Page 49 of A Duchess Mistaken
That familiar pinch of guilt assaulted Johnathan even as he said, “It is not uncommon for marriages to take advantage of a lady’s dowry.”
“Yes but for a duke and the duke’s brother, one would expect them to put said dowry in trust for their wives and children, rather than paying shameful debts left behind by their father.”
“Enough, Christopher. What happened has already been done and there is nothing we can do about it now.”
Christopher drew in a deep breath, letting it out through his nose. “You’re right. There is no use lamenting about it now. It is a decision I have already decided to take.”
Johnathan cast a pitying look his brother’s way. “Perhaps not a decision that needs to be taken in the end.”
“What do you mean?”
Johnathan was saved from having to respond by the arrival of the earl and countess. At that, Agnes turned, finally gracing Johnathan with a view of her face.
She’d looked lovely earlier this morning, as she always did. How was it that in a matter of hours, she managed to look even more radiant? She seemed to glow under the shaft of sunlight beaming through the windowpane. She was unaware of his perusal and her lowered guard only made her far more endearing.
He’d been meaning to ask her about her sudden departure this morning. All throughout breakfast, the question plagued him. He’d only jumped at the chance to take a stroll with them just to share in her company, after all. So what had possessed her to leave in the end?
He would have asked had he not still been ashamed by all that he’d said last night. It was the only thing he could think of when he looked at her.
As if she felt the weight of his gaze, her eyes shifted to him. Johnathan felt his heart trip over itself and he quickly looked away, cursing himself a second later for being so foolish. She’d clearly seen him looking and now she would think him a dolt for fearing eye contact. Agnes Parsons was not the kind of lady who would grow affection for a weak man, after all. Johnathan didn’t think himself to be one and yet he found himself faltering and fumbling when under her scrutiny.
“Shall we depart then?” Lord Sutton asked, coming to a stand. He guided his wife to her feet as well, as if she could not possibly stand on her own without his helping hand. “We do not want the day to get away from us.”
“Yes, let us,” Johnathan agreed and took the lead. It was a welcoming distraction from the pair of brown eyes boring into him.
He led the way out the drawing room out and out onto the courtyard where two carriages were already waiting. Before he could say a word, Agnes swept up to his side, carrying with herthe enticing smell of her perfume. It was all he could focus on for a moment.
“Shall we ride together, Your Grace?” she asked. “There were a few things I wanted to ask you about your travels.”
“I’m sure those questions can wait until we have arrived at our destination,” Lady Reeds poked in with a false smile on her teeth.
Johnathan knew what Agnes was trying to do. But he could admit to himself that his next words had less to do with her motivations than they had to with his. “On the contrary, my lady, I do think it would be a fine time for Miss Agnes to voice such questions so that the rest of our morning can be dedicated to the group activities.”
“It would not do for two unmarried ladies to ride with two unmarried gentlemen,” Lady Sutton pointed out. “Betrothed or not.”
“I do not see the problem, Mother,” Agnes stated simply. “You and Father should ride with Caroline, Christopher and Paul.”
Lady Sutton seemed surprised by that. Johnathan was as well. He thought Agnes would have much preferred the company of her parents to that of Lord and Lady Reeds.
“Come now,” she quickly went on. “Any more time deliberating our seating arrangements and night will begin falling.”
“What an exaggeration,” Lady Sutton commented.
“I believe she learned it from you,” Lord Sutton murmured.
“Are you certain, Agnes?” Caroline spoke up, her own uncertainty with what was about to happen apparent. She glanced anxiously at her uncle. “Perhaps it would be best if?—”
“There’s no need to worry, Caroline,” Agnes assured her. “Lord Christopher has assured me that it is not a long trip to the village so it really does not matter who rides with whom, does it?”
“I pointedly disagree with you,” said Lord Reeds, his disapproval clear in the scowl he wore. “We shall ride with Lord Christopher and Caroline.”
“What was that, my lord?” Agnes asked as she turned away. She caught Johnathan by the arm, her sudden touch sending a thrill through his body. “I cannot hear you. Perhaps you could repeat it when we are in the carriage.”
“Oh dear,” Lady Sutton sighed. Johnathan could have sworn he heard humor in her voice. “Then we should make haste to our carriage, shouldn’t we, Caroline?”
“Am I the only one who does not understand what is happening?” Mr. Parsons spoke up, markedly bemused.
Johnathan didn’t get to hear anything more. Agnes pulled him all the way to the carriage, putting enough distance betweenthem and the others, which allowed him to ask, “Why would you want to ride with Lord and Lady Reeds and not your parents? I thought you were not fond of them.”
