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“Yes, but Westbury only requires one kind. And because of my birth and lack of education and prospects, I can’t be her.”
“Oh, Viola. You poor thing. I wish I’d returned earlier. Have you spoken with the rest of the club?”
“Not recently.”
“Come to the book club meeting tomorrow. We’ll talk it all through. You could use some wise counsel.”
“Tomorrow will be too late.”
Before Indy could respond, Bernadette caught up with them, leaving Belinda behind with some of her fashionable girlfriends. “Is that a knife at your hip, Your Grace?” she asked Indy, her eyes wide.
“I always carry a knife in a holster at my hip. One never knows what nefarious character one might encounter in Hyde Park.”
“I’ve heard the thrilling tales of your adventures in archaeology. I want to be an archaeologist. Or an entomologist. I haven’t decided which I like better, dirt or insects.”
The duchess laughed heartily. “Most young ladies of thetonwould be deciding between ribbons and lace. I like you, Miss Bernadette Delamar.”
“You’re one of my heroes, Your Grace. I should like to visit The Boadicea Club on the Strand someday and meet my other heroes.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged, right, Viola?”
“Of course.”
They drew closer to Westbury and Ravenwood, who had stopped to watch the cricket match. West still had a chubby toddler perched on his shoulder, pointing things out and keeping up a steady stream of chatter.
“That child is one of your brother’s, isn’t he?” Viola asked. “He has the same red hair as his mother, Mari.”
“He’s an adorable little thing, but so exhausting, even for an afternoon. I’m very glad that Raven and I decided not to have any children.”
Bernadette gawked at her. “You can do that?”
“Of course you can do that. It’s as valid a choice as any. I’m a very good aunt when I’m in London. I bring them the best presents from my travels.”
“Is that Lord Laxton?” Bernadette asked, pointing to the stream of carriages passing one another in a slowly moving mass.
West handed the child to Ravenwood and dropped back. “Where?” he asked Bernadette.
She pointed to a gleaming coach-and-four.
“It does look like him,” Viola said. “Blast. Just when Blanche was beginning to forget about him and enjoy the company of her new suitors. This could be disastrous.”
Indy frowned. “What has Laxton done?”
“It damn well better not be him,” West said with a glower. “I’m going over to investigate.”
Viola placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t do anything rash.”
“I’ve heard that one before.”
“I mean it, West,” Viola urged, forgetting to call him Your Grace.
Bernadette gave her a sharp glance. “What shall I tell Lady Winifred?” she asked.
“Tell her I have something important to attend to.” West pulled Viola aside. “I’ll give you a full report when I return. And don’t worry, I’ll be civilized.”
He strode away, a tall, imposing silhouette against the sun.
Viola was worried about the threat to Blanche, of course, but all she could think, all her foolish heart was saying was... he’s not going to propose to anyone today.
