Page 36 of Her Wicked Duke
“No, but I told you not to meddle, Grandmother. Know your place.”
She thwacked the back of his ankles with her cane. “Do not speak down to me, boy. You would not exist if it weren’t for my meddling in my son’s affairs. My own grandmother meddled in mine, and I was thankful. Are you not thankful for me, Alexander?”
He met her gaze, unimpressed, letting his silence answer her.
“Don’t embarrass me,” she said. “You’re not too old that I can’t drag you back to Haverdshire Castle by your ear and peg you up with the horses.”
He coughed, stepping away from her. He was not intimidated by her, nor did he feel scolded, but he knew he couldn’t be rude to these women. He could dance with their granddaughters and then gracefully excuse himself.
“Eleanor has been taking dance lessons since she was five years old,” the Dowager Viscountess boasted. “She is also a very skilled horse rider. I do presume you own horses, Your Grace?”
“I do,” he said. “I recently acquired a black stallion. She’s a beastly beauty. However, I have smaller horses more suitable for ladies.”
“She would be quite taken with any horse you have,” the Dowager Viscountess insisted. “It is worth noting, as well, Your Grace, that we come from a very fortunate line of Lexingtons. My father was a merchant and created a vast empire that we have passed on to Eleanor. She is a very advantageous match, should you consider her.”
Alexander knew that was his moment to agree. To look as though he wanted to pursue the lady that would come with an impressive dowry. “Then I would be honored to have the next dance with your granddaughter first, as she is not already dancing.”
He knew the eyes of their granddaughters would not captivate him, but dancing with them would allow him to have a complete view of the dancefloor and see who was watching Anne.
He approached the red-haired young lady lingering by the champagne fountain, as promised. She had deep brown eyes, and childlike features still clung to her face. Truthfully, he thought she couldn’t be more than eighteen. He thought of Anne’s mature face, her demure smile, and wise, knowing gaze.
Truly, I do not wish to do this.I will demand a large reward from Anne for enduring this.
He kept that thought in mind as he held out his hand. “Miss Lexington,” he greeted.
Clearly, she knew who he was, for her cheeks turned pink, and a small squeak escaped her lips. “Your Grace! I am honored to make your acquaintance.”
“The honor is all mine, Miss Lexington.” The pink in her cheeks deepened, much to his amusement. “Would you care to dance the next set with me?”
“I would love to, Your Grace.”
Her eyes flicked over his shoulder, no doubt seeking the counsel of her grandmother. He could only guess that permission was granted—as he knew it would be—when Eleanor took his hand.
He led her to the dancefloor.
Anne’s face was a picture of composure, but he saw the annoyance in her eyes. He knew how it looked—he had rejected her to dance with another woman.
Heartless.That’s probably what she’s calling me in her head.An awful, cruel man.
He forced a smile at Eleanor as the music began.
“How is life in the countryside, Your Grace?” Eleanor asked. “It might be quite different from France.”
“Oh, itisquite different,” he agreed. “However, do not ask my grandmother about it. She might talk for hours about the differences between Britain and France. It’s rather one of her favorite topics.”
Eleanor giggled girlishly. “I can imagine she loves her new home very much.”
“Quite.”
“And yourself, Your Grace? Where do you prefer to live?”
Alexander’s gaze strayed to Anne for a moment. “I think London will always be my home.” He looked back at Eleanor. Each step only made him more aware of who he truly wished to dance with. “What is it like living with your grandmother?” he asked pleasantly.
“Oh, rather lovely! She’s a tough mentor, but she wants only the best for me. I am honored she wished for us to be introduced tonight, Your Grace.”
He tried not to grimace. He hated these social events, all the women scrambling for the gentlemen’s attention, vying for the richest or the most handsome. All trying to outwit each other.
Behind Eleanor, Anne’s trio of friends watched him with sharp eyes. He cringed and twirled Eleanor so his back was to them.
