Page 35 of The Duke's Reluctant Muse
“As do I.” Elizabeth smiled gently, her heart soft as she saw just how much Lady Annette truly cared for Dennington. “But you do not need to be concerned. I think that, if he continues on at the estate as he has done here in London – a little less focus on his books and a little more on good company and entertainment – then he will be able to keep them at bay. Though,” she continued, as Lady Annette glanced to her again, “I think that he might need a little more guidance and encouragement to do so.”
Lady Annette nodded. “It is just as well that he has you to do such a thing for him.”
Elizabeth laughed softly but said nothing more, linking her arm through Lady Annette’s and seeing the hint of pink in her friend’s cheeks. There was clearly more between them that was not being said but at this juncture, Elizabeth had no desire to say anything that might speak words that her brother ought to say.
“Miss Jeffries, is it not?”
Turning, Elizabeth’s smile faltered as she came face to face with Lady Ludlow. “Good evening.” She did not say anything more, aware of the tension running through her.
“We were not formally introduced.” Lady Ludlow smiled but there came no brightness into her eyes. “I do hope that you enjoyed the dance with the Duke of Nottingham?”
Elizabeth lifted her chin just a little. “Indeed, I did.”
“I should warn you about him, however.” Lady Ludlow came a little closer, her voice dropping just a little. “The Duke of Nottingham is a gentleman that is entirely unscrupulous. He did, I am afraid to say, seek out a connection with me – and I am a married lady! When he became a little forceful, myloyalbrother in law was forced to step in.”
“Is that so?” Elizabeth let her voice drip with ice, her lip curling.
“Yes, it is.” Lady Ludlow’s expression was one of mild surprise, perhaps having expected Elizabeth to trust her every word. “I am only doing my best to protect you.”
Elizabeth turned way, biting back her first response. “I have no interest in being protected.”
“No?”
She looked back at the lady. “No. I have already heard the truth from the Duke of Nottingham and it ishethat I shall trust.”
This made Lady Ludlow’s face alter in an instant. Instead of the slightly wide eyes and the gently pouting lips, there came a dark frown, a narrowing of her eyes and a tight slash for her mouth.
“The Duke has already requested that you stay far from him,” Elizabeth continued, keeping her voice quiet but her eyes fixed to Lady Ludlow. “I think that I shall request the same. Good evening, Lady Ludlow.”
“Just a moment.” Lady Ludlow put one hand on Elizabeth’s arm, pulling her back and Elizabeth’s heart slammed hard in herchest. She dared not make a scene in front of the other guests but all the same, she did not want Lady Ludlow to think she would listen to her any longer. Tugging her hand arm away, she made to turn around again, only for Lady Ludlow to speak.
“If you have listened to the Duke, then you know that I am more than able to injure anyone I please and in any way I choose, all while society looks the other way.”
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped. “I beg your pardon?”
“Stay away from the Duke.” Lady Ludlow’s eyes sharpened. “He deserves no happiness, no contentment. Stay back from him, Miss Jeffries. That means you shall not dance with him, you shall not speak with him, you shall not...”
“I shall do whatever I please!” Elizabeth replied, interrupting the lady as her heart pounded furiously. “You have no right to demand any such thing from me. I know what you have done. I will not let you injure the Duke again.”
Lady Ludlow’s lip curled. “If you do not do as I ask, then you will be caught up in the difficulties that shallsoonfollow after the Duke. I have warned you, Miss Jeffries. That is all that I can do.”
Elizabeth swallowed hard, saying nothing but holding Lady Ludlow’s gaze for a long moment. She turned quickly, Lady Annette quickly taking her arm as they made their way out of the drawing room directly and into the hallway instead. Neither Elizabeth nor Lady Annette said anything for some minutes, though Elizabeth was aware that her friend had heard everything Lady Ludlow had said.
“What shall you do?”
Glancing at her friend, Elizabeth put one hand to her forehead for a moment, a sense of fear beginning to creep over her. “I must speak to the Duke.”
“And warn him?” Lady Annette’s eyes rounded. “But what if you do so and all that Lady Ludlow has said comes to pass?What if you too are caught up in some of her dark intentions and utterly ruined?”
Elizabeth shook her head, her intentions already determined. “It does not matter. I must tell him what has happened. He must be warned.” Her chin lifted. “I will not be afraid of her or what she has threatened. All that matters is the Duke.”
Chapter Eighteen
Jonathan sipped at his brandy, his eyes searching through the other guests, fully aware of who it was that he was looking for. Ever since his attempt to speak to Lord Dennington about his interest in Miss Jeffries, his feelings had only grown and he could not deny them. He had no interest in pursuing anyone else, no desire to be in the company of another. All he wanted was Miss Jeffries, to be near her, to have her close to him, to engage in conversation and laughter… and to develop an intimacy that only such a connection could bring.
The soiree was a pleasant one, of course, with guests in the library, music room, parlor and drawing room but despite his search, as yet, he had not been able to find her.
His lip curled suddenly as he caught sight of Lady Ludlow passing through from one room to the other. Stepping back into the shadows a little more, he scowled darkly, aware that the only person who might make him feel a little less than delighted this evening would be her. He had made it quite clear that he had no interest in her company and yet, he feared that she would push back at him nonetheless. Quite what she intended to do in order to bring him shame or discomfort, he did not know but there was certainly a wariness about him when it came to the lady.
