Page 9 of Courting the Duke (Reimagined Regency #2)

Hoxton glanced up at the mantel clock in the study and noticed the approaching hour with a touch of apprehension.

In a few short minutes, he was supposed to meet Lady Roxanne for their stroll around the lake.

Although Miss Deburgiak had promised not to say anything, he wasn’t sure what kind of reception he would get from either lady.

The butler entered with his hat and coat, a missive in hand. He handed the note to Hoxton. “Your grace, I was asked to deliver this before you meet the ladies for your outing. Lady Roxanne has requested that you meet her and Miss Deburgiak in the grotto.”

“Thank you. You may go.” Curious, Hoxton studied the handwriting, which was from a feminine hand. He moved to the window that overlooked the garden and began to read.

“My dearest Hoxton,

I write to explain a painful truth. I am shy around those I am unfamiliar with, and I find it hard to express myself in person beyond the superficial.”

He could relate to her struggles because he had difficulty acclimating to his old life after returning from war. What seemed important to him before his time on the battlefield now felt artificial. Often, London’s stuffy ballrooms made him feel hemmed in.

“I beg that you have patience with me. While our families are eager for a match, I believe it would behoove us to become more familiar with one another through the written word.”

Writing to her might be a challenge since he had a hard time talking about himself, especially about his recent past. He would, however, reciprocate as best as he could without giving too much away. She was an innocent lady without much exposure to the harshness of the world.

“I know of your passion for birds, and I will confess that I witnessed my dearest cousin being pecked quite viciously by a bird, and therefore they frighten me.”

Miss Deburgiak had mentioned the incident where she herself had been pecked by the bird. From the way she interacted with Rapscallion, she had no lasting internal scars. He envied her that.

“However, I simply adore dogs, and I pray you are fond of them as well.”

Since coming home, he took solace in all animals. His favorite hound recently had puppies and was being housed with his friend and groundskeeper, Mulligan. He often visited the dogs first thing in the morning, but the houseguests had thrown a wrench into his routine.

“I will be bringing Brutus with me on our walk so you can meet him. I look forward to our outing.

Sincerely, Lady Roxanne.”

Hoxton folded the letter and tucked it inside his desk.

He echoed her last statement. The note had done much to bolster his hope that things might progress in a more rapid fashion with Lady Roxanne.

His mood much lightened, he strode out the side door, putting his hat and greatcoat on as he went.

Overcast skies met him, and the smell of rain lay heavily in the air.

The lady in question and her companion stood in the garden near a Greek-style folly, a favorite spot of Imogene’s.

They were laughing at the antics of a grey and white dog that looked to be a mix between a terrier and a corgi, its pink tongue hanging out of the side of its mouth.

What a fetching picture the cousins made.

While Lady Roxanne had fairer coloring, they both shared a similar profile.

The dog began to bark, looking from his mistress back to Hoxton.

His eyes caught Miss Deburgiak before he averted his gaze, and knelt, waiting for the dog to approach.

The animal’s ears alerted at his extended hand.

There was no doubt the dog was old, his movements slow and measured.

Brutus issued a low growl at the same moment it sniffed his hand.

For a long moment, the dog hesitated before lowering its head and allowing him to scratch it behind the ears.

“Hoxton.” Lady Roxanne offered a curtsy, the flush on her cheeks very becoming. The fashionable bonnet enhanced her exceptional looks, and her white dress stood out in direct contrast to the growing darkness in the distance.

“It appears as if the weather is a bit blustery. Would you like to forgo our walk?” Hoxton rose from his squatting position, the dog rushing back to her mistress’s side.

“No,” Lady Roxanne shook her head vehemently, a touch of panic in her gaze. “I mean no, I would like to walk.”

“Miss Deburgiak?” He cast a glance in her direction to gain her opinion.

Unlike Lady Roxanne, she was dressed in a more subdued manner but looked no less comely.

Her grandfather had been an earl on her mother’s side, and from what he could discern, she’d been living with the viscount since her father’s death. He had no more information than that.

“I, too, am eager for a walk.” Miss Deburgiak glanced over her shoulder before turning her inscrutable regard back to him. Women of her station were supposed to neither be seen nor heard, yet she deserved an opinion on the matter. “Perhaps it will pass.”

“Yes, I believe it might.” Lady Roxanne lifted a determined chin and looked down her nose at him. Expectation rested in her direct gaze.

He held out his arm for her, amused by her quiet demand.

The woman in her letters shone through, and his dread for the outing lessened.

The fact that Lady Roxanne had been traumatized by her cousin’s pain spoke to her good character, but more importantly, she was willing to face her fear of birds by viewing the peacocks.

She laid her gloved hand on the crook of his arm.

He began to stroll down the path adjacent to the one where he and Miss Deburgiak had spoken the day before.

Rows and rows of purple flowers stretched out beside them, bird sounds floating on the weighty breeze.

If she said anything to Lady Roxanne, it didn’t show in her companion’s countenance.

She fell into step behind them. Lady Roxanne slowed their progress by glancing over her shoulder at her cousin. “You needn’t walk behind us, please, the path is wide enough for you to join us.”

His negative impressions of Lady Roxanne slowly faded with each revelation of her character.

Her kindness to Miss Deburgiak added to his ever-growing opinion of her, coupled with her affection for the rather scruffy-looking dog that trotted along the grass beside them.

Her note had confirmed his suspicions that she was nervous, at least in front of him.

He wanted to make her feel comfortable, although, in truth, he wasn’t entirely comfortable with her either.

“I am trying to determine what breed Brutus is.”

Lady Roxanne laughed, shaking her head. “He is a breed unto himself, as Serena is fond of saying.”

“He is an original to be sure.” A fond smile lifted Miss Deburgiak’s lips.

She stared straight ahead, the ribbon under her chin tied in a jaunty angle that enhanced her lovely profile.

Walking side by side with her cousin, the two women bore a strong resemblance to each other.

If not for the scar and the slight downward tilt to her nose, she would rival her cousin in comeliness.

The path curved to the right, and he eyed the ever-darkening sky skeptically.

Although Lady Roxanne insisted on the walk, he wasn’t sure if it was wise to continue.

Perhaps after they saw the peacocks, which he’d ordered to be let loose by the pond, he’d suggest they return to the house.

“I am sure he does. To be loyal to him and he to you,” he said.

Miss Deburgiak remained quiet with her hands folded in front of her stomach.

The pale skin of her wrists was visible between her kid gloves and the cuffs of her coat.

She’d inadvertently touched him in the library while they both petted Rapscallion.

Her fingers had been cool to the touch, and her skin silky smooth.

He tore his mind from the inappropriate memory.

“Indeed, I have had him since I found him on the streets in London. He was just a puppy at the time, trying to cross a busy street. My mama was beside herself when I ran after it.” She inspected the countryside, squinting a bit as the sun peeked out from the heavy clouds that were moving in fast.

“I am sure she was quite frightened on your behalf.” He covered her hand with his and continued to guide her down the path.

“Sadly, I ruined my dress. It was pink. My favorite color and had white Belgian lace.” She flashed him a sad smile. “Brutus had been very muddy, and my maid couldn’t save the dress. Papa bought me a new one, of course.”

“It was very heroic of you to rescue Brutus. I, too, have rescued many animals. I have a sanctuary of exotic birds, as well as domesticated birds.” Hoxton’s uncle had encouraged him to find a passion in life again after such darkness.

Founding the bird sanctuary became his world.

Once word spread, people from all over brought injured birds to Hoxton House for rehabilitation.

“I understand that you have an aversion to them since they attacked Miss Deburgiak, thus I will understand if you would prefer to meet them at a later time.”

Her hand on his arm stiffened for a moment, and she jerked the slightest bit before seeming to rally. “That is very kind of you, your grace. Serena could have been hurt further had my grandmother not acted.”

Miss Deburgiak turned her head to look at her cousin and offered her an encouraging smile. “While I had been startled, he simply nipped my hand with a sharp beak. I assure you, the blood was more than the wound warranted.”

“It looked frightening to me,” Lady Roxanne said in a lowered voice, her head down and her bonnet covering her expression. He laid his hand over hers and squeezed before removing it.