Page 8 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
Julian’s jaw dropped. ‘I was jesting.’
‘I called your bluff.’
‘Er… I don’t actually know her.’
Xavier gave him the look. The one designed to shrivel a lesser mortal to a shivering jelly.
Julian grinned. ‘You win.’
Disappointed, Xavier turned away. Disappointed? How could that be? She was the last person in the room he wanted to meet.
He glanced around the room and found Lady Cowper standing with a group of older ladies near the orchestra. Neatly dressed in the latest fashion and her hair artfully arranged, as a Patroness, she was a model for what the young unmarried ladies in the room ought to aspire to become. He caught her eye. She had said she had one more prospect for him. He might as well meet them all and get it over with. Then he could leave.
She trotted to his side. ‘What did you think of Miss Simon?’
‘As you described.’
Perfectly adequate.
It didn’t matter if she wasn’t perfect as long she hadall most important attribute. A nice biddable nature. Why not give up the search and make do?
‘Oh, I am so glad.’ Lady Cowper fluttered her fan. ‘I am so sorry. I thought there was one other young lady I would present to you this evening, but it turns out…’ She coloured. ‘She is not quite what I expected.’
His palms tingled. His heart picked up speed. He knew exactly what she was going to say next. It was like a sixth sense.
‘You mean the Countess?’
Embarrassment shone in Lady Cowper’s gaze, and she grimaced slightly. ‘I had no idea. Lenore Lowell completely misled me about the girl. And to think she made me promise to introduce you. So awkward. Naturally, I shall not. I am sure there will be other, more suitable girls in the weeks to come. It is early in the Season.’
Briefly, he held up a hand. ‘My dear Lady Cowper. Do not cause yourself anxiety. You have been more than helpful, and if it will ease your burden, I will meet the Countess.’
He could not believe he had said those words.
Lady Cowper’s jaw dropped. She stared at him. ‘Meet her? I mean, I should…’ she spluttered into silence. Gathered herself. ‘You are teasing me.’
Despite his inner turmoil he kept his smile calm. ‘Not at all. I should be delighted to be of assistance, if it will save you embarrassment.’ More than delighted. His blood was humming with anticipation.
Damn it all. What he needed todo was give this woman, this countess, a set-down and send her back to whence she came.
‘Very well,’ Lady Cowper said with the air of one about to escort him to the gallows.
He tucked her hand beneath his arm. ‘Take courage, my dear. I am certain she cannot be nearly so bad as she looks.’
Lady Cowper tittered. ‘Do not be so sure.’
Aunt Lenore’s eyes widened.
What now?
Barbara lifted her chin and turned her head slightly to see what could have made her aunt look so surprised.
Aunt Lenore twitched at Barbara’s glove above her elbow. ‘Don’t look, but I think… Lady Cowper.’
One of the patronesses.
‘Oh. Is she coming our way?’
Aunt Lenore had pointed her out as the only Lady Patroness present this evening. And when Barbara had suggested they go introduce themselves, her aunt had flatly refused. Far too dangerous given the red gown.
