Page 10 of Must Love Dukes
Thenothing morebothered Hugh.
“I worried you might not come,” she said. “I—” Lavinia stopped abruptly when a loud braying sound filled the air behind her. Her tiny nose wrinkled in annoyance.
“That’s rather terrible,” Hugh said. “I wasn’t aware Savorton was inviting donkeys to his house parties.”
“Indeed. Unfortunately, Your Grace, I doubt it will be the last time you hear such a thing. Lord Todson is quite enthusiastic in his jests.”
“Todson? I thought he died.”
The braying sounded once more, and Lavinia visibly winced. “No, Your Grace. That was his older brother, along with his recently acquired young bride. Carriage accident.”
Hugh leaned to the side and took in the older well-dressed gentleman behind her. “That’s terrible. No heir, I take it.”
“Five daughters,” Lavinia answered.
She was better than the newspapers when it came to gossip. And entirely far too sophisticated for an unwed young lady. At times he pitied Lord Fabel.
Todson angled his body as he spoke, eyes roaming discreetly about the room and settling on Lavinia’s posterior. He studied her for some moments before moving to an older woman and her daring decolletage. “A reformed rake on the hunt for a wife.”
“Hardly reformed, Your Grace. I’m sure he had hopes his brother’s new wife would produce a son so he could continue his pursuits, but now that he’s inherited, he’ll be forced to wed. Not that he plans to give up his lifestyle.”
Hugh watched as Todson turned to yet another young lady who’d entered the fray. “I don’t doubt it.”
“I do pity the girl he’s chosen,” Lavinia said lightly. “The only thing she will look forward to in her marriage is Todson’s death.”
“My lady…” Hugh put a hand to his heart. “That is most unkind.”
Lavinia was something of a mercenary.
“But entirely true…” She lowered her voice. “Just look at him. He even had the audacity to inquire after me, but Father refused him, of course.”
“Of course.” Because Lavinia had a higher title in mind than a mere earl, though Todson’s family was well respected. She was waiting—less patiently than before—for Hugh to offer for her. And honestly, he should. Lavinia was duchess material.
Yes, but I want…something more.
That was the problem when your parents had been a love match—unrealistic expectations. You wanted more from your future wife than money and property. You didn’t care if her family had been around since the time of William the Conqueror, as Lavinia’s had been. Maybe that mattered to a great many gentlemen, but not Hugh.
“Lord Allred’s daughter is Todson’s future widow, from what I understand.” A soft laugh came from her. “Miss Bell is having yet another disastrous Season, and according to gossip, Lady Allred has lost patience after Lord Habersham was refused.”
Hugh nodded absently, keeping his features carefully composed and giving no indication he was acquainted, albeit briefly, with Miss Bell. Nor that the very idea that Todson was her unwanted suitor bothered him in the least.
Yet it did. Far too much, on such short acquaintance.
Scanning the guests gathered in the drawing room, he searched for the odd but utterly delightful Miss Bell. A growing sense of anticipation filled him, a quickening of his pulse. The strange sensation he’d felt in the taproom returned like small pricks of lightning along his chest.
“Oak tree, indeed,” he said under his breath.
“Your Grace?”
“I said, your gown is lovely.”
“Thank you.” Lavinia beamed. “You know, I almost feel bad for Todson. Allred’s daughter is a bit eccentric and outspoken. Possibly addled. There is a reason she’s yet to secure a match.”
“Addled? How so?” Though Hugh knew perfectly well.
“Miss Bell paints…portraits using…vegetables.”
“Well,” Hugh said, “that doesn’t sound so terrible.”
