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“You shock me.”
Rosabel laughed, relaxing for the first time in a week. She didn’t have time to think about why but determined to enjoy the moment.
“How are you faring with your sister in Town? Has it completely interfered with your bachelor ways?” she teased.
“Thanks to you and your sisters, not in the least.”
“Really?” she asked. “So, you would have been at the balloon ascension anyway?”
Bel was gratified by his loud laughter rather than hushing him like the first time they had spent time together. Part of the reason may have been because they were more secluded, she reasoned, but the other might be because she actually considered him a friend now, which was silly. She had told herself numerous times already that a lady could not be friends with a duke. But here they were.
“Very well, perhaps my life has been impacted. But if I had been left on my own to entertain her, it would have been far worse, and she would be having a dreadful time.” He paused for a moment and Bel could feel the heat of his gaze, but she didn’t turn to meet it. “Although, I must say, perhaps it would have been better to not allow her such a good time. I fear there will now be no preventing her return for the Season next year.”
Rosabel smiled, watching his sister and her own skipping along like children. “As I said, a lot can happen between now and next year. But she does seem to be having a wonderful time.” She turned to the duke suddenly, surprised to find his gaze still riveted to her, not on the girls as she had expected. It almost interrupted her train of thought. “I must actually thank you, though, for bringing her to us. It seems to have done Hilaria a world of good. It might not be completely Katherine’s influence, but my sister seems to be almost a different person this week from last.”
Wexford suddenly looked concerned. “That seems to be a theme in your family.”
Rosabel, rather than being stung by his words, was warmed by them. “True, but in Hil’s case, she seems much improved.”
“Is it possible she is being courted?”
“Surely, we’d know about it.”
Wexford shrugged.
“What do you know that you aren’t telling me?” she demanded, causing the duke to laugh once more as he held up his hands in mock surrender.
“Nothing, I swear it to you.”
Rosabel was just about to pursue the topic when her gaze was arrested by the sight of Lord Prescott ahead of them. He had been in a small group of his acquaintances, but he broke away from them to bear down upon Wexford and Rosabel.
“I knew it,” he snarled as he got near to them. “I knew there had to be a reason you were suddenly gunning for me.”
“Restrain yourself, Lord Prescott,” Wexford commanded in a firm, but low voice, clearly trying to prevent a scene.
“What has this doxy told you to turn you against me? You cannot believe a word she says. She’s got a screw loose in her upper works besides.”
“You’d best control yourself, Prescott, before I’m forced to do it for you.”
