“He was genuinely nice, and he is an artist. Isn’t that interesting?” So much for keeping her conversation to the weather.
“An artist?” Marianne frowned and seemed focused on Dunstan’s back as he made his way across the room. “I suppose so.” Her face had gone pale, and she began to fidget with her reticule.
“Are you all right? You have gone white as a ghost, dearest,” said the dowager.
“I am tired, that is all. Mother, can we go home?”
“We must find your brother first, but yes. You two go and call for the carriage.”
Lucinda took Marianne’s arm in hers. “Now will you tell me why you had such a strange reaction when I told you Dunstan was an artist?”
“I cannot be sure, but I think I have met him before. I thought he looked vaguely familiar.”
“He did say he had been to a few balls with some of his friends before he inherited. Maybe you met him then?”
“No. It was not at a ball. He was not so well dressed and wore a beard and was sitting in Hyde Park painting.”
“He did mention that his uncle had cut him off so… maybe it was him.”
“He offered to do my portrait for money, but my governess whisked me away. He said something nasty as we left, though I do not quite remember what he said. The tone was there. If it is him, I am not sure he is such a nice man, Lucinda.”
She did not want him to be this man Marianne described. “Perhaps it was not him.”
Marianne turned towards her and studied Lucinda’s face for a moment. She smiled and said, “I could be mistaken. I hope I am as I can see you like him.”
“He was easy to talk to, that is true, but I am sure your mother and brother will have his measure and if he is not a nice man then that will be that. I will think no more about him.”
“I feel terrible. The first man you have found interesting and here I am warning you off. You are right though. Tony will see right through him if he is not what he seems.”
In the carriage,the dowager relayed all the gossip she had heard. Tony studied Lucinda as she was trying to take in what his mother was saying. She had yet to meet half the people she was talking about, so he doubted it meant much to her. Though her expression was endearing.
“Did you know, everyone thinks Lucinda is a delightful mystery. I admit I did not give much away.” The dowager smiled, obviously pleased with her night’s work. “Also, Lord Dunstan only danced with you, Lucinda.”
Tony studied her blush for a moment before looking out the window. He should be happy for her. Then why did he feel this insane anger? This was what the last few weeks had been all about, finding her a husband.
“He is the most eligible man of the season, or so they say. Did you find out anything about him Tony?” The dowager poked him in the ribs.
He sighed. “Not much. His uncle cut him off apparently because he was not willing to leave London to return to his uncle’s estate to learn about what he would inherit. He does not seem interested in politics from what I heard.”
“That is exactly what he told me. He had to sell his art to keep himself afloat.”
“It is good that he does not have empty pockets now. He would have no need of Lucinda’s dowry or inheritance. That he survived that long without funds means he knows how to manage his money.”
“Tuition at the academy would not be cheap. I want to find out exactly how he managed it. If he is on the up and up, then hecouldbe a good match.” Why did saying that leave a bitter taste in his mouth. It was not likehewanted to marry her. He should be happy there was an early interest in her.
“I wonder how many are discussing me at this very moment. It is shocking to think everyone is wondering about me when all I have done is stay at school,” Lucinda said.
The dowager smiled and patted her hand. “It is the mystery that surrounds you. Nobody really cares that you have been away. It is the unknown part of your story that is what they want to know, my dear.”
“They will have questions,” said Marianne. “You must be prepared to answer them regarding your parents at some stage. All who went to the presentation to the queen will know your father is dead, but they know nothing about your mother.”
“Well, neither do I so I can hardly answer. All I know is her name, Edwina, thanks to you, Duchess. I feel like a pretender. What if they see through me to the dull person I really am?” Lucinda played with her ring.
Marianne gasped. “Goodness, Lucinda.”
Tony took Lucinda’s hands in his, wanting to reassure her. “Please, do not talk like that. I have connections and will try and find out as much as I can, even if it is only enough to say you knew a little more about them than you do now.”
“Family and connection are everything to the ton, and I have none.” Her voice hitched.
