Page 4 of The Scottish Duke Tames the Bluestocking
It was rather unlike Caroline to engage in frivolous gossip, but she took Harriet by the arm and glanced around furtively in an attempt to ensure that no one was listening to them.
“He is rather strange,” she admitted with a low voice, “but I know Benedict has nothing but respect for him. He always speaks of him rather highly.”
Though she had made it rather clear that she was not at all impressed by the man, Harriet could not hide her curiosity. “I have never seen him,” she said simply and Caroline laughed softly.
“He lives in the countryside,” she explained. “And he rarely comes up to London for the Season. In fact, when he comes to the city it is usually for business and never for long. Him being here is going to be the talk of theton.”
At this, Harriet merely huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Well,” she let out with a frown, “I do not understand why people make such a fuss over him. I find him rather obnoxious - and very rude.”
“Rude?” This description seemed to surprise Caroline as she lifted a brow. “I must admit, I know him to be quite reserved... but I have never found him rude.”
“Oh!” Harriet exclaimed, her face turning red. “He is rude indeed - greatly so. And... tall.”
This seemed to amuse Caroline even more as she let out an amused laugh. “Tall?”
“Yes,” Harriet insisted, though the blush on her cheeks was proof thereof that she was quite embarrassed herself by this utterance.
“He is... a presence that one cannot escape,” she attempted to explain and Caroline flashed a knowing smile at this.
“I know what you mean,” she claimed with a grin. “He is... one of a kind.”
“Exactly,” Harriet agreed - though by the look on her face, it was rather clear that she was not nearly as impressed with the man as her friend seemed to be.
“He is infuriating,” she said firmly, though a smile appeared on her face. “But enough about that man. The real problem is my brother.”
Caroline sighed and looked at Harriet sympathetically. “Is William as eager as ever to have you married off?”
Harriet nodded. “More so than ever, I’m afraid. I do have an idea though,” she continued, her voice now a mere whisper.
Caroline’s face was a mask of concern as she looked at Harriet. “You do?”
The hesitance in the young duchess’s voice was palpable, but if Harriet noticed it, she did not seem to pay it much mind.
“I will be the perfect lady,” she insisted, though the grin told a different tale indeed. Caroline narrowed her eyes as she looked at her friend.
“Why do I have the feeling that you are planning something?” she asked, a hint of amusement evident in her tone. Harriet laughed at this and looped her arm through Caroline’s.
“What on earth gives you that idea?” she teased. “My ridiculous brother wants me to attract the attention of the men in theton... and that is what I will do.”
A charming, albeit false, giggle left her lips and she swirled in the most charming manner - her dress swinging around her as she did so.
As though she had cast a spell with the combination of the coquettish laugh and the movement, a stocky gentleman with a thin mustache approached at once, his eyes gleaming with delight. He nodded formally at Caroline before turning his attention to Harriet.
“My Lady... I am George Harrington, Baron of Elsbury. And I would love for you to do me the honor of dancing with me.”
Harriet pressed a hand to her heart in an exaggerated motion.
She glanced at Caroline furtively before batting her lashes at the young baron, another giggle escaping her lips.
“I’d be delighted to, my lord,” she said falsely before taking his hand and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Harriet shot Caroline a smile as she allowed the young baron to place a hand on her waist and lead her into the dance.
“I must admit,” the man spoke as they moved around the dance floor, “This has turned out to be quite a delightful evening indeed.
Now, Harriet knew, was the time and she let out an airy laugh. “Oh indeed,” she said in a high-pitched tone. “And the night is still young. Though I do hope the cows are being properly tended to back at your estate.”
The baron’s brow furrowed in confusion. “The... I beg your pardon?”
