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Dustin’s head jerked around, his brows arching in surprise. “Stoddard?” He cleared his throat. “Is everything all right?”
An awkward nod. “Forgive me, sir. Yes, everything is fine. I had a question, but it can wait. I didn’t realize your family was still here. My apologies, Your Grace.”
“Nonsense.” Ariana waved her hand. “Whatever you need to discuss with Lord Tyreham is obviously important. Moreover, Alexander and I must be on our way.” She smiled gratefully. “Mr. Stoddard, I appreciate your letting us witness that remarkable display of horsemanship earlier today. You can be sure we’ll be cheering for you in the stands at Epsom.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I can’t wait to tell my husband how splendidly you ride. We’ll both be eager to share in your victory.” Ariana’s attention shifted to Dustin, her voice dropping to a murmur. “And eager to share in both of yours—the one you shall achieve on the turf, and, most especially, the one you shall achieve off it if you follow my advice.” A poignant spark lit her eyes. “You will follow it, won’t you?”
Solemnly, Dustin nodded. “Lord knows how, but yes.”
“Good. Then we really will have much to celebrate.” With that, Ariana gathered up her skirts. “I’d best get Alexander and myself back to Broddington before Trenton sends out a search party.” She scooted into the carriage, rolling her eyes and laughing as Alexander immediately climbed into her lap and began tugging pins from her hair.
Even the coachman was grinning as he shut the door and took up his post at the back.
Dustin waited until the coach had rounded the bend and disappeared before he swung about to face Nicole. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She kept her voice low … and distinctly Stoddard’s. “Better than all right, actually. The reason I’m here is to extend an invitation to dinner. That is, if you’re free tonight.”
He looked utterly stunned. “Did you say an invitation to ‘dinner’ or to ‘duel’?”
Her lips twitched. “Dinner, my lord.”
“At your cottage?”
“Um-hum.”
“Your father agreed to that?”
“Only if you bring some of your cook’s splendid brown sauce.” An impish grin. “And something to pour it over, preferably lamb, I believe Papa said. And iced cakes for dessert.”
Dustin stared, then burst out laughing. “I see. Am I being blackmailed then?”
“It appears so, my lord.”
“Very well. Since the rewards are so great, I’d be delighted to accept your invitation and your conditions. Cook’s specified items and I will be on your doorstep at …?”
“Seven o’clock,” Nicole supplied.
“Seven o’clock it is.”
“It’s a celebration, by the way. My father was highly impressed by my running time today.”
“He should be. You were incredible.”
The entranceway door opened. “Pardon me, my lord,” Poole announced from the threshold. “But you asked me to summon you as soon as the duchess had
taken her leave.”
“Ah. Yes.” Dustin nodded. “Is Mr. Saxon available to see me now?”
“He’s waiting in your study, sir. So, whenever you and Mr. Stoddard have completed your business …”
“We’re finished now, aren’t we, Stoddard?” Dustin asked, his tone as businesslike as if he were addressing his solicitor.
“Yes, my lord. Thank you for answering my question.” Nicole matched his impersonal demeanor with her own. “Good evening.” She touched the brim of her cap and walked off.
For an instant, Dustin watched her retreat, marveling at the fact that the delicate, utterly feminine woman he’d held in his arms last night was the same person who’d just ambled off with the unmistakable stride of a boy, not a speck of femininity to be found.
