Page 22 of Stolen by My Knave
“Lady Hyacinth Barrington,” Bianca said. “This is His Grace, The Duke of Whitewood.”
Introductions were important in society. A lady shouldn’t have anything to do with a man if they’d never been introduced. Jack found it all tedious, but he played the game to perfection. “How do you do, Lady Hyacinth?”
“I’m quite well. I’ve been looking forward to this ball for ages. It took a lot to convince my uncle to make the trip. It wasn’t until he found out the Duke of Weston was attending that he gave in and agreed to escort me.”
Jack lifted a brow. “Your uncle?”
“Yes, Uncle Killian can be difficult. I really feel sorry for Scarlett.” She shuddered. “When she has her season, he’s going to be brutal.”
Jack had no clue who her Uncle Killian was, but he liked him already.
“Lord Whitewood,” Lady Bianca said. “Please dance with Hyacinth. She just arrived, and her dance card is empty.”
Jack had to force himself to not grit his teeth in annoyance. What was with forward ladies? Then he recalled he’d told her to speak her mind. She was doing as he’d suggested, so he couldn’t fault her for that. Lady Hyacinth handed him her card. He scanned it and made sure not to make the mistake of agreeing to another waltz. It was bad enough he had to hold Elizabeth so close. He signed it and handed it back to her.
“If you’ll both excuse me, I think I see someone I need to speak with.” He bowed and then turned on his heels to leave them. He walked over to Clifton, who was deep in conversation with an older gentlemen Jack had never met. They were talking about trains, a subject he could get behind. He approached them with caution and waited until Clifton acknowledged him.
“Whitewood,” Clifton said. “I was explaining your idea to Thornbury. He thinks it’s a good one.”
“Of course it is,” Jack agreed. “I came up with it.”
Modesty wasn’t top on his list of acceptable attributes.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Thornbury said. “I’m Killian Lynwood, the Earl of Thornbury, and you must be Jackerson Carwyn, the Duke of Whitewood.”
“I am,” Jack agreed. “Are you by chance Lady Hyacinth’s Uncle Killian?” It was too much of a coincidence for him not to be, but he had to ask.
Thornbury’s lips quirked up. “I am. Have you met my niece?”
“Only briefly. She mentioned you being—difficult,” he replied diplomatically. “I take it you don’t give in to her every whim?”
“Hy is a bit temperamental. Her father died when she was a young girl, and there’s not been a strong male influence around to guide her. My sister, her mother, lets her run wild. I wasn’t keen on bringing her here, but I have to speak with Weston.” He turned toward Clifton. “I was told he’d be here.”
“He is,” Clifton said. “He walked in with his duchess on his arm a moment ago.” The gestured toward the front of the ballroom. “They haven’t been overly social, but I can’t complain. I’ve avoided everyone whenever possible. I hate these things.”
Jack didn’t pay attention when anyone entered the ballroom. He’d checked for Elizabeth when he first arrived—his eyes going straight to her like a beacon. Anyone else didn’t warrant too much of his attention. He turned and glanced across the room, noticing Elizabeth’s mother for the first time. She was beautiful, but that didn’t surprise him. Elizabeth clearly took after her mother in that regard. He should find a way to have a conversation with the duchess. They had much in common, not the least their time travel experience. He had a lot of questions for her. She could tell him what happened to Evelyn. Maybe then he could rest easy and accept his fate... “If you’ll pardon me, I need to speak with someone,” he said.
“I’ll walk with you,” Thornbury said. “I assume you’re heading toward Weston as well. I saw the direction of your gaze.”
The man was way too perceptive—there was something singular about him. He was harder and didn’t seem to put up with any nonsense. As far as first impressions went, that wasn’t a bad one. Jack respected people who didn’t play games.
“Indeed,” Jack agreed.
They both bowed to Clifton and headed across the room. Jack appreciated the silence as they made the trek. He hated small talk, but utilized it when necessary. Thornbury appeared to have a similar thought process since he didn’t even attempt to make conversation. They stopped in front of the couple. Jack let Thornbury speak first.
“Weston,” he said. “I hate to interrupt...”
“Don’t even try,” the duke said shaking his head in amusement. “You take pleasure in it.”
Thornbury smiled. “Only sometimes.”
The duke lifted his wife’s hand and kissed it. “If you’ll excuse me, there are some things Thornbury and I have to discuss.”
“You can make it up to me later,” the duchess said. “Lord Whitewood can keep me company in the meantime.”
Jack shouldn’t be surprised that the duchess was aware of who he was. Elizabeth probably made it a point to fill her mother in on all the pertinent information. That made things easier on him. Thornbury and Weston walked off, leaving him alone with the duchess.
“Jack, is it?” she said.
