Page 61 of The Girl Out of Time
“Do you hunt, Mr. Wexley?” the duke said from the foot of the table.
“Doesn’t everyone? I’m rather certain there’s a statute on it.”
The duke chuckled. “If you wish to use the grounds, please do. I’m sure Daniel will not mind the competition.”
Daniel only nodded.
“Does that statute come before or after the one telling men to shoot guns at the sky like idiots?” Louisa said.
The duchess tried to cover a gasp.
“I believe it’s after the one prohibiting duels, hence why we are forced to descend to such measures,” Mr. Wexley responded.
“That is a shame. I think duels are the best part of politics.”
“Oh?” Mr. Wexley raised his eyebrows. “Name your favorite one.”
“Canning versus Castlereagh, easily.”
“Hmm. I’m disappointed. Canning didn’t even know how to shoot. Personally, I’d go for Hamilton versus Burr. Funny, what a dinner conversation can cause.”
“Soup!” the duchess said, much too loudly, and gestured to a servant.
Mr. Wexley gave Louisa one last smile and looked at his hostess. “I must thank you for inviting me, Your Grace. Dinners at home have been rather dull lately.”
“Are you new to the area?” Emmeline asked. His face seemed familiar but in a strange, un-pinpointable way.
“Quite so. I moved in only a few days ago. My family is from the north.”
Maybe she’d seen him in town. Or maybe he had one of those faces.
“It’s good to have fresh blood around,” the duke said.
“Is that an invitation to a duel, Your Grace?”
“I hope not.” The duke laughed. “I’m much too old for it.”
His eyes met his wife’s for a second. The duchess paled, crimping her lips.
Emmeline wasn’t sure what the exact year of Lady Scarlet’s adventure was—when the castle burned down. Had the duke already been married at that point? Did his wife know about his antics?
The dinner went on; between courses, Louisa and Mr. Wexley continued to spar, the duchess continued to look like she wished to cease existing, and Emmeline caught one glance from Daniel, which she supposed was good enough. At least he smiled, so he must have not thought the worst of her for what happened at the beach.
“Thank you for the wonderful meal and entertainment.” Mr. Wexley shook the duke’s hand as they said their goodbyes in the foyer.
“Come by anytime,” the duke said. “I’ve a daughter to be taken off my hands, too.”
Next to Emmeline, Louisa groaned. She looped her arm around Emmeline’s as they made their way upstairs. “Mr. Wexley, more like Mr. Vex-Me,” she murmured.
“He’s not so bad,” Emmeline said.
“That’s easy for you to say. Your life is perfect, and you don’t have to worry about a thing. You’re marrying my brother in two weeks!” Louisatilted her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to come off rude. I can’t wait for it! But … oh, he’s so annoying!”
“Daniel?”
“Mr. Vex-Me. Did you hear him talk?”
“I have,” Emmeline said with a grin. Honestly, it was like Louisa talking to her reflection.
