Page 10 of The Duke's Scandal
“You and Louisa were enjoying a very lovely dinner with Lord and Lady Whitfield, I understand.” Isobella gave her brother a broad smile. “Louisa has not yet risen to break her fast, so it must have been an exceptional dinner party!”
This made her brother grin as he came to sit down opposite Isobella. “There were a good many entertainments, I must admit. Louisa is very tired today so I do not think we will see her much before dinner!”
“Will she be joining us for Lord Crawley’s ball?”
Lord Granville nodded. “Of course. But you must tell me more about this Duke of Exeter!”
Isobella frowned, not understanding her brother’s interest. “I danced with him, that is all. I also danced with the Marquess of Thornbridge, if you care to ask me about him?”
“Ah, you do not know what thetonare speaking of this morning, then!” Lord Granville chuckled as Isobella’s frown deepened. “You do not know thatyouwere the only one he danced with last evening!”
This made Isobella’s stomach dip low. “The only one?”
He nodded. “And even worse, he refused the other young ladies who asked if he was to dance, stating that he was choosing not to do so that evening. You can imagine their shock to see him dancing the country dance with you!”
This sent a slight tremor over Isobella’s frame, fully aware of what such a thing would mean. Thetonwere already speaking of it, which meant that rumors and gossip might soon be flying through London.
“I did not even know you were acquainted with him!” her brother said, still grinning as if there was something mirthful in all of this. “You did not tell me of your meeting.”
“That is because it was not particularly delightful,” Isobella answered as her brother’s smile dimmed. “He did come to apologize, however, and that is when he asked me to dance.”
“Apologize?” Lord Granville looked concerned. “I do hope you are quite all right, Isobella.”
“I am.” Quickly, Isobella explained all that had happened, seeing him roll his eyes. “I am grateful that you and Louisa do not criticize me for being a bluestocking.”
Lord Granville smiled and shrugged. “There is nothing wrong with any young lady seeking to further her knowledge of the world, not as far as I am concerned,” he said, firmly. “It does seem as if the Duke of Exeter also feels that way, however.” His eyes twinkled as Isobella sighed loudly and looked away. “My dear Isobella, if a Duke is interested in your company, then – ”
“He asked me to dance because of his apology and myacceptance of it, nothing more,” Isobella interrupted. “Please, brother, do not see something in the dance that was not there.”
“All the same,” Lord Granville replied, as the door opened to admit Louisa, “there may be some sort of interest there onhispart, at least. And you would not refuse a Duke, would you?”
Louisa came to sit down beside her husband, giving Isobella a warm smile. “I think Isobella can refuse whomever she wishes, Granville. If she does not find herself drawn to a Duke, then so be it.” When Lord Granville opened his mouth, Louisa pinned him with such a sharp look that he practically withered in front of her, closing his mouth tightly again. Louisa gave Isobella a tiny wink, making Isobella grin at just how much influence the lady had over her husband – and being grateful for it! She had spent many hours talking with Louisa about all that she felt when it came to gentlemen and her hopes of a happy marriage. Louisa knew that Isobella had practically given up any idea of finding a suitable match, that she did not find herself easily able to trust anyone again, and, much to Isobella’s relief, Louisa had never once demanded she think otherwise.
“Your dear mother informed me about your dance with the Duke of Exeter,” Louisa continued, smiling at Isobella. “I hope he danced well?”
“He did.” Isobella considered for a moment, thinking to herself just how easily she and the Duke had been able to converse. “He was very engaging.” Her lips drew into a flat line. “He was, of course, nearly surrounded by young ladies and their mothers or fathers once our dance had come to an end.” That was certainly one thing that would push heraway from a gentleman such as the Duke: the sheer amount of attention his presence would bring.
“That is good. I am glad you had a pleasant evening.” Louisa, much to Isobella’s relief, drew the conversation to a close. “Now, Granville, did you not say that you would take me to the milliners today?”
Lord Granville’s lips flicked upwards. “I am always delighted to step out with you, my love.”
“And you will join us, yes?” Louisa looked back at Isobella. “Your mother is on her way out to spend the afternoon with some friends, so we certainly cannot leave you here alone!”
“Mayhap you will have some gentlemen callers and we will be forced to remain at home,” Lord Granville suggested, as Isobella rolled her eyes at him. They had been here in London for many weeks now, and she had not, as yet, had any gentlemen coming to call.
“I hardly think so,” she said, without complaint nor upset. “Yes, Louisa, I should be very glad to join you.”
“But not to the milliners, I think,” her sister in law said, with a gleam in her eye. “The bookshop, mayhap? That is where you will want to go, is it not?”
Isobella laughed, glad that Louisa did not mind in the least bit just how much she read. “Yes, quite,” she agreed, as her brother nodded his agreement. “Thank you, Louisa. I should like that very much indeed.”
The bookshop was not particularly quiet, much to Isobella’s frustration. Her maid trailed after her, with both Louisa and Granville still at the milliner’s, promising that they would come to the bookshop once their business at the shop was completed. Hopeful that she would find one of herfriends present, Isobella made her way directly to the first floor of the bookshop, climbing up the staircase until she emerged into the treasure trove of books. A smile on her face, she looked at each of the shelves, wondering what she might try first. There were so many books here, she was not quite certain where to begin! At the present moment, she was interested in furthering her knowledge of art and artists, for Miss Sherwood was well versed in such a subject and had inspired Isobella in that regard. In addition, she wanted very much to read a little more about the animals not found on England’s shores. There were so many, and some sounding so remarkable, they sounded almost fictional! Finally, Isobella thought she might consider reading a novel, something that she could simply sink into and enjoy. With these things in mind, she began to run her fingers along the bookshelves, stopping when she found a book of interest.
“Oh!”
Her heart shot up, a gentleman looming over her. Isobella caught her breath and stumbled back, hitting the bookshelf hard.
“Do excuse me!” the gentleman exclaimed, the book in his hand falling to the floor as he hurried towards her. “I amdreadfullysorry, I did not mean to upset you. I was far too caught up with what I was reading and did not even see you.”
