Page 17 of Unmasked By a Captivating Lady
“Thank you,” said the Duke, taking a sandwich and the proffered cup.
There was another awkward silence. Mrs. Nott took a deep breath.
“We are very excited for your ball,” she said, beaming at him. “Tell me, who shall provide the music?”
The Duke looked startled. “I am afraid I have simply no idea at this stage.” He took a deep breath. “I have had some recommendations, and will decide soon I suppose.”
Mrs. Nott nodded uncertainly. “I have heard it is hard to book an orchestra in this season, Your Grace. I would suggest that as the ball is only weeks away, it might be a good idea to secure one.” She gazed at him curiously. “And who else is on your guest list?”
The Duke shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “All of the usual crowd, who come to London for the season,” he said quickly.
There was another moment of strained silence. Ara glanced quickly at her mother. She looked amazed, as if she simply couldn’t fathom how or why the Duke was so disinterested in the arrangements for his own ball.
He is very vague about it, thought Ara, gazing back at him. Especially as the invitation had specified that it was special in some way. She racked her mind, trying to think why.
Then she remembered. Her mother had said that the ball was specifically to meet eligible young ladies.
Her heart plummeted, just a little. The Duke was on the market for a wife and wasn’t being shy about it.
“You want to meet all the young ladies who are in town for the season?” she asked him, gazing at him intently. “I seem to recall that the ball is specifically for that purpose. Are you in the market for a wife, Your Grace?”
“Arabella!” Mrs. Nott turned red. “That is not a polite thing to ask…”
But the Duke simply smiled. “I think that any young gentleman would like to meet the lovely young ladies who are in London for the season, Miss Nott.” His smile widened, and his gaze lingered on hers. “I do not think I am alone in that. Perhaps I am just more direct about what I want… just like you.”
Ara met his gaze. There was a challenging look in his eyes. She felt herself blush.
What on earthwasthis strange connection with this unknown man?
Chapter 9
Ruth almost choked on her tea. Ara gazed at her in concern. Just at that moment, the parlour door opened. They all turned around.
Her father stood there, gazing at them expectantly.
The Duke stood up. Mr. Nott strode up to him, bowing.
“Your Grace,” he said, smiling. “I apologise for my tardiness in coming to meet you. I am Moses Nott, Arabella’s father.” He paused. “I had an important errand, and I have just had word that what I had sent for has arrived.”
Ara gazed at her father in surprise. What on earth was he talking about? He had said that he was going to his club for the day and had expressed no interest in being there to meet the Duke. And what had just arrived?
“It is a pleasure to meet you, sir,” said the Duke, bowing back. “Your house is charming, as are your family.” His eyes slid to Ara. “Especially your daughter.”
Ara blushed furiously again. He was so very forward, in his marked preference for her, despite her bluntness. It seemed that whatever she said, he was charmed by it. It was a mystery. Usually most people were bewildered, if not downright offended, by her frankness.
But her father didn’t seem to notice. He was already looking at Ara. “My dear,” he said, his smile widening. “Pem has arrived, all the way from Dorset. I hope his arrival will quell your homesickness…”
Ara jumped up, running to her father. “Is it true?” she breathed, her eyes shining. “He is here?”
Her father nodded. “It is true, my dear. He has already been taken to the stables.” He turned to the Duke. “Perhaps you might like to see Arabella’s favourite horse, Your Grace?”
The Duke looked surprised but nodded quickly. “Of course, Mr. Nott. I have a great interest in horses…”
“Good,” boomed her father. “It is settled, then. Ara and Ruth can take you to the stables to see him.”
Ara felt like she couldn’t wait even a second longer. She ran to the door, opening it, turning back to look at the others.
“Well?” she said. “Come on! What are you all waiting for?”
