“You are a woman.”
“That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.”
“Is it?” he asked playfully.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Maybe one day I will tell you the secret. Until then, you must trust me to know such things about you.”
She sighed but seemed agreeable to letting him have his way for now.
“Shall we return to Lady Willa and her mother?”
“I am sure the earl would appreciate your company,” she said.
Alonzo knew better. “He enjoys Lady Willa’s view of the world, I think.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “There seems to be a friendship blossoming between them.”
“Like us.”
She accepted his arm and walked with him back to where their friends waited.
Chapter Eighteen
After an informaldinner and once the men joined the ladies in the drawing room, Mr. Garland sought out Julia. Though she had enjoyed his company at dinner the first night and had held several friendly conversations with him since then, tonight he seemed more keen on staying close to her—watching her, even. Perhaps he had taken her interest in him as more than friendship, but it was not in her to be rude to anyone, especially a foreigner who only seemed enthusiastic about learning more about her country.
“Are you enjoying your time here?” she asked.
“I am,” he said, looking rather comfortable leaning against the drawing room wall near one of the large windows. “All of the duke’s guests are unique—intelligent and refined—especially the Duke of Pridegate.”
“He is a favorite in London Society,” Julia said.
“Yes, I have gotten that impression after several days here. I also think he is a personal favorite of yours.”
She could not deny it. The duke had indeed gained her respect, and if asked, she would admit she actually was starting to grow rather fond of him. “He is a friend.”
“Friend?”
“Yes, just that, I assure you. Why do you take such an interest in him?”
“I believe he and I have mutual acquaintances.”
“Oh?”
“In fact, I wished to speak with you privately about it. To give you fair warning.”
“Of what, exactly?” There was a touch of snobbery in his tone, as if he thought himself above reproach when it came to Alonzo, and it worried her.
“Two unplanned guests will be making an appearance tonight,” he said quietly. “Women of influence—one with a long history with your duke.”
Julia did not appreciate what he was implying. “Mr. Garland…”
“You may call me Karl.”
“No,” she refused adamantly. “I hardly know you, sir.”
He grinned. “I had hoped to change that, Lady Julia.”
