“Your Grace, why are you standing by yourself?” Lord Hawthorne sidled up next to him and faced the glass door overlooking the flower garden in the backyard. “You must be lost in your thoughts, because I cannot see anything outside that could hold your interest for so long.”
Trevor smiled at Dominic and lowered his voice. “My good man, you should know me well enough to realize dinner socials like this bore me after a few minutes.”
“Indeed, they do.” Dominic lifted his goblet of brandy in a salute before swallowing the remainder in the glass.
“How are you faring this evening?” Trevor asked. “I’m surprised to see Trey is not with you.”
“Not tonight, no. Trey called off because he wanted to spend some time with his darling wife.”
Trevor smiled. “As it should be.”
“Indeed, Trey is one fortunate man.”
“Agreed.” Trevor lifted his glass in a salute and took a quick swallow.
“I hope you don’t mind my asking, but”—Dominic leaned closer to make the conversation more private—“how is that lovely servant of yours? I have thought of nothing else since I met Louisa. She had the most enchanting eyes, does she not?”
Trevor rolled his eyes, wishing Nic wasn’t such a rake. “Hawthorne, I’m quite certain other things have been on your mind, but Louisa is doing fine. I thank you for asking.”
“Has she settled into any position yet?”
“None as of yet, but we will not give up hope.”
Hawthorne chuckled and rubbed his chin. “I still believe I have seen her before—or at least someone who resembles her.In fact, let me see if he’s still here.” Nic stretched his neck as he looked across the crowd of men. “There he is.” He waved his hand. “Wellesley, over here, if you please.”
Trevor gritted his teeth. He bunched his hands into fists and quickly rested them behind his back to keep from using Nic’s face as a punching bag. Trevor had warned Nic not to stick his nose into Louisa’s business. But as Trevor watched the other gentleman hurry to Nic’s side, unease washed over Trevor. Although Wellesley and the Danvers’ deceased daughter were nothing but cousins, the resemblance between this man and Louisa was unsettling.
“Wellesley, my good man, have you been introduced to Trevor Worthington, Fifth Duke of Kenbridge?”
“No, I have not.” Wellesley bowed. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Grace.”
Trevor bowed. “Likewise, I’m sure. I do believe I’m acquainted with your uncle and aunt, however I have not spoken with them for quite some time. How are they faring?”
“They are very well, thank you.”
“Forgive me for asking,” Nic began, “but I cannot recall if you have any cousins, Wellesley.”
“Not with the Danvers, I’m afraid.”
Trevor released a relieved sigh. Yet, at the same time, he almost wished Louisa had been part of this man’s family, just so they’d know who she was.
“They had no children?” Nic inquired again.
“Actually,” Wellesley added, “they did have a daughter at one time, but she drowned when she was twelve years of age.”
“Indeed?” Trevor asked quickly. “What was her name?”
As much as he didn’t want Dominic to keep prodding into this man’s life, Trevor did want some answers to the mysterious woman he couldn’t keep from wanting to kiss and hold. He must know why this woman confused him so.
Chapter Fifteen
Trevor waited, holdinghis breath for Wellesley’s answer.
“My cousin’s name was Bessie. That was the nickname I called her, anyway.”
“Her name was Elizabeth?” Hawthorne asked.
“Yes.”
