Page 22 of The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
He wandered closer to the older man, his brow furrowing. Instantly, he realized with whom he shared the space. The resemblance was uncanny.
“Lord Gordon, I presume?” he asked, arching a dark blonde eyebrow. The Viscount was surprised by the recognition.
“Indeed,” Lord Gordon replied, his own brow knitting into a V-shape. “Forgive me but I cannot seem to place you. Albeit I did imbibe more than my limit last eve. Even so, I find it difficult to believe I would have forgotten such a distinguished gentleman.”
Leonard shook his head, a broad smile forming to show a row a dazzling ivory teeth.
“We have not met—at least not to my recollection. I am Leonard, Duke of Pembroke,” he replied. “I had occasion to meet your children last evening. You must be very proud of your brood.”
Several emotions appeared to flash through Lord Gordon’s face but he did settle on stoicism. Leonard wondered what else ventured through the older man’s mind and whether Elizabeth had mentioned him to her father. He was not sure if he rather she did or did not. Leonard could not imagine what the young lady might have said.
“Indeed,” the Viscount murmured. The door to the conservatory opened and the servant entered with Leonard’s tea.
“Breakfast will be served in one hour,” the boy announced. “If you desire something before that, I will bring it forth at your request.”
“Thank you,” Leonard said pleasantly. “I shall wait. Lord Gordon?”
He did not notice the look of surprise either man gave him but the Viscount waved the servant away dismissively without responding. He fixed his eyes back on the Duke with seemingly renewed curiosity.
“I have not been to Pembroke in many years,” Lord Gordon said, reaching to sip his tea. He sat at a small table and indicated for the Duke to do the same.
“But I did know your father briefly. He was a wise and prosperous man. I wish I had better opportunity to spend time in his company.”
“Indeed he was those things,” Leonard agreed, ignoring the pang of wistfulness he felt in his chest. It was not an uncommon feeling he had whenever the late Duke was mentioned and Leonard had come to accept the pain as something which would remain. He decided, instead, to focus his mind on better thoughts.
“I appreciate you saying so, Lord Gordon. Do you have much opportunity to come my way? It would be my great honor to host you and your family should the wind chase you toward me.”
Lord Gordon’s hazel eyes brightened and Leonard was again struck by how many features he shared with his son and Elizabeth. Frances must have taken after her mother in appearance, although Leonard could also see the resemblance to the Viscount in the oldest woman’s face.
“How very generous of you, Duke. I daresay I will entertain your offer quite seriously,” Percival chuckled but there was a knowing tone to his voice as though he suspected Leonard’s invitation was not made idly.
“You should come soon,” Leonard urged. “Autumn in Pembroke is most lovely.”
Understanding lit the Viscount’s eyes and an amused smile broadened his lips. He replaced his cup upon its saucer and leaned forward conspiratorially. Instinctively, Leonard did the same.
“You fancy my daughter, Elizabeth, do you not?” the Viscount asked with unabashed frankness. Leonard feigned a look of surprise, despite the forwardness of the query but he knew he fooled no one with the gesture.
“I fear I do not know Miss Elizabeth well enough to make that assessment,” he fibbed. The mere sound of her name in his ears caused his pulse to race through his veins.
“You are a dashing fellow, Duke, and I do mean that with all the respect due to your title.”
“Thank you, Lord Gordon but I sense there is a caveat to your compliment.”
The Viscount’s smile grew and he nodded.
“I see you also have good wits. Your father was also a sound man. It is unsurprising you share his mind.”
“You need not brace me for bad news with compliments, Lord Gordon. I can sense you are attempting to cushion the blow with your flattery. What is it you wish to say about Miss Elizabeth?”
Lord Gordon did not seem off-put by being brought to the point. If anything, appreciation glittered in his eyes but he did cease with the complimentary speaking and say his mind.
“Elizabeth is not easily taken by charms and sweet words. I fear she is not much like her peers in many ways, oftentimes to my chagrin. Ladies her age are apt to be obsessed with fashion and husbands. My Elizabeth, well, she is much more serious-minded, although one would not know it to look at her.”
“That does not necessarily need to be a bad thing, Lord Gordon. I find women with high minds to be fascinating.”
Leonard tried to think of three such women he had known in his life. The older he got, the more the fairer sex seemed to be like Priscilla—insipid and insufferable. The Viscount scoffed.
“It is easy for an outsider to make that observation but quite another matter when she is one’s daughter. Nevertheless, there is a reason I speak out of school and tell you this.”
