He glanced at his hostess and easily read the confirmation on her face. He inclined his head, allowing her the win in this particular match, but he had dealt with people much more manipulative than this. He was up for the challenge.
As the first course was brought out, the marquess turned to him. “Tell me about your family.”
“My father is dead, as is my brother. My mother still lives, but she prefers the solitude of the estate.”
The other man nodded. “I cannot agree more. I have never cared for London.”
“Not even its diversions?” Dominic dared to ask.
Silence prevailed for a moment as the marquess looked at him with slightly narrowed dark eyes. “At times, they can be of note, but no. There is nothing like the peace of nature.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” the earl piped up. “I have long enjoyed riding around the countryside.”
Dominic wanted to laugh aloud. He would bet his entire stable of horseflesh that Lindley was terrible in a saddle and knew little to nothing about proper stock. Deciding to put that theory to the test, he clasped his hands before him and asked, “Tell me, Lord Lindley, when it comes to temperament and conformation, which do you prefer?”
To be fair, the earl didn’t hesitate. “I would choose an animal to be socially acceptable of all else, as not to disrupt the wellbeing of my other cattle.”
“And what of his hooves?”
At this, he blinked. “The hooves?”
“Yes. They must be properly kept and groomed. If not, there will be signs of chipping and cracking, which will lead to the loss of integrity, a disaster for anyone looking to keep good breeding stock certainly, but for other reasons as well.”
The earl cleared his throat. “Naturally, that is important,” he murmured.
Just as I thought. Not a clue.
“It seems you are well versed with your stables.”
Dominic turned to the marquess. “Indeed. I pride myself on my stock. It is an importance that my father passed on to me.” He paused for effect. “Among other necessities of life.”
He murmured something noncommittal, but Dominic could tell he was making an impression, whereas the earl was falling flat. If Lindley didn’t yet understand that he was being bested, when he glanced across the table and saw the pinched expression from Lexie’s aunt, that was all the confirmation that he required.
Taking a moment to dare to meet Lexie’s gaze, he saw those blue eyes were focused on him, her lips curved slightly upward in a pleased smile. If anything made him feel as if he could conquer the world, it was that simple acknowledgment.
He offered her another wink and he saw the color rise on hercheeks in response. The action did not escape the earl’s notice, as his jaw visibly clenched in annoyance.
By the time the main course was served, Dominic was confident that he was winning this particular war. He had carried most of the conversation with the marquess, and while Lexie’s aunt had done her best to draw the earl into the exchange, he was soon dismissed by both men. He realized that her efforts were because of his reputation, believing Lord Lindley to be a more suitable choice for her niece. What the lady didn’t know was that Dominic had already sampled some of Lexie’s delights, and there was nothing short of the end of the world that would cause him to release her to another man.
Lexie had held no doubtthat Dominic would be able to win over her father. He had managed to secure the regard of one of the most notorious underground gangs in London in the guise of Avalon, so why should he not be able to do the same, even with a gruff man like her father?
She had noticed the irritated look from her aunt several times, as well as the way Lord Lindley had fallen silent and stared at his plate as the duke and her father had spoken with knowledge about several subjects from politics to personal estate matters. It was as if they were at a gentleman’s club rather than in the presence of ladies where such subjects were commonly barred for fear of delicate feminine sensibilities. However, Lexie was well aware that her father considered matters of business to be more imperative than that of a woman’s presence, so it had never bothered him to speak of it in front of her. When she had finally realized that and begun to acquaint herself with the same topics, he had finally begun to pay her any sort of notice, other than as someone who lived in the same house like one of the servants.
She fully expected her father to give his blessing to the duke, and she couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. Although she hadn’t wanted to injure the earl, it was time that he understood which way her heart was leaning, and as much as she’d tried to get her emotions to sway toward him, it wasn’t anything more than a polite acquaintance.
When it came time for Lexie and her aunt to leave the table so the men could enjoy some after dinner discussion, her father stood as well. “There is no need for any further pretense. We all know what brought us here tonight.” Silence enveloped the table as he tossed down his serviette and turned to Bonnie. “I appreciate the fine meal and the efforts you have put into this endeavor, but I have made my decision. I should accept the Duke of Cuthbert’s suit over that of Lord Lindley.” He glanced at the earl. “I think you have a fine character, but you are not a match for my daughter. You would soon learn that if you were to spend more time together. She has a strong temperament, and it will take a man equally capable of the challenge she would present as a wife. I believe the duke to be better suited for the role.”
He started for the door, but Lexie’s aunt chased after him. “What of the rumors about?—”
The marquess sighed heavily as he paused. “I am convinced that you have been speaking to that incessant gossip, Margaret Limewood, which has put these thoughts into your head. I instructed your sister to cease all ties with her, and it was one of the best decisions she ever made. I suggest you do the same for your own peace of mind.”
As he departed, Bonnie’s mouth fell open, either in outrage or shock, Lexie wasn’t quite sure.
“I think that is my cue to depart,” the earl said stiffly. “If you would excuse me.”
Bonnie was still stumbling over her own tongue as she rushed after Lord Lindley.
Lexie turned her head and locked gazes with Dominic. Hereached her in two lengthy strides and clasped her hand in his warm palm. “Come with me,” he whispered.
