Lexie reluctantly flopped down in one of the chairs near the fireplace, which earned her a chiding glare from her aunt, but thankfully the lady kept her thoughts to herself with pursed lips.
A short time later, the sound of carriage wheels stopping in front of the townhouse had Lexie jumping to her feet and crossing the room to the window. Pushing aside the heavy drapes, she spied her father’s crest on the carriage door. Her heart managed to lodge itself in her throat. After all this time hestill intimidated her because she felt as though she had to continue earning his regard.
She let the drapes fall back into place. “Father is here.”
“I suspected he would be here soon. Alexander was always prompt. It was a trait I admired most about him when he was courting my sister.”
They both waited patiently for the marquess to be announced. As her father entered the parlor, Lexie couldn’t help but notice how he didn’t look altered at all. He still retained the physique of his younger days, the result of being an avid sportsman and devoted rider. His hair was still dark except for the slight hint of silver at his temples. He held himself with all the air and confidence of a seasoned aristocrat, proof that nothing had changed. She waited while Bonnie greeted him formally, and then his gaze flicked to her. She looked for any sign of affection in his regard, but there was nothing save indifference. At least he acknowledged her, which had been a difficult task to accomplish for many years. “You look well, Alexandra.”
“Thank you, Papa. As do you.”
And that was it. That was their grand exchange of affection after a few months apart. She had no doubt that had it not been for her aunt’s insistence he come to London, he would have forgotten he even had a daughter until it was time to attend the wedding and sign the dowry over to her husband.
“What time is dinner?”
“In an hour,” Bonnie replied factually. Apparently, she was aware of the marquess’s cool demeanor as well. “Would you care for some port while you wait?”
He took a seat on the settee. “No, thank you. I just want to meet the prospective suitor for my daughter and return home.”
“Are you not weary from your travels?” her aunt asked. “I had one of the guest rooms prepared?—”
“I will have to return to my estate this evening,” he returned in clipped tones. “I’m a very busy man.”
Lexie wanted to laugh at that, but she dared not express her true opinion for fear of risking his wrath. Or worse yet, his complete intolerance. But while he was dedicated to being fully immersed in his ledgers, he always made time to visit some of the local widows. No doubt he wanted to return to ensure that his bed didn’t grow too cold.
She hated how bitter that sounded, but she wondered if he ever truly mourned her mother’s loss, or if he decided it was another aspect of a disappointment in life and ensured that he was kept well satisfied in all other matters.
“Of course.”
At the sound of more commotion outside, Lexie’s heart gave a flip, but when the earl was announced, she had to force a smile on her face as he entered the room.
He was as cordial as always, of course, and bowed over her hand in greeting. He did the same to her aunt and when he was introduced to her father, it was obvious he did not break character even when the marquess immediately set to questioning him about his family and his status in society. To some, the directness of his queries would have been construed as bold, if not downright rude, but it didn’t faze Lindley. Her aunt appeared pleased by the encounter, and Lexie could feel her stomach churning with nerves. This was not how she had wanted this evening to start.
She kept glancing at the clock and wondered if she had told the duke the correct time, but she was sure that she had done so. However, with each minute that passed, her hopes were starting to crash against the rocks like a giant wave of destruction. He really wasn’t going to come.
“The Duke of Cuthbert.”
Immediately, her spirits brightened and Lexie rose to her feet as the man who had tormented her thoughts since the previous evening strode into the parlor. He was breathtaking in his black and white finery, but she knew that he looked equally compellingin simple attire as well. He had the air of authority around him that could not be denied, the look of both predator and prey.
Her gaze was the first one he caught when he entered and he dared to give her a consolatory wink. It was quick, a simple flash, but she caught it and her heart soared.
CHAPTER 12
It was easy to see the look of relief on Lexie’s face when Dominic was shown into the parlor by one of the footmen. It was not mirrored in her aunt’s expression, however, nor that of the earl, the older man, whom Dominic guessed was Lexie’s father and the reason for her anxious note, was the only one who appeared unconcerned. His identity was confirmed moments later after introductions were made.
As a duke, Dominic had the highest rank in the room, and yet, the Marquess of Singleton did not appear to care one way or another as he offered a chilly exchange and started an inquest that made Dominic lift his brow. “I suppose you are another contender for my daughter’s hand? The monetary value of a union would benefit you greatly, no doubt.”
Dominic wanted to laugh. He was a cheeky bastard and more arrogant than anyone Dominic had ever met. “I have plenty of funds at my disposal, Lord Singleton. I have no need of a pretty dowry to turn my head.”
“Is that so?” The marquess didn’t seem convinced. “Then what, pray tell, has convinced you to look in Alexandra’s direction?”
Rather than reply directly, he turned to her and said, “Tell me what you see, Lord Singleton, and perhaps you will understand the qualities that have initially drawn me to her.”
His words appeared to please Lexie, but when he returned his attention to the marquess, he didn’t appear amused. The earl, however, was almost preening, as if he had done something of note while Dominic had made a terrible faux pas. But if there was one thing Dominic did not do, it was cater to anyone, no matter their station in life. Generally, it was the other way around and even then, he did not expect the sort of domineering submissiveness that the marquess seemed to expect.
They were saved any further stilted conversation by the announcement of dinner, although the tension in the air was still palpable. As the highest-ranking member of the group, he was expected to escort their hostess, Lady Devonly. Next, it was Alexandra and her father, followed by the earl.
At the table, Lexie’s aunt had maneuvered the seating so that the marquess occupied the head of the table while Dominic was on his right. Bonnie sat beside him while the earl was across the table and Lexie was as far from him as possible, next to Lindley.
