Page 11 of A Duchess Mistaken
“Does she not know that you two are already betrothed?” Agnes asked in wonder.
“I do not understand it myself, nor do I wish to. The days leading up to this trip have been absolutely dreadful. If I was not being dragged to the modiste, I was forced to practice song after song on the pianoforte. I believe she thinks that my playing will let the duke fall in love with me. Or at least smitten enough to marry me tomorrow if he could.” Caroline’s eyes followed the footman carrying what Agnes assumed must be Caroline’s last trunk. “At least the dresses are lovely.”
Agnes dissolved into a fit of giggles at that last comment. “One would think you did not really mind being dragged to the modiste.”
“Having to go in order to impress a gentleman is one thing,” Caroline explained, joining in with the laughter. “Having an assortment of lovely dresses at my disposal is another thing entirely.”
This was perfect, Agnes thought as they continued joking about all the ways Lady Reeds expected Caroline to impress the duke. This visit did not feel complete without her friend here and now that she was, Agnes felt as if everything was right in the world again.
They chatted incessantly about all manners of things, the time getting away from them. Neither one of them realized just how much time had passed until Mrs. Adams returned to inform them that luncheon had been served.
Agnes went to her room to change, donning a light blue dress, and met Caroline in the hallway. Her friend had changed as well, in a similarly styled dress, though it was greenish blue instead.
Arm in arm, they made their way down to the dining room. The moment they entered the room, with everyone but the dowager duchess and Lord Christopher present, the conversation stalled.
Agnes ignored the duke. She knew that he must be looking at Caroline. She was lovely, after all. She wouldn’t be surprised if he no longer paid her any mind now that she was here.
But she couldn’t ignore him for long. As she claimed the chair next to her brother, she let herself glance up at him for a brief moment. A breath hitched in her throat when she saw that he was staring at her instead.
The moment their eyes met, he blinked rapidly and looked away, paying keen attention to his meal. It left Agnes staring at him in utter awe. Surely that wasn’t a hint of a blush on his cheeks?
“Sit up straighter!”
The soft hiss drew Agnes’ attention away from the duke to Lord Reeds on the other side of the table. He was glaring at Caroline who withered under his eyes. Agnes felt a rush of anger at the sight.
She contemplated coming to Caroline’s defense but was saved from making such a decision when another person entered theroom. Lord Christopher seemed far more alive now, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
“Forgive my tardiness, everyone. I have just woken from my nap and find myself in much better spirits than this morning. Mother sends her apologies as she has found herself rather lightheaded and took to her bed.”
He claimed the chair next to his brother and introduced himself to the newcomer. Agnes admired the tousled look of his hair. Yet she couldn’t help but think she preferred a more styled look like that of the duke’s…
Oh, for God’s sake.
Lord Christopher was her intended. Lord Christopher was the gentleman she should be trying to get to know, to determine if she truly wanted to be tied to his name. Because of that, she should take care not to let her mind wander to the duke too often.
She couldn’t help but think that might be a difficult feat to accomplish.
CHAPTER 6
Luncheon passed with comfortable conversation. But as it neared to an end, Agnes prepared herself for what would happen afterward. If the duke and his brother were serious about their arrangements, it would only make sense for them to spend some time together after their meal. Perhaps a walk across the meadow near the castle.
His Grace must have heard her thoughts because, as soon as they were all done eating, he said, “Shall we all go for a walk?”
Caroline’s smile came readily to her face. “That sounds lovely, Your Grace. Doesn’t it, Agnes?”
“Only if I am free to tell Lord Christopher all about the book on botany I am reading,” Agnes responded with a huff of laughter. She turned to Lord Christopher, expecting a smile at the very least. But the duke’s brother looked rather bemused.
“Botany?” he asked. “As in flowers?”
Agnes smile grew wan. She shook her head and stood. “Never mind, my lord. Shall we?”
Lord Christopher blinked, then shook his head as if shaking away the confusion.
“We shall act as chaperones,” Lady Reed offered, shooting to her feet.
“Yes, a marvelous idea,” her husband agreed, also standing.
Agnes didn’t bother hiding her look of dismay. She glanced at Caroline but her friend was far more adept at hiding her displeasure at that.
