Page 19 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
“You need not look so overwhelmed.” Lady Annette touched Elizabeth’s arm, making her flush with the embarrassment of her astonishment being noticed. “Once you are amongst the crowd, all will be forgotten. You will find one or two acquaintances to speak to and, thereafter, move to another one or two – and then the time shall come for us all to return home for this evening’s entertainment!”
Still feeling a little overwhelmed, Elizabeth tried to smile and nod but struggled to do either. There were so many peoplepresent, so many faces that the thought of pushing herself into the crowd was a heavy weight upon her mind.
“Shall we all walk together?” her brother asked, coming to stand beside her. “Come, Elizabeth.” Smiling at her, he took her hand and set it on his arm, leaving the Duke and Lady Annette to walk beside each of them.
“I have thought about your advice,” she heard the Duke say quietly to her brother, though Lady Annette instantly began to chatter away beside Elizabeth, making it difficult for her to hear clearly. “But I struggle to know how I am to show a small interest in a lady when most of them seem to think that I am ill-tempered and poor in spirit!”
Lord Dennington cleared his throat gently, shooting a glance to Elizabeth that she tried to ignore for fear that her brother would make it obvious to the Duke that she knew everything that was being said.
“I suppose that you must do your best to ignore what theymightthink of you and instead, prove that you are not so.”
“And how do I go about that?”
Elizabeth smiled half to herself and half at her brother, though Lady Annette continued to speak, clearly entirely unaware that Elizabeth listened with only half an ear. Her brother seemed to be at something of a loss for he said nothing and lifted his shoulders, no sound advice coming from him.
“Lady Annette,” she said suddenly, interrupting her friend’s long speech which, again, Lady Annette did not seem to mind given the broad smile on her face. “Might I suggest that you walk alongside the Duke for a time? I have something I wish to say to Dennington that is of a somewhat private nature. I am sure that your brother will not mind...”
“No, I should say not!” Lady Annette interjected, though she frowned at Elizabeth as she spoke. “He knows I am here but did not send anyone with me as chaperone.”
“Then I am sure, Your Grace, that you would not mind if Lady Annette walked with you for a few moments? It will only be for a minute or two.”
The Duke’s eyebrows lifted, surprise sparking there. “I – I suppose… no, there is no reason why I should not. Yes, Lady Annette, if you might wish to walk with me so that Miss Jeffries and Lord Dennington can speak privately, then that would be more than acceptable.”
Elizabeth put an encouraging smile on her face as Lady Annette, after a moment’s hesitation, made her way towards the Duke, taking his proffered arm and, thereafter, continuing on their walk towards the gathered crowd. Elizabeth held her steps back for a moment or two before following, seeing her brother looking at her, a heavy frown on his face.
“What is it?”
She glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”
“I mean what it is that you wish to speak to me about in private? What could have possibly come into your mind with such urgency that you had to pull me away from my conversation with the Duke?”
With a small snort, Elizabeth rolled her eyes as her brother’s frown grew heavier. “Dennington, can you not see what I have done?” With her free hand, she gestured to Lady Annette who was now speaking animatedly to the Duke. “The Duke questioned how he was to make a good impression upon thetonif they all think him to be ill tempered and the like, but now, as we approach thebeau monde,they will see him arm in arm with Lady Annettee.”
Understanding cleared the frown from Lord Dennington’s face. “And Lady Annette finds it very easy indeed to converse with anyone.”
“Precisely.” Elizabeth chuckled softly. “Thus, anyone who sees them will see a gentleman arm in arm with a young ladywho isanimatedin her conversation with him and thus, the impression they have of the Duke might begin to change.”
Her brother shook his head, reaching across himself to pat her hand. “My dear sister, you are quite remarkable, I must say.”
Elizabeth smiled back at him. “You are very kind to say so, Dennington.” She lifted one shoulder, watching her brother carefully. “Who knows? It may be that the Duke finds himself quite intrigued by Lady Annette and his pursuit will be brought to a swift but contented close.”
This made Lord Dennington’s brows fall heavily over his eyes, shadows jumping into them almost immediately and Elizabeth could not contain her laughter. Hearing it, her brother scowled, narrowing his eyes at her though Elizabeth only smiled back at him, her answer having already been received through his reaction to her words.
“Then might I suggest, brother, that you yourself show an interest in the lady before she is snatched up by the attentions of another?” Elbowing him lightly, she began to walk a little more quickly now so as to catch up with her friend. “If you truly find her amiable and beautiful, then why do you not call to take tea?”
“Because I am still recovering,” came the brusque reply. “I am an unwell fellow and cannot possibly offer myself as a suitable gentleman when I have not fully recovered.”
“That is nonsense.” Elizabeth paused and turned to face her brother, her gaze sharp. “Lady Annette will not think any less of you for that. Besides which, do you think that regret will make you any better?” When he did not answer, Elizabeth laughed softly and, put one hand to his cheek. “Be wise in this, Dennington. Do not let the moment pass you by, else you may find that it is much too late.”
With a begrudging nod, her brother continued to walk, though a small smile played about his lips thereafter. Elizabeth walked with him in silence, her own thoughts lingering on theconnection between Lady Annette and her brother. Might it be that they could find true happiness?
And if they did, then what would happen to her?
Or might it be that I too will find a suitable match this Season?she thought to herself, her gaze lingering on the Duke and Lady Annette as they walked together.Might it be that I too will marry?
Her heart leapt at the thought but Elizabeth did not allow it to linger, pulling her gaze away from the Duke and letting it go across the crowd once more. Somewhere, mayhap, there was a gentleman that might make her very happy indeed. All she had to do was find him.
Chapter Ten
