Page 83 of Dukes for Dessert

Mrs. H tittered softly, provoking her friend to look in her direction and then share in her laughter. “This is much better than a walk,” Mrs. H said with a cautious glance toward Dare.

He was certain their exchange would be bandied about as soon as they returned to the drawing room, not that he cared one whit.

“What of the treasure hunt tomorrow?” not-Mrs H asked.

There was to be a bloody treasure hunt? He longed to remove himself, but he’d come all the way to this party and ought to participate. Even if it grated his every nerve. “What of it?”

“It sounds most diverting,” Mrs. H said with a nod. “We’ll be put into groups. I daresay you and Lady Marina will be together.”

There was absolutely no question they would. He began to wonder if the entire purpose of this house party was to push him and Lady Marina together. Lady Wetherby wanted her daughter to snag a duke, and Juno was certainly doing her part, as was Lady Cosford. But if there wasn’t so much as a hint of anything between them, what was Dare to do?

He should give her one more chance. He’d been distracted by Juno at dinner, which had been foolish. Juno wasn’t a potential duchess—Lady Marina was. She deserved his full attention and his best behavior.

Standing, he strode to replace the book on the shelf. He turned back toward the two women and inclined his head. “I bid you good evening.”

Tomorrow, he would participate in the tiresome treasure hunt and try doubly hard to engage with Lady Marina. Hopefully, she would do the same with him, for he couldn’t make this match on his own.

Couldn’t he, though? He’d long told his mother that he didn’t need a wife he could love, just an exemplary duchess. Perhaps he should prepare a list of questions about running a household and performing the duties of a duchess and simply ask Lady Marina each of them. That would tell him definitively if they would suit.

He’d compose a list as soon as he arrived in his chamber. How orderly and efficient. Just the way he preferred things.

5

The following afternoon, Dare fortified himself with a small glass of brandy before striding into the drawing room where everyone was gathered for the insipid treasure hunt. His gaze went directly to Juno and then to Lady Marina, who stood at her side, head bent with her gaze locked on the floor as usual. Her mother, Lady Wetherby, was also there, but her attention was not on the floor. Her prickly stare was trained on Dare as he entered. He nearly turned and left.

“Good afternoon, Duke,” Lady Cosford greeted him with another of her endless smiles. “I hear you took a rather long ride this morning.”

Were the stables reporting his every action now? “Yes,” he said simply.

“I’m glad. Cosford says riding is your favorite pastime, and we’re delighted you find our stables to your satisfaction.”

This time, he merely grunted. Her smile didn’t falter, not that he’d intended it to. He didn’t try to be surly. He just was.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to explain how the hunt will work.” She took herself off to where her husband stood near the hearth.

Dare made his way to the trio of women he’d regarded when he came in. Since he would undoubtedly be grouped with at least one of them, he might as well put himself in their proximity. Plus, he could savor Juno’s intoxicating scent.

Lady Cosford discussed the treasure hunt, but Dare paid no attention. Instead, he went over the list of questions he’d drafted the night before. Today he would decide if he and Lady Marina would suit.

“I find it somewhat improper that I’m not part of your group.” Lady Wetherby’s acerbic tone cut into Dare’s thoughts.

“I’ll chaperone,” Juno said brightly, glancing toward Lady Marina and then Dare, who stood just behind her, but also somewhat close to Juno.

“Very well.” The countess gave Juno a pointed look rife with expectation before taking herself off.

Juno pivoted to face him and Lady Marina. “I’m confident we can win.”

Dare appreciated the ruthless glint in her eyes. “Are you competitive, Mrs. Langton?”

She lifted a shoulder. “When I want to be. And when it’s important.” Her gaze darted almost imperceptibly to Lady Marina.

He had the impression Lady Marina was important and that Juno wanted her to win—not the treasure hunt, but Dare. Surprisingly, he wanted to support Juno in her quest. He would give Lady Marina his best today. Whatever that was.

Lady Cosford approached them and handed a paper to Juno. “This is your list of ten items. Whichever team arrives back here first with all their objects will win.”

“What is the prize?” Dare asked.

“The winners will get to choose the seating arrangement for one of the remaining dinners.”