the first twinges of nerves.
“What is it, Mama? You look awfully serious.”
Lady Brennon sniffed, fingering the long, grey ribbons Lavinia had put out to wear in her hair.
“You caused quite a stir, waltzing with the Duke.Andthen he escorted you into dinner and sat beside you.”
Oh. This. I should have expected that Mama would not simply let this go.Lavinia bit her lip.
“He’s just being a polite host, Mama. I know you wanted him to dance with Gillian, but she wassotired, and I believe he could see that.”
“Indeed, well, what’s done is done, there. I only say that it caused a stir because a great many people mentioned it. I overheard a few intriguing conversations, and some people even made attempts to draw me out.”
“I am sorry, Mama,” Lavinia said, not quite sure what else she was meant to say. “I’ll try and avoid him, if I can.”
Lady Brennon tsked. “No,no,you silly girl. Look. I have heard a rumour that the duke isnotlooking for a debutante.” She raised her eyebrows expectantly.
Lavinia raised her eyebrows back. “Well, I should hope not. He’s a grown man, is he not? He may even be close to thirty now. I cannot abide the sight of aged gentlemen pursuing the affections of young maidens of but seventeen years. It strikes me as rather inappropriate, in truth.”
“Oh, my dear, you have no clue how Society works, but never mind. Don’t you see? It means that the duke might not object to a spinster. Your age need not be a burden!”
“I never consider my ageasa burden, Mama.”
“You are an optimistic girl. I shall give you that. My point is,” Lady Brennon sat down heavily on the bed beside her daughter, leaning close, “you have anopportunityhere. Why not try to catch the duke?”
