Page 14 of Would I Lie to the Duke
“Suppose I ought to introduce you to the others.” Lord Trask held out his arm.
She placed her hand on the marquess’s sleeve. Not but a few days ago, she was fetching Lady Catherton’s hat and making certain that her mistress’s luncheon was appropriately hot when it was served, and now here she was, walking on the arm of one of England’s most significant people.
“What did His Grace mean about Bond Street?” Lord Trask asked. “I gather you encountered him there and made something of an impression.”
She made an offhand gesture. “He was receiving poor counsel from some hangers-on—I simply offered better advice.”
The marquess lowered his voice. “A bit of a comet, the duke. Dazzling as he streaks across the firmament.”
“Who attracts his fair share of satellites.” On Bond Street, he’d been trailed by hangers-on, and was clearly used to being the center of attention.
How hefeltabout being the center of attention, thatwas a matter of greater study. It was as though he did enjoy being the most important man within a mile radius, and also found it a bit tiresome.
“They all revolve around him,” Lord Trask said, “but they never stay in orbit for long.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t know much about how astronomy works, but the duke possesses his own physics, and he’s got a way of loosening his gravity whenever his interest wanes.” Lord Trask gave Jess a look fraught with meaning.
“There’s no danger of that,” she replied. “I’ve my own arc to trace across the firmament, and can’t be distracted by a bit of celestial dazzle.”
She and Lord Trask stepped into the drawing room. Her gaze moved over the score of gentlemen and ladies milling around the chamber. She wasn’t precisely awed by the genteel company—Lady Catherton often entertained members of the aristocracy and gentry—but never before had she been amongst them as an equal.
Her gaze touched on the men—and two lone women—in the chamber as she worked to formulate a new plan. The first thing she needed to do was determine who would be the most responsive to the possibility of investing in her business. She had too little time to try to sway anyone unwilling or, worse, hostile.
For the next quarter of an hour, Jess met people whose names she’d read about in the financial and gossip sections of her newspapers. She did her best to keep her outward appearance calm and even, but there was so much opportunity in this one room she practically vibrated with interest.
“Lord Hunsdon,” the marquess said as he guided her toward a thin-framed man with papery fair skin, “this is Lady Whitfield. She’s joining us this year. Lady Whitfield, the Viscount Hunsdon.”
“My lord,” Jess said.
The viscount coolly nodded at her, barely interested in her presence as he turned his attention to Lord Trask. “We’re starting soon, aren’t we?”
“We are,” the marquess said. He glanced at Jess. “Lord Hunsdon is one of the Bazaar’s returning guests. Been coming here for over a decade.”
“You must enjoy the prospect of finding new enterprises,” Jess said. “Exciting, isn’t it?”
“Only when they’re sizable,” Viscount Hunsdon said sourly. “Those small, trifling schemes are worthless to me.”
So much for Lord Hunsdon, she told herself.
From the corner of her vision, she caught sight of the Duke of Rotherby as he listened politely to a stooped, elderly gentleman. The frailty of the older man highlighted the duke’s robust vitality.
Awareness bloomed in her stomach. If she was wise, she’d give him a wide berth. She had a purpose here, and it wasn’t flirting with an outrageously handsome duke. Oh, but she liked it, though. Likedhim.
What were the layers beneath his polish? It would be an adventure to find out. And, given what the marquess had said about the duke’s easygoing attitude toward his amours, His Grace would never ask for anything substantive.
“Lady Farris,” her host said as they approached ahandsome woman with streaks of gray in her dark brown hair. “This is Lady Whitfield. I believe this will be the first year both of you have attended the Bazaar.”
Lady Farris’s eyes brightened. “Oh, thank goodness I’m not the only virgin here.”
Lord Trask coughed into his fist, but Jess laughed.
“I promise I will make our first time gentle and respectful,” Jess said.
“Nottoogentle and respectful, I hope. Or else I may find myself nodding off.”
Their host looked slightly scandalized. “Ladies! This is a serious gathering.”
“Absolutely correct, Lord Trask.” Lady Farris gave his sleeve a consoling pat. “Your pardon. I’m only just out of mourning and I forget myself. I will endeavor to be on my best behavior.” But she shot a wink in Jess’s direction before drifting away.
“She used to be so decorous,” Lord Trask murmured. He shook his head.
