The duke took a step forward and turned his gaze upon her. “And what were you three discussing?”
Before she could reply, Elsbeth answered. “Very important topics like what characteristics make for a good husband.”
His brows descended slightly as he turned his attention to his cousin. “That is a meaningless topic and one only fathers and older cousins need ruminate on for those in their charge.”
As Elsbeth’s shoulders slumped, Joanna’s irritation with the duke returned. “Then it a very good thing that our conversational path led to discussing your nose.”
If she hadn’t been watching, she would have missed his head jerking back in the slightest of movements. He was a master of subtle movements. “My nose?”
“Oh, yes.” Elsbeth waved her hands about. “You do know how dragonflies enjoy landing on a good-sized proboscis.”
The duke’s brows lowered considerably as he barely shook his head.
Lady Astor covered her mouth with her gloved hand to hide what Joanna was sure was an escaped chuckle.
Elsbeth indicated the others in the room. “You will probably find much more enjoyable conversation with your friends. We will be happy to keep Lady Joanna entertained.”
He nodded, obviously not sure how to respond, but did finally attend to his other guests.
Joanna looked at Lady Elsbeth. “Dragonflies?”
She shrugged, and all three of them broke into laughter. Joanna quickly looked over her shoulder to find the duke otherwise occupied, then turned back to face her new friends. “I do believe we have stumped the duke.”
“Not an easy accomplishment.” Lady Astor straightened her already impeccable posture. “That man has the knowledge of the world in his head.”
“And he’s far too proud of it.” Elsbeth slipped her tongue out toward her cousin.
Joanna’s food from dinner suddenly felt like a lead musket ball in her stomach. That couldn’t mean what she thought it meant, surely. “Did he attend university, then?”
“University? That was just the beginning. You should see our library. I’m sure he’s read every book in there, and he keeps purchasing more.” Lady Astor shook her head. “He’s always loved books, even as a small child. I think they kept him company.”
The last was said with such melancholy, that Joanna decided it best not to comment. It was just as well because her heart had picked up its beat and a chill raced up her spine. She sincerely hoped the duke had already read the book she’d taken. Or if he noticed it missing, wouldn’t associate it with her. After all, there were over a dozen people visiting his house this evening, and he may have very well entertained the night before and the night before that.
“Lady Joanna?”
She blinked at Elsbeth’s question. “Yes?”
“I was wondering if you could tell me about Lord Mabry’s parents. As cousins, you seem very close.”
Now Teddy was a subject she could focus on with enthusiasm. He was the brother the Mabry girls had needed to balance out their antics. “Oh, I can tell you many stories about Lord Mabry.” As she launched into the first day Teddy came to visit, she couldn’t help being aware of where the duke was in the room. As much as she was enjoying his aunt and cousin, she hoped they could leave soon. Unfortunately, avoiding this entire family was now her main mission for the season.
Chapter Two
James Huntington, Dukeof Northwick looked up from theMorning Chronicleas his aunt walked into the dining room. “Good morning. Mrs. Eddings made seed cake for you.” Which reminded him, he wanted to look up the answer to a mild debate regarding food from last night before his meeting with his solicitor.
“That woman spoils me.” Her eyes lit with pleasure.
As his aunt moved to the sideboard, he returned to his paper. It appeared the author ofGuy Manneringwas soon to have another novel calledThe Antiquaryprinted in three volumes, and there was a new home being built on Tottenham Court Road. London was growing and almost on their doorstep, something he wasn’t particularly pleased with. They’d only been in Town a month and already he missed Burhleigh Park, his country estate, but Aunt Louisa had been right, it was time Elsbeth was exposed to London’s social functions before she came out officially later in the season. On that score they had agreed. Because of his own dislike for Town, a purely emotional one, he had inadvertently put his cousin at a disadvantage in navigating London society which could make or break a young woman’s chances for a good marriage. Easing into the season, as he liked to think of it, put her at a slight disadvantage, but made her more suitable. Her experience would lead her to a better match, not simply the first man she set eyes on, as seemed to be the case at the moment.
“James, I must thank you.”
He set down his paper and politely gave his aunt his undivided attention. “To what do I owe your gratefulness?”
“For allowing us to host last evening’s dinner party. I know it is not your favorite activity. But it was an excellent introduction for Elsbeth on navigating such a setting. Shopping and coffee shops and rides in Hyde Park are all very well, and important, but social interaction is fleeting there. Having a few guests here in her very home allowed her to feel comfortable, and gave her a chance to observe and learn.”
A flash of guilt swept through his chest at his aunt’s gratefulness. He owed her much. It was she, his father’s younger sister, who had taken it upon herself to make him part of the family. She should never feel as if she must beggar herself for a boon. “You know that I consider both Haven House and Burhleigh Park your home. I want you to feel comfortable in doing whatever you think is best for Elsbeth. I have kept you from London far too long as it is.”
His aunt’s brown eyes glowed with warmth. “No, you haven’t. I, of anyone, understand your reticence in coming to Town, but the past is past. And the future will soon have a new mistress here and at Burhleigh Park. I appreciated the opportunity to converse with Lady Caroline at dinner. She is a very accomplished young woman.”
