She resolved to remain polite but distant with him and Folkstone who was also being quite attentive to her.
What would happen once they realized she was a person of no consequence?
The carriage ride provided Harriet with an opportunity to converse with Beatrice. They chatted about harmless topics, namely the weather and the day’s planned activities since Harriet did not want to ask anything personal while the two dukes were listening to her with rapt attention and tossing inane compliments.
Her opportunity to converse more seriously with Lady Beatrice arose while the duke’s footmen set up their tables and food under several shade trees in a meadow bordered by a gentle stream. After the duke and dowager duchess had introduced her all around, Beatrice took her arm in hers and suggested they take a walk while the picnic tables were being set up.
“Yes, a lovely idea.”
“Good, come with me,” Beatrice said, quickly leading her away while Ware and Folkstone were waylaid talking to Lady Philomina, Lady Annalise, and several others.
Harriet was surprised by Beatrice’s friendly gesture and further surprised when Beatrice was the one to begin a more serious discussion. “Miss Comeford, am I to assume you have been added to Pendrake’s list of potential wives?”
Harriet shook her head. “No, not at all. I am decidedly not a marriage prospect for him. I hope he makes that clear, for many of the ladies are now scowling at me. Not that I blame them, for my appearance must have come as a surprise.”
A light wind blew across the meadow and wafted over the stream, causing the crystal waters to ripple as they flowed in a southward current. The sun was at its height, but both she and Beatrice had parasols to shade them and the air to cool them as they walked along the bank of the stream.
This was another thing Mrs. Watkins had thought to provide, a lovely parasol that matched the pale pink of her gown.
“Your arrival was a surprise to us all.” Beatrice pursed her lips. “But you say that you are not for Pendrake? Does this mean you are betrothed to another?”
Harriet stifled a lilt of laughter. “No, no betrothal.”
“Are you already married?”
Harriet shook her head. “Not married either.”
This appeared to confuse Beatrice. “Then you are not attached at all?”
“Nor do I expect to be any time soon,” she admitted, or not ever since her fate was to be a governess or companion. “So, you needn’t worry about my designs on the duke since I have none. What about you, Lady Beatrice? What do you think of him?”
She shrugged.
This was not quite the informative answer Harriet had hoped for.
“I sense you are his favorite,” Harriet prodded, hoping Beatrice might open up to her just a little. There was no deceit in making the comment since she was only stating the truth. Pendrake did like Beatrice best of all.
“His favorite?” Beatrice laughed wryly at the remark.
“Yes, I am serious. You do not seem pleased. Do you find something lacking in him?” Who, unless they were in complete loss of their senses, would ever find the duke lacking in any regard? The man was obviously perfect. Perfectly handsome, perfectly clever, kind, and witty. Perfectly wealthy and titled.
How could any woman not fall in love with him?
Unless… “Lady Beatrice, has someone else already claimed your heart?”
Beatrice paused in their walk and turned to her with a guilty blush. “Why would it matter whether my heart lay elsewhere? My father will never approve of any man while Pendrake is on the marriage hunt.”
“Pendrake has also invited his two friends, Ware and Folkstone.”
“Yes, they are also dukes and marriageable. I suppose my father would not mind if one of them proposed to me, either. So, these three are the ones I am expected to enthrall in the hope I will gain an offer of marriage.”
“Of the three, which would you prefer?”
She arched an eyebrow as though the answer were obvious. “Pendrake. He is the best of this lot.”
Harriet would agree.
All were excellent matches, worthy of better than being described as ‘this lot’.
