Page 58 of Winning Her Duke

They were joined a little while later by Lady Archer and Lady Foxley. The odious pair shared a bit of gossip with Lydia who smiled politely, but did nothing to encourage them to continue.

Gia hoped the women would grow bored with Lydia’s lack of excitement, but instead they shifted their gaze to her.

“You’ll certainly be a late riser tomorrow, after all of the dancing you’ve done this evening, Miss Gia.”

Gia wasn’t sure what reaction was expected from this comment, so she simply followed Lydia’s cue and smiled politely.

“I do wonder where the Duke of Roxburghe has been of late. The two of you cut a fine line on the dance floor earlier in the Season. I thought perhaps you would bring him up to scratch.”

“Perhaps His Grace has already gotten what he wanted from the Season and is content to turn his attentions to other things,” Lady Archer said with a tilt to her head.

Lady Foxley’s brows rose in speculation while Lady Archer smiled dangerously. “Indeed.”

Gia opened her mouth to say… something. She wasn’t certain what exactly she would say, but surely, she should refute their veiled insinuations that Hale had had his way with her and moved on.

But the truth seemed worse. She’d kissed him and scared him off. No, that would do no good.

Lydia squared her shoulders and came to Gia’s rescue.

“I believe the duke mentioned something about being bored at events attended by ruthless, old crows.”

Bravo, Lydia.

The two women frowned and walked away as Lydia muttered under her breath. Gia wasn’t able to hear everything she said, but some words were clearer. Mostly curses.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize people would jump to that conclusion.”

“Not everyone would. Just the gossipmongers. It’s been a light season for scandal thus far, they are desperate for anything to spice up their dreary lives. Pay no mind to them, Gia. They are not worth your concern.”

“Thank you for defending me. I wasn’t sure what to say that wouldn’t make it worse.”

“It’s best not to say anything. I should have remained silent rather than bait them, but I couldn’t hold my tongue. I’m sure I shall be punished for engaging with them, but it was worth it.”

She gave Gia’s arm a consoling pat.

“When and if you wish to talk about the real reason the duke is no longer visiting or attending events, I will listen without judgement.”

“I don’t want my father involved.”

“So long as the duke has done nothing dishonorable, I will keep it in confidence. But if he has done what those awful women have assumed, he needs to do the honorable thing.”

“It is nothing so dire as that. He was only flirting with me, and I got carried away in the moment and his smile and I… Well, I kissed him. I thought it was wonderful, he apologized and left the house. I haven’t seen him since. Do you think the kiss could have been that horrible? I didn’t bite him. No blood was shed. How bad could it have been?”

Lydia offered a sympathetic smile and shook her head.

“I would guess the kiss was so good it has shaken his world, and he is feeling unsteady on his feet.”

Gia couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Lydia’s ridiculous claim. She’d hoped the woman would prove honest enough to guide her in the steps Gia should take to get Hale to speak to her again and repair their friendship. But it seemed Lydia planned to take after Gia’s father in offering empty platitudes.

As if Gia was such an excellent kisser the duke was overwhelmed by her skill.

“Pfft.”

“We don’t make those noises when out in society,” Lydia reminded her.

“Then you shouldn’t say things to warrant such sounds.”

That evening after she was settled in her bed, Gia thought of the kiss as she had every evening since it had happened.