Page 73 of Courting the Wrong Duke

Rosalind laughed. “There is no romance.”

“Of course not.”

“None whatsoever.”

“I stand thoroughly corrected.”

Rosalind narrowed her eyes. “You are impossible.”

“So Father tells me.”

She stepped closer, smoothing an imaginary wrinkle from Rosalind's sleeve before smiling with quiet affection. “For whatever it may be worth, I think you look lovely.”

Rosalind smiled back. “Thank you.”

“And now I must leave before my instructor decides punctuality is another artistic virtue I've yet to master.” She lifted her sketchbook. “My painting lesson awaits.”

Rosalind accompanied her to the door. “Enjoy yourself.”

“I fully intend to.”

Isabella paused on the threshold, glancing back with unmistakable mischief dancing in her eyes. “And do try not to fall in love before tea is finished.”

Before Rosalind could produce a suitably indignant reply, Isabella disappeared into the corridor, laughing softly to herself.

Rosalind shook her head. “She is quite impossible.”

Nelly smiled as she adjusted the brim of Rosalind's bonnet. “Perhaps.”

She stepped back one final time, clearly satisfied. “But you do look very pretty, my lady.”

Rosalind looked once more into the mirror.

For someone preparing to participate in a completely false courtship, she thought she looked rather more pleased than she ought.

By the time Rosalind reached the morning room, luncheon had already concluded. Her mother lingered over a cup of tea near the window while the footmen quietly removed the last of the dishes. A newspaper rested forgotten beside her, unopened despite having occupied her attention for the better part of ten minutes.

She looked up the moment Rosalind entered.

“My dear, you look positively radiant.”

Rosalind laughed. “I have simply slept rather longer than intended.”

“So I see.” Her mother's gaze lingered upon her walking dress before a knowing smile spread across her face. “You are going somewhere.”

Before her mother could begin asking questions, Rosalind decided honesty would prove the safer course.

“I am meeting Lord William for tea and cake this afternoon.”

Her mother blinked.

Then her entire face brightened with unmistakable delight. “You are?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, how wonderful.”

Rosalind had anticipated surprise. She had not anticipated quite so much enthusiasm. “Mama...”