Page 14 of The Duke and his Hellion
Abigail's heart raced, a flush of excitement and anticipation coloring her cheeks as she read and reread the brief missive. Tomorrow. He would be here tomorrow, ready to guide her through the treacherous waters of thetononce more.
CHAPTER9
Abigail awoke early the next morning, her heart racing with anticipation as she remembered what the day held in store. Today was the day of her next lesson with the Duke of Grouton, the day she would continue her education in the ways of theton.
As Prudence laced her into the gown and pinned her hair into an elegant braid, Abigail could not help but feel a thrill of excitement.
“I hope this dress is the right color,” she muttered absently, looking up at Prudence, her brow contorted in worry. “Do… do you think it is too bright?”
“No, my lady,” Prudence insisted kindly. “It suits you beautifully.”
“Thank you, Prudence,” she muttered as the maid pinned her hair into a braid. Once done, she was quick to make her way downstairs to the drawing room, where Harriet was already seated. A book was open in her lap and a cup of tea was steaming beside her. One of her hands rested on her heavy stomach.
At the sight of Abigail's flushed cheeks and bright eyes, Harriet raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing about her lips.
“Well, someone's looking rather fetching this morning,” she teased, setting her book aside and gesturing for Abigail to join her. “I take it you're eager for your lesson with the duke today?”
Abigail blushed, ducking her head as she settled herself onto the sofa beside her sister-in-law. “Is itthatobvious?” she asked hesitantly, smoothing her skirts with nervous hands.
Harriet chuckled, reaching out to give Abigail's hand a reassuring squeeze. “Perhaps it is merely because Iknowhow eager you are to be one of theton,” she said softly and Abigail sighed.
A soft knock interrupted Abigail's chance to respond and a footman entered.
“His Grace, the Duke of Grouton has arrived, Your Grace, Lady Abigail.”
Abigail jumped eagerly and it was only Harriet's soft touch to her wrist that prevented her from rushing out of the drawing room eagerly. Instead, she waited for Harriet to stand as well, but before they could leave the drawing room, Charles's lean figure came around the corner.
Abigail watched as he entered the drawing room and her heart raced. His hat was missing and his dark hair fell over his forehead in a way that made him seem slightly more human in a most endearing manner.
“Lady Abigail, Your Grace,” he said, bowing low over their outstretched hands. “Thank you for receiving me this morning. Forgive me for being bold enough to meet you here. “
Abigail felt a flutter of nerves in her belly, and she lowered her head with a small smile. “Thank you for coming, Your Grace,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I am eager to continue our lessons.”
Charles's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he straightened to his full height. “As am I, my lady. Shall we adjourn to the park for a turnabout the grounds? It's a lovely day for a promenade.”
Abigail looked at Harriet who nodded. Then, with a small smile playing about her lips as she took his proffered arm. With a final, reassuring glance at Harriet, she allowed Charles to lead her out into the sunlit gardens, the gravel crunching beneath their feet as they made their way towards the park, Harriet following shortly behind.
For a long moment, they walked in silence, the only sound the distant twittering of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Abigail could feel the weight of Charles's gaze upon her, could sense the unspoken questions and curiosities that hung in the air between them.
“People are staring,” she whispered and Charles looked around too. He lifted a brow and gestured to another woman.
“Just look at that ugly dress,” he remarked with a tinge of humor in his voice and Abigail giggled before shaking her head.
“You are terribly cruel,” she remarked with a soft laugh.
“Me?” Charles retorted with a quick laugh. “No, my dear lady, she is the cruel one to assault our eyes with that hideous dress.”
Abigail let out a soft, unsure laugh at this and Charles looked down at her with a lopsided grin.
“That must be why people are staring at you — look at how lovely you are in comparison.”
Abigail glanced at the woman he'd mentioned, and despite herself, a grin appeared on her lips. “It is an awful dress, is it not?” she admitted at last and Charles nodded quickly.
“It looks as though she fell into a bird cage with all those ruffles and feathers. I definitely prefer your dress — it is far more beautiful and suited to a promenade.”
He sounded proud of her, and Abigail straightened her back a little. “Thank you,” she said simply and Charles grinned down at her. “So? You no longer care about the staring people, do you?”
Abigail could only shrug, though she could not deny the truth of his statement.
