Page 13 of Must Love Dukes
The crowd in the drawing room parted, revealing a broad pair of shoulders, now in a coat of emerald green. He was speaking to Lady Fabel’s daughter.
Lucia? Letitia?Muriel couldn’t recall her name, only that Fabel’s daughter was beautiful, sought after, and, at the moment, drawing her slender fingers over Buxton’s coat. The only saving grace was that despite—her brain stuttered out the girl’s name—Lady Laviniaand her charms, Buxton appeared bored.
Two young ladies, both garbed in shades of pale green, circled about Buxton as if deciding how best to take down Lady Lavinia’s hold on him. A handful of other girls stood a short distance away, whispering behind their fans as they took him in.
Good lord, he wasn’t exaggerating.
Here was the solution to her problem. Buxton. He had implied he would offer assistance should she require it.
I most certainly do.
And in return—Muriel straightened her shoulders, nearly bumping into a servant carrying a tray behind her—she would offer him aid as well. After all, if he were playing the part of her besotted suitor, the other ladies would perceive his interest in Muriel and stop stalking him. A fair trade. She must only convince Buxton that such a pretense would benefit them both. Assure him that she only wished to avoid Todson and nothing more.
Buxton would help her. She hoped.
Todson turned to address her parents, laughing and braying like some insane donkey. He’d moved closer to her, brushing her skirts with his leg.
“Please excuse me,” Muriel said abruptly, interrupting Todson. She must approach Buxton now before her courage waned. “But I’ve just caught sight of…” The words trailed off, intentionally on her part, with a sigh of adoration.
“Muriel,” Nora said under her breath.
Ignoring her stepmother, Muriel made her way through the crowd, keeping her gaze focused on that arrogant head of deep auburn as she slid between the other guests.
I won’t allow him to refuse me.
Curious looks, a soft gasp or two, greeted Muriel as she boldly walked directly to Buxton’s side. Her hand wrapped gently around his elbow. “Goodness,” she said, shooting him a pointed look. “I’ve found you.”
“So you have.” His eyes widened only slightly at her appearance, as if he’d been expecting her. “Did you think I’d gone missing?”
Lady Lavinia looked between the two of them with shock. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with Miss Bell.”
“Apologies for my interruption,” Muriel said with a soft laugh. “But I fear I must steal Buxton away. It is a matter of some urgency.”
Buxton regarded her with no small amount of amusement. “A matter of urgency? I can’t imagine, Miss Bell. Excuse me, Lady Lavinia, but it seems I’m needed elsewhere.”
“But—” Lady Lavinia stammered.
“We shouldn’t delay, Buxton,” Muriel discreetly kicked his foot with her own.
“I suppose not.” He placed his palm over Muriel’s hand with a grin. “My lady,” he said to Lady Lavinia. “Please excuse me.”
Muriel tugged at his arm, leading Buxton slowly in the direction of Todson and her parents. “I’m sorry for interrupting your discourse with Lady Lavinia.” She bit her lip. “I know we are only briefly acquainted, but I am facing somewhat dire circumstances.”
“I see. Now I’m intrigued, Miss Bell.”
“I require your aid, as it happens. A favor. One that I believe will be mutually beneficial.”
“Oh, that is the best kind, Miss Bell.” That curious green gaze trailed over her once more.
Muriel tried to formulate her argument, which was difficult when Buxton smelled of cedar and spice.
He is a means to an end, albeit a wholly attractive one.
“You did not exaggerate your appeal. Even I can see as much. I have never seen such a swirling of skirts around a gentleman. You are quite popular.”
“Unfortunately,” Buxton sighed. “I believe there was a queue forming behind Lavinia.”
“Yes, well, exactly.” She cleared her throat, trying to focus when her entire form was vibrating with his warmth seeping into her skin. “You might have mentioned you’d be attending the house party. I’m not sure why you didn’t tell me.” She paused. “However, I find your presence nothing short of fortuitous. I did not want to approach Mr. Epcot. I need help in dissuadingLord Todson, whom my parents have selected as a potential husband.”
