Page 12 of A Duke But No Gentleman (Masters of Seduction #1)
“Verity, you have practiced that composition enough for the evening,” the duchess decreed. “Why do you not pay Cook a visit and perhaps she will make you a cup of hot chocolate.”
Her sister was cheered by their mother’s suggestion. “A brilliant idea, Mama.” She pushed away from the harpsichord and stood. “Perhaps a biscuit or two would complement the hot chocolate?”
Her mother did not roll her eyes, but she came close to it. “One biscuit. Not a crumb more.”
“Yes, Mama.” She curtsied and hurried to the door. Belatedly, she recalled that Imogene was being left behind with their mother. Sensing a lecture in her sister’s future, she asked, “Imogene, do you wish to join me?”
“Yes—” Imogene placed the book on the table and began to rise.
“Sit,” the duchess ordered her elder daughter. “Run along, Verity. Your sister and I have a few things to discuss. She will join you later.”
“Do not tarry or I shall eat your share of the biscuits,” Verity warned, and Imogene smiled, appreciating her tenacity for once.
“I said one biscuit, daughter,” the duchess said, giving her younger child a meaningful glare.
“Oh, very well,” her sister huffed, and then she was gone.
“What did you wish to discuss, Mama?” Imogene said, accepting that no amount of evasion would deter her mother.
The duchess studied her daughter before she spoke. “Specifically? The Duke of Blackbern and the Marquess of Norgrave.”
“Ah, yes, they were Lady Yaxley’s guests. Lady Charlotte was on hand to make formal introductions.”
“How convenient,” her mother muttered under her breath. “Do you recall our conversation about avoiding Blackbern?”
How could I forget? “Yes, Mama,” she said, lowering her gaze to her lap. “You were quite clear on the subject.”
“Excellent. The same advice applies to Norgrave.” She picked up her embroidery and retrieved her glasses.
“I do not wish to be disrespectful, but how do you propose that I avoid these gentlemen?”
“You might begin by not strolling with them in Lady Yaxley’s gardens.”
Imogene winced. It had been too much to hope that her mother had been too distracted to notice. “It was a benign request and I did not wish to offend Lord Norgrave. Lady Charlotte accompanied me and she spoke highly of the gentlemen,” she added to her weak defense.
“Lady Charlotte is blind when it comes to the marquess. The young lady is smitten, and if her father had any sense, he would discourage the friendship.”
She had not noticed that Lady Charlotte had a deep affection for Lord Norgrave.
How had she missed this? Perhaps because the marquess had offered his arm to Imogene instead of her companion.
She mentally cringed at her thoughtlessness.
“I have to disagree, Mama. Lady Charlotte appeared to possess a general fondness for both gentlemen.” Recognizing that particular look on her mother’s face, she hastily added, “It was a pleasant exchange and His Grace and Lord Norgrave were respectful. You have nothing to worry about.”
“What’s this?” her father said, entering the music room. “Good evening, my girls.” He walked to his duchess and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Are you quarreling?”
“No,” Imogene said swiftly.
The duchess gave her daughter an indecipherable look. “Not yet,” was her mother’s reply.
“I was introduced to His Grace, the Duke of Blackbern, and Lord Norgrave this afternoon,” she explained, assuming she might as well be honest with her father. She valued his opinion. “Mama has told me to avoid these gentlemen at all costs.”
Her mother frowned. “Those were not my precise words.”
“The gentlemen are friends with Lady Charlotte and Lady Yaxley’s welcomed guests. I saw no harm in accepting an invitation to explore the countess’s gardens.”
“Nor I.” Her father walked to her and stopped to kiss her on top of the head.
“Husband,” her mother said sharply.
“Wife, I agree, Blackbern and Norgrave are not the best suitors for our girl.” He glanced down at his daughter. “They have run wild for years and some of the gossip is not fit for a lady’s ears.”
“Some?” her mother muttered.
“No worse than I was at that age,” her father countered. “They are a bit too seasoned and jaded for someone your age. Have they expressed an interest in courting you?”
She felt the weight of her mother’s and father’s stares as they awaited her response. “I believe so, Papa. What should I do?”
“Husband, you are not possibly considering allowing her to—” her mother said, rising with her embroidery clutched in her hands.
“Imogene could do worse than catch the eye of a duke and marquess,” he said, speaking over her protest. “News of their interest will spread and encourage other gentlemen to seek introductions. I am well pleased with your efforts, daughter.”
“Thank you, Papa,” she said, not quite certain what she had done to deserve their attention.
Her mother was far from satisfied with the duke’s decision. “You are willing to overlook the gossip about Blackbern and Norgrave?”
“I refuse to condemn a gentleman over gossip,” was her father’s dismissive reply. “Besides, a courtship is not the same as a betrothal.”
The duchess stuffed her embroidery in her sewing basket. She glowered at them. “Exactly. It is something you should consider while you dangle our daughter in front of those rakes like a tempting sweet morsel!”
Her mother marched out of the music room.
“Mama is upset,” Imogene said, biting her lower lip. “Perhaps I should keep my distance from the duke and his friend.”
The duke touched her on the shoulder. “Rubbish. If you favor these gentlemen, you may encourage their courtship. However, I feel obliged to warn you that Blackbern and Norgrave have gained notoriety, and that is what troubles your mother. You are a beautiful young lady, but do not pin your dreams on such gentlemen. They are fickle with their affections, and content to remain bachelors. Enjoy their flattery, but look beyond them to the gentlemen who follow. One of them will step forward and become your future husband.”