Page 7 of Must Love Dukes
He cocked his head, as if waiting to see her reaction to his name.
“How lovely for you. A pleasure, Lord Buxton,” she said politely, the name unfamiliar. Muriel had never heard of a Buxton, lord or otherwise. Nora might recall the name, given she’d memorizedDebrett’s Peerage, but Muriel had little interest in such things.
“How lovely for—” Buxton made a choked sound. “I see my reputation precedes me, Miss Bell.”
“Not nearly enough, I fear. I do apologize, sir. The name is not one I know. Sorry to disappoint.”
“Not at all, Miss Bell. I appreciate your candor. I’ve enjoyed our conversation. I hope to continue it at another time. If for no other reason than that I feel I should become more educated on Arcimboldo.”
Warmth bathed Muriel’s body at his regard. Her heart fluttered gently in her chest. That was rather nice of him. No one ever wanted to know anything at all about Arcimboldo. The air grew thick between them, and for one fleeting moment, Muriel thought Buxton might kiss her.
“Muriel.” Nora’s strident tone broke the spell. “Are you in here?”
Oh, dear.
“Good day to you, Lord Buxton. Perhaps we’ll see each other in London.”
“Perhaps.” A smile, so brilliant it caused Muriel’s knees to buckle, crossed his lips. “And should I see you, Miss Bell, I will happily dissuade any unwanted suitors.”
“You may be too late for that.” She tried to sound brave. Then she spun about and hurried away from the taproom, her heart beating like a drum in her chest. Wondering if she would ever see Lord Buxton again.
2
“There you are.” Nora made a tsking sound. “I told your father you were likely wandering about, sketchpad or not. Now, come along. We’re already late. Lord Todson is expecting…” Nora’s lips immediately pinched.
Lord Todson.
“Who is Lord Todson, Mother Nora?”
Her stepmother cleared her throat and kept moving forward, eyes averted from Nora. “A friend of your fathers who will be in attendance at the house party. He’s asked to meet you.”
“Why?” Muriel stopped, not allowing Nora to pull her any farther. “Why would Lord Todson ask to meet me? I’ve never even heard his name before.”
Nora tried to tug her along, but Muriel refused to be moved.
“Fine.” Her stepmother turned to face her. “I did not wish to have this conversation in the courtyard of a coaching inn, but you’ve forced my hand. Your father and I agree—Todson is a good choice.” Nora sputtered. “Now, come along.”
“A good choice,” Muriel whispered as she followed. “Please tell me you didn’t.” Nora and Father had arranged…a match for her. That was what this entire house party was about. She shouldhave known. Pausing before the coach, she wondered how far she would get if she just sprinted into the trees.
Not far. You don’t run well. You’d trip over your skirts. The end result would be the same.
“Todson will make you a good husband, won’t he Lord Allred?” Nora said to Father as she climbed into the coach. “The two of you will suit admirably.”
“We will suitadmirably? I don’t even know Todson.”
“Yes, but youwill. Over the course of the house party. He was generous enough to ask Savorton to extend an invitation to us. Which we’ve obviously accepted.”
“Don’t be difficult, Muriel,” Father sighed.
“Difficult?” Her voice raised an octave. “You want to wed me to a man I haven’t even met.”
“I’m sorry, Muriel. But you left us little choice. I’ve presented you with dozens of suitors.”
“Not dozens,” she objected, feeling quite ill.
Father rapped on the roof of the coach, signaling the driver to start for the Savorton estate and her already decided future. “I gave you plenty of time to settle on a young man of your choice, which you refused to do.”
“How do you know? You were too busy forcing Habersham on me.”
