Page 12 of Unmasked By a Captivating Lady
Suddenly, a fierce blush suffused her face. She felt the colour rise up, making her glow. She simply did not know how to respond to him.
He kept gazing at her steadily. She felt another thrill of sensation go through her. He was so very handsome, and he was easy to talk to as well. She was surprised to admit to herself that she thought she actually liked him.
And it seemed that he liked her, too, by the way he was gazing at her so intently.
But if she agreed, he might get the impression that she was on the lookout for a husband. That was how it usually worked in her world, after all. All young ladies were supposed to be on the market for a husband. And she didn’t want to encourage him in that way, at all. It could get very awkward indeed.
Suddenly, the front door burst open. Her mother stood there, gaping at her, blinking so rapidly she looked like she had something in both eyes.
“Arabella!” she gasped eventually, turning pink.
Her gaze swept over the stranger, still standing there. Mama’s mouth dropped open in disbelief.
“What are you doing?” she breathed, walking quickly down the steps towards them. “Where on earth have you been…?”
“Just walking, Mama,” said Ara, in a small voice.
“Walking?Walking?”Her mother turned pinker. “It is not seemly to be walking the streets of London, and you snuck out, without telling anyone!” Her eyes grew fierce, turning to the man. “And who isthis?It iscertainlynot seemly to be walking alongside a complete stranger, and a man to boot!”
The man drew himself up to his full height, gazing at her. “I am sorry, madam. I should have introduced myself immediately to waylay your fears.” He paused. “I am Lord Andrew Comerford, the Duke of Lancaster.”
The effect of his words couldn’t have been more dramatic. Mrs. Nott gazed at him as if Jesus himself had suddenly walked into their midst.
“Your Grace,” she gasped, her eyes wide. “It is my pleasure!” She hesitated for a moment, groping for words. “We have received your kind invitation to your ball. We are so very eager to attend it!”
Ara glanced quickly at the man.Hewas the duke whose ball had gotten her mother into such a state? She vaguely remembered now that Mama had rattled off the duke’s name, but she had not been interested at all, and could never remember titles and such things anyway. It never impressed her how high up someone was.
But it obviously was impressing her mother. It was impressing her very much indeed.
The Duke bowed slightly, acknowledging her words. “Indeed, madam. I am looking forward to it myself.”
Mrs. Nott preened a little. “I am sure it will be the event of the season, Your Grace!” She hesitated, staring up at him. “Thank yousomuch for escorting Arabella home. We are so very grateful. Could we show that gratitude by extending you an invitation to afternoon tea, tomorrow?”
Ara glanced at the Duke, a little embarrassed by her mother’s obvious fawning attitude. Only a moment ago, she had been demanding to know who he was in an angry way, but as soon as she had discovered his identity, she had backtracked hastily. And now she was inviting him to tea, no less.
She waited for his response, a little anxiously. As much as she didn’t want to give him the impression that she was husband hunting, she wanted to see him again as well. What would he do? He had already asked if he could call on her. But her mother’s over the top enthusiasm was a little off putting, to say the least. Would he think that by accepting her invitation she would assume he was courting her daughter?
Ara’s blush deepened. It was so embarrassing. She gazed off down the street, suddenly wishing fervently that she was indoors, now.
He seemed surprised but recovered quickly.
“Madam,” he said, bowing. “It would be my pleasure. At what time do you have tea?”
“Three o’ clock,” replied her mother quickly. “We shall have everything ready by three, Your Grace! We are honoured.”
He bowed again, hesitating, staring down at Ara.
“Well,” he said slowly. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Nott. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon.” He turned to the older lady. “A pleasure to meet you, too, Mrs. Nott.”
“The pleasure is all ours, Your Grace,” breathed Mama, her eyes shining.
“Tomorrow afternoon, then,” he said, turning away. “Farewell.”
Ara gazed at him. Suddenly, her mother dropped into a curtsey. Awkwardly, she did the same. It seemed somehow strange, after their intimate conversation. She had even forgotten that hewasa duke, when they had been strolling together.
She watched him walk back down the street, shaking her head slightly in amazement.Whathad just happened? She had gone for a walk, without permission, and now a duke, no less, was coming to tea at their house.
A handsome duke,she thought, another shiver of sensation going through her.A very handsome duke, indeed.
