Rose stopped and turned back. “The lovers passionately played at being gods, angering the true gods. Still—”
“Still the gods admired their passion and allowed them to live on forever as kingfishers,” the man finished.
He had known what it said all along.
“Your Grace?” a man in servant’s attire asked from the hallway.
Rose stared at him incredulously. He was the duke hosting the ball! He sighed, looking back at her. “I think it’s best if you return to the ballroom before anyone discovers you are here with me.”
If she were discovered with him, there would be a scandal. Her face filled with horror, and his eyes widened. “You look terrified.”
Rose grimaced. “I’m sure this is lovely, but I… you… this… wouldn’t work.”
Silence hung between them, and then, shocking her, he burst out laughing. Rose blushed furiously and fled. She stopped at the ballroom entrance, glancing back down the hallway. The man stepped out of the room containing the Alcyone and Ceyx statue. She gulped. How had she not known he was the duke?
*
Augustus sat atthe Den, enjoying a brandy. His mind wandered back to the curious lady he met at his mother’s ball earlier in the evening. Who was she, and how had she known so much about one of his favorite artifacts? Unfamiliar emotions stirred within him. Interest and curiosity. Yes, he desired plenty of women, but this felt different. He’d been tempted to ask around about her, but as a duke, that would kick off a swirl of gossip.
The lady was undoubtedly tempting with her thick brownish-red hair, freckles, and sun-kissed skin. Yet, that wasn’t what intrigued him. Her assertiveness and knowledge of his beloved statue fascinated Augustus. He could also admit that her complete lack of interest in his title amused him. She’d appeared horrified that she might be caught in a compromising position with a duke.
Lord Jude, an obnoxioustongossiper, plopped down in the wingback chair across from him. “Good evening, Sinclair. I heard your mother’s ball was a smashing success. Everyone suspects you may choose a bride this Season.”
Why did society always assume women gossiped more? Jude easily proved the inaccuracy of that assumption. The manfloated from one event to the next, spreading and collecting information as he went. “It went well. I see you’re already stirring things up.”
Jude stared at him wide-eyed. “Me? Of course not.”
Augustus snorted.
“Anyone catch your fancy?”
He said nothing, but Jude, always observant, studied him intently and grinned. “There was someone!”
“No offense, you would be the last person I shared any details with.”
Jude chuckled. “Fair enough.”
“Jude, what would London do without you causing trouble?” Lord Hawley said, joining them.
Augustus grinned at the words, and Jude shook his head. “I do not cause trouble.”
Hawley rolled his eyes. “If you say so.”
“Do you know what everyone has been gossiping about? That little club your wife started. Talk about a scandal. First, your wife stands up that club because of—”
“Choose your next words carefully, Jude,” Hawley warned.
Jude flushed. “Well, who knows why she does anything, but then Lady Hensley, the vice president, marries Sebastian Devons. I don’t have to spread gossip. All of society is talking about them.”
“Rumors suggest their display of fifteenth century French manuscripts is quite exceptional,” Hawley said.
“No one cares about their old documents. They care about all the trouble they are causing,” Jude insisted.
“What problems have they caused?” Augustus asked.
Jude turned to Hawley as if he would agree and provide a more detailed explanation. Even though he had a complicated and strained relationship with his wife, Hawley shook his head in response. “I have no issues with my wife’s club.”
“They are women playing at being scholars,” thetongossiper lamented.
