"We may form entirely fresh opinions of one another," Lord Harbury said. "We each have the chance to present ourselves the way we would like to be seen, with no outside interference. So tell me what you would like me to know about you."
He was right. And what was more, Victoria believed him. He wasn't just seeking gossip, nor was he trying to validate or disprove something he already thought about her. It seemed to her as if he genuinely wanted to get to know her.
"Very well," she said. "What you've heard is correct. I am looking for a new husband this season, in large part because of the return to London of the new duke. He will be taking over theestate and stepping into his title, which means I must make new arrangements for myself. The duke has been very helpful to me so far. He is allowing me to go on living in the estate until I settle my future."
"Most kind," Lord Harbury agreed. "And have you any prospects?"
"None as of yet. A good gentleman is hard to find. And my reputation doesn't make things any easier."
"Though I can't imagine your reputation would present much of an obstacle after a gentleman actually met you," Lord Harbury said with a smile. "It would be impossible to think badly of you having carried on a single conversation with you."
"That's so generous of you to say," Victoria said. "I think you might be one of very few people who feels that way, though. I am not popular in society."
"From what I can gather, you aren't very well known in society," Lord Harbury said.
Victoria laughed. "You've done a lot of thinking about me!"
"And I'm very pleased to have the chance to meet you and have my thoughts verified," he said. "If nothing else, I think you and I can become friends."
"Friends?" Victoria repeated. It had been so long since she had made a new friend—well, unless you included James, that was, and she wasn't at all sure she ought to do that. What was he to her? Wasfriendthe right description? She couldn't be sure.
"That would be good, wouldn't it?" Lord Harbury asked.
"I'd like to see whether we can be friends," Victoria agreed. "I'm very glad to have met you tonight, Lord Harbury."
"And I you," he agreed with a smile. "Now, perhaps I can pour you some of this wine?" He picked up the bottle and held it out in her direction.
Victoria smiled. "Some wine would be lovely," she agreed.
But as he was pouring, a shadow fell over the table. "What's happening here?" a familiar voice demanded.
Victoria looked up. It was James, and he had a scowl on his face.
Confusion gripped her. What could she possibly be doing wrong this time?
"Your Grace," she said, hoping to smooth the moment over. "Do you know Lord Harbury? We were just getting acquainted."
"No, I don't," James said, his eyes going to Lord Harbury. "Lord Harbury, is it? Are you new in London?"
"I'm not, Your Grace," Lord Harbury said. "But I know that you yourself have been away for some years, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that our paths have never crossed."
"Indeed," James said slowly. "And tell me, what are you speaking to the duchess about?"
"We were just getting to know one another," Victoria said. "We were seated next to one another, after all, so we took the opportunity to exchange a few words." He couldn't possibly be upset with her about this, could he? "Lord Harbury is very kind."
"I can see that by the way he's already pouring wine," James said, a scowl on his face. "You don't waste any time, do you, Lord Harbury?"
Though Victoria had said the very same thing to Lord Harbury when their conversation had begun, she found it rather irritating to hear James say it now. "He's only pouring wine," she said. "What's so wrong with that?"
"I wonder how many glasses Lord Harbury has filled already this evening."
"If you have something to say to me, then say it, Your Grace."
"I believe I have said it. My concern is that you may be taking liberties with the duchess."
"You don't think I can fend for myself?" Victoria asked James.
"I don't know what his intentions may be," James said. "Perhaps he wishes to lower your inhibitions and take you out into the garden alone. Perhaps he wants to take advantage."
