Page 13 of The Burdened Duke
Lavinia smiled to herself.
The bedchamber they were shown to was larger than their parlour back home, dominated by a truly vast four-poster bed, draped in silk and satin and covered with brocaded curtains. The windows were huge, a glinting chandelier full of candles hung from the ceiling, and the carpets were so plush and deep that Lavinia thought she could have comfortably slept on the floor instead of the bed.
Their room overlooked the gardens at the back of the house, and she could see distant fields behind the manicured lawns. It was the perfect landscape for riding. From this angle, one would scarcely believe they were so close to the centre of Bath, with all its bustle and Society.
“We must see the Roman Baths,” Gillian said, throwing herself backwards onto the bed and stretching out her arms with a sigh, “and I imagine we shall visit the Pump Room quite a few times. Everybody does in Bath, you know.”
“Not everybody. Just rich people, like us.”
“You meanSociety?”
“I suppose one could say that.”
Gillian propped herself up on her elbows, sighing. “You don’t seem pleased, Lavinia. Do take care to temper your advances with the Duke, if you please. He may not appreciate such forwardness.”
Lavinia sniffed. “I do not hold much regard for the Duke's preferences, whether they be favourable or adverse."
“Indeed, you ought to consider them. It is, after all, his dwelling.
“How many houses does a single gentleman require? And why, I ask, should one be so grand in its design? I daresay he has never even ventured into this chamber, for instance.”
“Lavinia!” Gillian gasped, sitting upright and blushing. “Why are you imagining the Duke coming into our room?”
“I’m not… oh, it does not matter.”
Lavinia shifted to lean against the window. The room, despite its high, wide windows, was cool. She wished she could feel the sun on her skin outside.
Movement in one of the distant paddocks caught her eye. Squinting, Lavinia pressed her forehead against the glass.
There was a horse out there. Just one single horse, galloping round and round in wide circles under the watchful eye of a groom.
It was the most beautiful horse she had ever seen. He – she was sure it was a stallion – was bigger even than Stepper, with a glossy black hide and a long, flowing black mane. Its neck was beautifully arched, and muscles rippled under that smooth coat.
What I wouldn’t give to ride that horse. I bet it’s the duke’s own beast. I daresay he never rides it himself but won’t let anyone else touch it. Great men can be so very selfish.
She was jerked out of her reverie and entirely unfounded opinions on the duke by Gillian throwing a cushion at her.
“Stop gawping out of the window,” Gillian commanded. “There’s going to be a fine dinner and probably dancing this evening, so we should start getting ready.”
Chapter Five
Several Hours Previously
William was vaguely aware that it was his duty to go downstairs and greet guests alongside his mother. Frankly, he wasn’t sure he could face it at the moment. Besides, Mary loved this sort of formality and having him standing awkwardly at her side would not enhance her enjoyment.
He was striding along the hallway, lost in thought, when he heard his name called. HisChristianname, no less.
Pausing, William glanced over his shoulder to find none other than Miss Bainbridge standing in a doorway, one hand hovering nervously on the doorknob, staring after him. She flashed a quick smile.
“There you are, your Grace. Have you a moment to spare? There’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”
He blinked. “I… what is the matter, Miss Bainbridge? I’m not sure it would be proper.”
“My maid is here,” she assured him. “It’s not improper.”
He wavered for a moment, instincts warning him to retire. But Miss Bainbridge looked… well,nervous. That was not like her at all. He bit back a sigh.
“Very well. I can spare five minutes.”
