Page 10 of A Duke But No Gentleman (Masters of Seduction #1)

“I would also suggest writing down in your journal the names of the gentlemen you meet indicating those who have made a favorable impression,” Lady Charlotte said, fully engrossed in a subject near and dear to her heart. “It would not hurt to note attributes and your opinion on each one.”

“You have put an impressive amount of effort into this task,” Imogene said, not offering the lady a feigned compliment. “How do you use this information? Do you submit it to your father?”

Lady Charlotte giggled in a manner that made her sound like a bird. “Good heavens, no. The details are for my own use, though I have been generous with my knowledge. There have been a few occasions when I have spared a lady the heartbreak of placing her high hopes on the wrong gentleman.”

It was no wonder her mother and father thought she was too lighthearted about her marriage prospects. She studied one of the male guests whom she deduced to be close to their age. “Can you tell me something about this gentleman?”

Her new friend quirked her lips as she studied the gentleman with the medium-blond hair.

“He is one-and-twenty years of age. Second son of an earl. Educated. Enjoys his wine and horse racing. His flatulence is humorous. Is a subtle dinner companion, but has a bad habit of spitting and making an awful clicking noise when he picks his teeth.”

Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Imogene covered her mouth to conceal her laughter. “Good grief, you learned all of those details in one conversation?”

“Not exactly. I deduced this through years of observation,” Lady Charlotte said blithely. “The gentleman is my older brother.”

Imogene’s shoulders shook as she struggled to compose herself.

“I consider myself forewarned. Shall I pick another gentleman?” she asked, warming up to their new game until she noticed the approach of a familiar dark-haired gentleman and his blond-haired companion.

“It appears we have two willing volunteers.”

She did not believe it was possible, but her friend’s smile grew wider and she unconsciously began to play with one of the curls near her right ear as she recognized the two gentlemen.

“Your Grace and Lord Norgrave,” Lady Charlotte said, visibly struggling to contain her excitement at their presence. She curtsied and Imogene swiftly followed suit. “I was unaware that you two gentlemen would be taking part in Lady Yaxley’s gathering.”

The blond-haired gentleman attired in a light brown frock coat and breeches who her friend addressed as Lord Norgrave offered them a disarming smile.

“It was an impulsive decision on our part.” His gaze shifted to Imogene, and something akin to anticipation warmed his light blue eyes, making the contrast startling.

“Nevertheless the best experiences are usually the ones unplanned.”

Imogene smiled in agreement. “I have often found it to be so, my lord.” She could feel the Duke of Blackbern’s gaze on her, and the embarrassment of the previous evening smothered her like a humid summer breeze.

It would have been rude to ignore him, so she deliberately turned to address him. “Do you not agree, Your Grace?”

He surprised everyone, especially Imogene, when he grasped her hand and brushed the top of her hand with a kiss. “I have never squandered the opportunities that tumble into my lap, my lady.”

If he meant to fluster her then he would part company from her disappointed. However, there was little she could do about her blush, and it had not gone unnoticed by Lady Charlotte and Lord Norgrave.

“So you and Blackbern are acquainted?” Norgrave asked, making it seem as if she and His Grace were keeping secrets.

“No,” Imogene replied at the same moment the duke replied, “Yes.”

She glared at him. Only she, her mother, and the Duke of Blackbern knew about the humiliating encounter. While the amusing little tale might entertain his friends, it would not place her in a flattering light.

Lady Charlotte glanced from Imogene to the duke. “So which is it?”

Unhappy with the direction of their conversation, she had a desire to accuse the gentleman of lying. “We were not formally introduced,” Imogene said, hoping the explanation would satisfy her new friend. She looked for her mother, but she was nowhere to be seen.

’Tis a fine time for her to abandon me.

Understanding lit Lady Charlotte’s eyes. “Then you have not been—Oh, where are my manners. Forgive me,” she said, placing her hand on Imogene’s arm in a friendly manner. “Lady Imogene Sunter, may I introduce you to Cason Brant, Marquess of Norgrave.”

“My lord,” she said, curtsying. “It is an honor.”

The marquess bowed. “The honor is all mine, my dear lady.”

Imogene reluctantly turned to his companion. He patiently waited for a formal introduction which was a blessing. She certainly did not wish to explain their first meeting to anyone.

Lady Charlotte was oblivious to undercurrents of tension. “And may I formally present Tristan Rooke, Duke of Blackbern.”

“Your Grace.” She curtsied, but a childish part of her wanted to stick her tongue out at him.

“Lady Imogene,” the duke drawled. “I trust your mother is in good health.”

“It is kind of you to inquire, Your Grace,” she said, before a mischievous thought occurred to her. “Perhaps you would prefer to express your compliments to the Duchess of Trevett. She insisted on joining me this afternoon.”

Blackbern’s eyes narrowed, knowing full well that her mother would not be pleased to see him at Lady Yaxley’s little gathering. “I look forward to improving upon my first impression.”

Imogene could not prevent herself from grinning. “It should not be difficult.”

Since her opinion of you is quite low.

The duke acknowledged her unspoken comment with a slight nod as though he had deduced her private thoughts. For Lady Charlotte’s and Lord Norgrave’s benefit, she added, “The duchess is very forgiving.”

Blackbern made a soft choking noise that he concealed behind his fist. “Pardon me. I will take your word for it, my lady.”

“Lady Imogene and Lady Charlotte, since Lady Yaxley has yet to begin, would you ladies be interested in stepping outdoors to enjoy the gardens?” Lord Norgrave asked, successfully distracting them. “The dust is irritating Blackbern’s lungs, and a little fresh air would benefit all of us.”

“So kind of you to think of my health,” muttered the duke.

Lord Norgrave gave him a guileless smile. “How could I not, when you are like a brother to me.”

Imogene was surprised when the marquess extended his arm to her. Lady Charlotte and the duke frowned at them.

“Will you do me the honor, Lady Imogene?”

Since walking with Lord Norgrave was the safer choice, she placed her hand on his bent arm. “It would be my pleasure, my lord.”

“Lady Charlotte,” the Duke of Blackbern said behind her.

***

Norgrave resisted the urge to glance back and smirk at Blackbern as he and Lady Imogene took the lead strolling through Lady Yaxley’s back gardens.

It was one of the benefits of friendship that extended into boyhood.

A lifetime of experiences had given him insight on how his friend thought.

He had become adept at anticipating the other man’s thoughts and reactions, and he was quite certain the duke was gnashing his teeth over the fact that he had not invited the ladies to join them in the gardens.

After witnessing Blackbern’s flirtation with Lady Imogene, he had mentally readjusted his own plans for the lady. Either he had underestimated his friend’s interest in their beautiful prize or the lady was more intriguing than he had credited.

He was determined to find out.

“Imogene is such a lovely name. Is it a family name?” Norgrave asked.

“I was named after a great-grandmother on my father’s side of the family,” she said, averting her gaze in what he assumed was shyness.

How refreshing.

With her face bathed in sunlight, the lady in question was without a doubt a tribute to her sex.

Delicate, flawless features, full unpainted lips, and expressive eyes that revealed intelligence as well as discomfort since she was clearly unused to spending her afternoons with potential suitors.

Norgrave privately wondered if she would manage to retain that air of innocence after he had bedded her.

Nothing fired his blood more than taking something that did not belong to him.

“Tell me about yourself,” Lady Imogene invited. Her curiosity about him was a loving stroke to his pride and cock.

“Hmm… what could I share that would not make me sound like a braggart?”

“Your family name is unfamiliar to me. Where did you spend your boyhood?” she asked.

“Northwest of London. It is a four-day journey,” he said, deliberately quickening his stride to add distance between him and Blackbern. “My turn. Is this your first visit to London?”

“Ah, no,” she said, tightening her grip on his arm when she stumbled.

He sent her an apologetic look and slowed his pace.

“I have been to London numerous times with my family. However, this is the first season I have been permitted to enjoy the evening amusements.”

“So young. You make me feel like a doddering old man.”

“You cannot be that old,” she said with a laugh. “I cannot believe you are older than thirty.”

“Bless you, my lady, for not guessing a higher number. No, I am twenty-seven years old and many years have expired since the night of my first town ball.”

She grinned up at him. “You are holding up rather well for a gentleman of your age.”

“Why, thank you, Lady Imogene. I do my best, and there are benefits to considering an older, more experienced gentleman when you are entertaining suitors.”

The lack of a delicate blush coloring her cheeks reminded him that he was flirting with an innocent.

She stepped away from him to examine a flower that had caught her fancy.

Perhaps Lady Imogene was still more girl than woman, but her stay in London would be more educational than a room filled with tutors.

“We have only recently arrived, and I have no suitors,” she shyly admitted when he moved next to her.

“I must respectfully disagree, my lady. If you confess to having no one dancing attendance in your drawing room, then allow me to be your first, ” Norgrave purred, amused that she would not appreciate his double entendre.

“You have set yourself an impossible task, old man,” Blackbern said, as he and Lady Charlotte joined them. He was angry with him, and if the ladies had not been present, Norgrave might have been obliged to dodge the duke’s fist. “If anyone is Lady Imogene’s first, it is I.”