Page 18 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I have noticed a few more, I suppose, but those looks have been sent toward me rather than to the Duke.”
“Because you have been beside him.”
“And because he is my chaperone.”
Her brother frowned. “Does that trouble you?”
Instantly, Elizabeth smiled. “No, not in the least.” Seeing her brother’s eyebrows lift, Elizabeth shrugged. “The Duke of Nottingham is not as dark a character as I considered the evening of the soiree. The way he apologised, the way he sought to make amends and improve himselfonlyto me has been significant. His conversation has been a little stilted at times but it is improving.”
At this, Lord Dennington smiled warmly. “He has been out of practice for some time, remember.”
“I do remember,” Elizabeth reassured him. “As I have said, it has been a little stilted but it is getting much better. He even smiles on occasion!”
This made Lord Dennington chuckle, as Elizabeth grinned.
“Continue with the letter, if you would.”
With a nod, Elizabeth turned her gaze back to the few remaining lines. “‘However, I must now turn my attention to seeking out a prospective young lady to court,’” she continued, wondering why her stomach dropped so low at these words. “‘I will continue on with my duties as your sister’s chaperone when required, of course, but I must also think on the sole purpose of my return to society: namely, to find a bride. The trouble is, I have very little certainty as to what to do when I spy a young lady that I am drawn to! I have tried three times previously, as you know, but from the beginning, it seems as though these young ladies were not at all interested in furthering a connection with me. I feel foolish not to have seen it from the beginning and wonder if there is any guidance that you might wish to give me on how I should even approach such a lady.’”
Finishing the letter, she set it down on the seat beside her and lifted one eyebrow enquiringly toward her brother.
Lord Dennington’s eyes rounded and he spread out his hands. “I have not pursued a young lady before so I am entirely uncertain as to what to do!”
Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head at her brother. “Ah, but you have Lady Annette hanging upon your every word whenever she encounters you, so it is not as though you have anyneedto ponder such a matter, is it?”
This made her brother flush and Elizabeth laughed again, seeing her brother look away and mutter something, though she could not make out what it was. Lady Annette had, this lastsennight, been often in his company and Elizabeth had taken note of it. Her brother himself did not appear to be in the least bit displeased by the lady’s attentions but had seemed to be delighted with it. Elizabeth had wondered if there was some sort of interest between them but had kept such thoughts to herself, thinking that her brother would speak to her of it if he so desired.
“Are you going to write to him again?”
Making to nod, Elizabeth hesitated. These last few days, she had found herself enjoying the Duke’s company and now found herself a little concerned that he would think less of her – a good deal less – if he ever discovered that she was the one who had been writing to him.
“No?”
“I shall, of course.” Elizabeth took in a breath and smiled, setting her shoulders as she did so. “I am just thinking of what I am to say first. The truth is, I have no experience in such things and yet I am meant to be offering advice!”
“But you are a young lady and thus, you will be well aware of what other young ladies might seek when it comes to a gentleman beginning to show an interest in them.”
Elizabeth nodded slowly, thinking quickly. “That is something, I suppose.” She smiled to herself, recalling the Duke’s previous letters. “And he was a little too eager with the other three ladies, from what I remember him saying.”
Her brother winced. “Yes, much too hasty.”
“Then I shall begin with that,” Elizabeth replied, rising to her feet and walking across the room to the writing table. “And thereafter, add one or two other suggestions by which to guide him. I am sure that, very soon, he will find himself a good deal more contented.”
As she sat to write, a slight niggle in Elizabeth’s heart gave her pause. Why was she pausing when it came to the Duke’sdesire to find himself a match? That was precisely what she knew he wanted and what she had thought to aid him with! There was nothing else to think on but to do as the Duke asked and offer him the very best advice she could think of.
***
“Your Grace, good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon.” The Duke of Nottingham bowed low, smiling as he raised his head. “And to you also, Lady Annette.”
“Good afternoon.” Lady Annette’s smile was a little hesitant but it arrived nonetheless, just as the Duke’s attention was caught by Elizabeth’s brother coming to join them.
“Ah, good afternoon, Dennington. I am glad to see you out this afternoon, I am sure the sunshine and fine company here at Hyde Park will do you very well.”
“I am sure it shall.” Lord Dennington took in a long breath, smiling as he let it out. “Goodness, it is already crowded!”
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes roving over the crowd of gentlemen and ladies that seemed to fill the park. Carriages proceeded at a languorous pace, yet gentlemen and ladies ambled with a briskness that surpassed their progress. It was only her second time at the fashionable hour, though her first attendance the previous week had been marred by heavy rain.
