Page 85 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
‘I am sorry to hear it. You do not deserve to be left with his debts.’
‘My brother was a fool when it came to money.’
‘Not a complete fool. He did have his claim to his estates upheld and a bit more besides.’ Her father had seen to it as part of the marriage settlement.
‘As was right and just,’ Charles said with a little more acid in his voice than gratitude.
She stared at him in surprise. ‘I gather it was no easy matter.’
He smiled. ‘Naturally the family is grateful for your father’s assistance inthatregard.’
His gaze rested on her necklace for a moment then flickered away, but there had been a possessive look in his eye that made her want to hide it from his view.
‘What are you two in a huddle about?’ Pettigrew asked, joining them. ‘Countess, if he is asking you to wager against Lucky Chance at Newmarket tomorrow, do not do it.’
Charles laughed. It sounded a little forced to Barbara’s ears. ‘Would I do such a thing? The horse is the favourite to win.’
‘One of the Duke’s horses? If it is anything like Lucky Lady, it will be as fast as the wind. I would certainly not bet against it.’
‘You have seen Lucky Lady?’ Charles asked.
‘Yes. I visited the Duke’s stables. They are not far from town.’
Charles was looking at her curiously. ‘I did not know you were interested in racing?’
‘I am not. Not really. But I like to ride.’ She grinned at him. ‘I had never ridden a racehorse before.’
‘You minx,’ Charles said, grinning back. ‘Why am I not surprised?’
Julian stared at her. ‘Xavier let you ride Lucky Lady? How extraordinary.’
Was he giving her the lie? ‘I assure you he did. Why don’t you ask him?’
Julian shook his head. ‘Oh, I believe you, Countess.’ But there was an odd expression on his face.
She had no time to question him further as the next play was about to begin.
Charles surreptitiously squeezed her hand and whispered as he bowed. ‘I will call on you tomorrow.’ In a louder voice he said, ‘I must return to my box or my friends will think I have deserted them.’
She glanced over at the box where she had seen him earlier. The young woman had her opera glasses trained on him. ‘That would be rude, indeed.’
And it seemed that her aunt was correct. Charles needed a rich wife.
What a shame that Helmut had been so feckless.
She returned to her seat. Derbridge did not return to his. It seemed he had exchanged seats with his friend Pettigrew. He was now seated between the other two ladies, leaning forward, whispering in their ears, eliciting giggles.
She wished him well of the gigglers.
No. That was beneath her. He was simply doing his duty as a good host. Wasn’t he?
And why would she care? Their relationship was nothing but a fling. After all, the man still had to find a suitable bride.
A strange hollowness filled her chest. A painful ache. A wish that she had met him when she had been young and innocent.
Good heavens! Next she’d be wishing to marry the man. And as she knew to her cost, once a woman married, she became the property of her husband. She was never going to letthat happen again.
While they waited for the curtain to rise, she turned to Pettigrew with a smile.
