Page 27 of Courting the Wrong Duke

Isabella's teasing faded. “You do not know that they will.”

“I do.” She rested her head briefly against the squabs. “I almost wish the invitation had remained withdrawn.”

Isabella regarded her steadily. “And surrender the field entirely?”

Rosalind looked back at her as she continued.

“If your father truly disappeared against his will, every gathering in London is another opportunity to hear something someone else has overlooked. Servants listen. Gentlemen talk too freely. Ladies repeat everything.”

Rosalind recalled Nelly saying much the same only yesterday. Great houses ran on servants, and servants saw far more than anyone ever credited them for.

People rarely mind their tongues around servants.

A reluctant smile touched Rosalind's lips. “You make society sound almost useful.”

“It occasionally is.”

The carriage began to slow as it turned onto Bond Street.

“Besides,” Isabella added, “if tonight proves unbearable, at least Lord William shall be there to rescue you from the conversation.”

Rosalind stared at her. “He most certainly shall not.”

“No?”

“No.”

“A pity.”

Rosalind folded her arms. “You seemed considerably more occupied with Mr. Frost than with my affairs.”

It was Isabella's turn to blink. “Mr. Frost?”

“The gentleman engaged in mortal combat with the geese.”

A flush crept into Isabella's cheeks. “He is... rather impossible.”

“And yet you were smiling.”

“I smile at many people.”

“Not like that.”

Isabella laughed, hiding her embarrassment behind an exaggerated sigh. “I have begun to regret attempting to improve your spirits.”

Rosalind laughed with her. “And I have begun to think we ought never speak of either gentleman again.”

“Agreed.”

They exchanged a knowing smile just as the carriage rolled to a halt before Madame Fournier's shop.

“Though,” Isabella murmured as the footman opened the door, “I make no promises.”

Rosalind only shook her head, still smiling as they descended into the street.

The familiar bell chimed overhead as they entered.

Madame Fournier greeted them warmly before sending her assistant to fetch the gowns. Rosalind scarcely noticed any of it.