Page 13 of The Duke’s Wager

“What I do know, my lady, is that I am rather honored to dance with the most popular lady of the season. Yours is the name on everyone’s lips.”

Lucy knew that this was the truth. Her name was already in every gossip newspaper that existed, and every paper called her the most eligible lady of the season, despite her flaws. In fact, her reputation only added to her intrigue. Invitations to her house were regular. Despite her icy reputation, everyone knew that it was not a proper party without her presence if only so they had someone to gawk at. As such, she was invited to every event of the season.

Only, she was not the one who chose which ones to attend and which ones to ignore. This was yet another decision made by her father.

To his credit, Gareth seemed to notice that her mind was elsewhere.

“My lady?”

He was inquisitive and interested in her, and this was not something she was used to whatsoever.

“Pardon me, my lord. My mind was elsewhere, I apologize.”

Gareth smiled charmingly and shook his head.

“No apologies necessary. I believe you have quite a large number of suitors to consider. I am merely grateful to have gotten the first chance to dance with you.”

Lucy could not help but laugh out loud at this. “Surely you jest, my lord. Many suitors?”

Gareth seemed surprised at her reaction. Lucy reckoned that he truly believed her to have a large number of suitors. The truth was far too sad to admit, but she had no choice.

“I have no suitors, my lord.”

God, her father would certainly not want her to admit that, but for some reason, she felt like she could talk to the young earl. Perhaps because he was the least intimidating person she had ever met.

“My lord, people call me the Ice Queen. I am not the woman men court, I am the one they fear.”

There it was, the naked truth and his chance to run off and join the men who knew of her reputation. To his credit, he smiled.

“In that case, my lady, I truly am a lucky man indeed! The only one here with the courage to ask such an intimidating and eligible woman to dance? I am honored.”

Lucy could not help it. She had to laugh with him, his joy was simply infectious. She also had to admit that it felt good to be spoken to – and, yes, to be flirted with. She had always felt beautiful, it was a non sequitur. However, Gareth made her feel desirable. It was new.

“The most eligible woman, you say?”

Despite knowing the truth of his words, having seen the multiple invitations her father had attempted to hide from her, Lucy continued the conversation. She enjoyed the feeling it gave her. It was more than a powerful feeling; it was joy.

“My lady, you must know that you are the most eligible lady of the season. I am sure that your house is equipped with at least one mirror, and having seen yourself… well, you must know the truth.”

There it was again: she was beautiful. The smile froze on Lucy’s face. What if he found out that her beauty was the only thing that made her eligible?

“Furthermore,” he continued, “we have spoken for quite a few minutes, my lady, and you still do not seem like an Ice Queen to me.”

She knew full well that she had to move on, speak to other people, make the expected rounds. It would not do her reputation well to be seen speaking to one man for too long, but she could not help herself.

Whilst the Earl of Scarborough had the good nature of someone far too safe, he was talking to her without obvious intimidation. Lucy lifted her chin and looked at the man flirtatiously.

“Perhaps if no one else has your courage, I might save the last dance for you as well.”

No one would ever have believed those words coming out of the Ice Queen’s mouth. She could hardly believe it herself. Gareth, however, did not seem surprised at all. Instead, he smiled as though he had won a great fortune.

“In that case, my lady… let me continue hoping that the hall is filled with cowards.”

Lucy’s laughter echoed through the hall, drawing shocked looks from a few bystanders.

Before she could respond to Gareth’s wit, however, her father appeared out of nowhere. He looked at the young earl with a stiff smile, ignoring his daughter.

“My lord… I am Lord Birchrook, Lady Lucy’s father.”