Page 20 of The Duke's Gamble
A frown darted across Florentina’s expression. “There should be no excitement in your voice, my dear sister. Have you forgotten that I am betrothed?”
Christina put both hands on her hips, her gaze sharp on Florentina. “Mayhap he has come to call uponme, Florentina! Did you not think of that?”
Flushing hot, Florentina quickly set her embroidery aside. “Of course. I had not thought of that, you are quite right.”
“I am well aware that he was very attentive to you when we were at the ball, but he must surely know that a lady such as yourself cannot show any interest in him.” Christina’s hands fell to her sides. “After all, you are already betrothed.”
“Yes, but he does not know that,” Florentina reminded her sister, quickly putting away the last few threads. “I am not to speak of my betrothal to anyone as yet, recall?”
Her sister’s eyes widened for a moment but there came no time to speak for, at that very moment, a knock came to the door and Florentina turned quickly, hoping that she appeared prepared even though she did not feel it.
“Yes?” Christina called, without so much as a glance towards Florentina to see if she was ready. “Do come in.”
The butler moved into the room swiftly, handing Florentina a calling card. “Lord Allington, my lady.”
“I thank you.” Taking the card from the butler, Florentina set it to one side and then turned her face expectantly to the door, a smile gracing her lips. Lord Allington came in directly, beaming at them both before bowing.
“Good afternoon! How very good to see you both again.”
Florentina smiled as did Christina, just as their mother swept into the room, clearly aware that she needed to be present in light of a gentleman arriving. Lord Allington, who had been introduced to her at the ball, made his polite greeting before being invited to sit.
Florentina exchanged a look with her mother, though Lady Haddington appeared to be quite delighted with Lord Allington’s arrival. Mayhap she also considered that he had come to call on Christina, which would certainly be a good thing if that were the case.
“I was glad to have danced with both your lovely daughters last evening,” Lord Allington said, just as Florentina rose to ring the bell for tea. “I hear you have another daughter still, Lady Haddington?”
“I do,” Lady Haddington answered, with a small smile. “Miriam, though she is not yet ready for her come out.”
“Did you enjoy the ball, Lord Allington?” Christina asked, only for a knock to come to the door again and, this time, the butler to announce the arrival of Lord Barlow.
At this, Florentina noticed, Christina’s cheeks turned red almost at once, her eyes brightening as she rose to her feet, ready to greet the gentleman.
“Lord Barlow, good afternoon!” Christina exclaimed, as Florentina bobbed a curtsy. “Look, Lord Allington has come to call also.”
“So I see.” Lord Barlow grinned, then inclined his head. “I shall not stay long, of course, but—”
“You aremostwelcome, Lord Barlow.” Interrupting him, Lady Haddington gestured for him to come and sit with them all. “We are very glad to—”
Much to Florentina’s surprise, there was another knock at the door. She glanced at her mother, who gave her a subtle nod, and then called for the butler to enter.
“Lord Crawley, my lady.”
Florentina’s heart clattered in her chest, her smile freezing to her face as Lord Crawley came into the room. He bowed, his expression somewhat dark as he glanced around the room, perhaps concerned that he would not be welcomed.
Florentina swallowed hard, noting how Christina’s expression had become fixed, perhaps just as astonished as Florentina was at seeing the gentleman arrive. Christina had, of course, been the one to try to speak with Lord Crawley as regards his friend and his ownership of Haddington House and they all knew that he was not exactly pleased with what the Duke had decided to do… but neither did he appear to have the strength to speak that forcefully to his friend.
“Lady Haddington.” Lord Crawley inclined his head, then lifted his gaze again. “Forgive me for my unexpected arrival. If…” His gaze went around the room and he shuffled his feet, looking down. “If you are already too busy with visitors, then I do not have to linger. I can come to call another time, if that would be preferred.”
Florentina sat down, leaving the decision to her mother. She personally did not have any real difficulty in Lord Crawley’s presence, though it was an unpleasant reminder to her that the Duke of Dartmoor was soon to become her husband. Lady Haddington did not take long at all to make her decision, however, for she smiled and then waved a hand in the direction of the vacant chairs in the room.
“Of course, Lord Crawley. Please, do sit down.”
With a clear look of relief drawing over his expression, Lord Crawley sat down next to Florentina. The conversation was again held back as tea trays were brought in and Christina rose to serve the tea. Florentina gladly permitted her to do so, even though, by rights, she ought to have been the one tasked with the duty. It was clear to her—and she was relieved of it also—that Christina ought to be the one garnering as much of the attention from these gentlemen as she could… though mayhap, she considered, not Lord Crawley, for he was much too closely acquainted with the Duke.
“Lady Florentina, I must speak with you.”
Florentina turned her head, a little surprised to see Lord Crawley looking at her, speaking out of the corner of his mouth. “Lord Crawley?”
“I must speak with you,” he said again, “in private conversation, if possible.”
