Page 32 of The Duke's Gamble
With a nod to his former friend and silently wondering what Lord Crawley would be thinking of all of this, Samuel made his way back to the ballroom, arm in arm with his betrothed.
And suddenly, he could not think of a single reason why he ought to delay the announcement of their engagement anylonger. Perhaps he ought to do as Lady Dinah had suggested and throw a ball… but in honour of his betrothed.
Chapter Thirteen
“You are smiling.”
Florentina looked at her sister as they walked through the park. “Indeed, I am. What of it?”
“What are you thinking of?”
“I am thinking of how pleasant a day it is.” Florentina did not tell her sister the truth, certain that she would not understand should Florentina mention that the reason for her smile was because of her reminiscing. The waltz with the Duke the previous evening had been more wonderful than Florentina had ever anticipated and, with every step, she had felt herself warming to him all the more. A good deal had changed in the past week or so, for the Duke appeared to have entirely altered, seeming to be glad of her company,wantingto be present with her and making sure that they danced at every ball they attended. There was no pushing back from her now, no pulling away and thus, Florentina felt her heart softening towards him in a way that she had never expected.
“Look, there is Lord Allington!” Christina grasped Florentina’s arm and then began to wave though Florentina hissed quickly and pulled her sister’s hand down.
“Hush now! You cannot do such a thing as that. You know that Lord Allington has not been in our company as much of late.”
“Though we do not knowwhy,” Christina responded. “Do you not wish to ask him?”
“Certainly not.” Florentina drew herself up. “I have not eventhoughtabout that gentleman, I can assure you.” That was nothing but the truth for Florentina; though flattered by Lord Allington’s attentions, she had never once permitted herself to think anything of their connection. She had resolved to wed theDuke and now that her thoughts were more and more centred upon him, she had not even the smallest consideration when it came to Lord Allington. “Now, let us turn this way,” she continued, taking the left path rather than the one that would lead them closer to the gentleman. “Look, I can see Lord Barlow and Lord Crawley, as well as three other gentlemen of our acquaintance.” She studied her sister’s expression, noting how her gaze instantly went to Lord Crawley. “You are interested in Lord Crawley’s company, then?”
Christina laughed softly. “Mayhap I am. Though,” she continued, “I am not ignoring Lord Barlow. If he were to ask to court me, then I might have to consider it.”
“Though if Lord Crawley asked you, would you immediately accept?” The blush on her sister’s cheeks told Florentina the answer, making her laugh softly. “Then I hope that he asks you soon.”
“What do you think of him?”
Florentina hesitated. “I think that he has shown devotion to you,” she answered, recalling how Lord Crawley had been most insistent on speaking to her in private though, as yet, he had not managed to do so and seemed to have shown less interest in that request. “You will know his character better than I and your judgement is sound.”
Christina smiled at her. “You trust me. That is something I appreciate. Though might I ask if you would be truthful enough to tell me about your own feelings for the Duke?”
Heat poured into Florentina’s face as she looked away, uncertain as to what to say and feeling somewhat embarrassed that all she had been trying to hide was so obvious to her sister.
“If things are improving, then that is an excellent thing,” Christina murmured, as Lord Crawley spotted them, a smile on his face as he turned to greet them. “But youcantell me of such things, you know. I would not judge you in the least.”
There was no time to respond, for Lord Crawley had almost reached them, greeting them both warmly and Florentina smiled back in return.
“And who are these two fine young ladies?”
Their conversation came to a sudden halt as another gentleman, one that Florentina did not recognise, came to join them. Lord Crawley, glancing up, then frowned, his chin lifting.
“Lord Finneston, good afternoon. I do not think that we have been in company with each other since last Season, or, if not, the Season before that!”
“And yet, here I am.” Lord Finneston, his dark brown hair sweeping across his forehead, smiled into Florentina’s eyes, his green eyes glinting. “I confess, it was notyourcompany that I sought, Lord Crawley, but rather an introduction to these two young ladies.”
Lord Crawley’s frown deepened and, for whatever reason, he darted a look towards Florentina. Then, with a small sigh, he gestured to Florentina. “Lord Finneston, might I introduce Lady Florentina and her sister, Lady Christina, sisters to the Earl of Haddington. Lady Florentina, Lady Christina, this is the Earl of Finneston.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Lord Finneston dropped into a bow, then rose quickly before taking a step closer to Florentina. “If you are to take a turn about the park, might I ask for your arm, Lady Florentina? And Lord Crawley can walk with Lady Christina and we shall all have an excellent time, I am sure!”
Much to Florentina’s astonishment, the gentleman took her arm before she had even given her consent and, with a broad smile, began to walk with her, almost pulling Florentina along. Florentina had no choice but to go with him, though she did throw a sharp glance towards Christina. Alas, Christina wasalready laughing up into Lord Crawley’s eyes and did not see Florentina’s look.
“I must say, I am delighted to have been introduced to you. I did note your beauty at the ball last evening and was determined to come and speak with you but, alas, you were much too busy and I was already dancing every dance! But I do hope that we will be able to step out together very soon.”
Quite astonished at the gentleman’s effusiveness, Florentina forced a smile but said nothing, wishing desperately that she could tell him that she was already engaged and thus, send him away from her. Though there was nothing wrong with his manner, his behavior towards her was much too forward and Florentina was left feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
“I have a grand estate in the far north of England,” Lord Finneston continued, the broad smile on his face never leaving. “I have wonderful views of the countryside from my home,threepairs of greys and plenty of space for shooting.”
“How wonderful,” Florentina murmured, looking behind her to see if Christina and Lord Crawley were joining them and, much to her relief, they were. “I think that we should wait for my sister as they are some steps behind.”
