Page 33 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“I do.”

“I suppose I can’t argue with someone so experienced, can I?”

“You certainly can’t.”

“Why did you come looking for me?” she asked. “It wasn’t just to give me a dancing lesson, was it?”

“You hardly need one!” he said. “No, to tell you the truth, I came to find you because I think my friend is rather enamored of your cousin.”

“Your friend? You mean…you can’t mean the Duke?”

“Of course I do. Why can’t I?”

“Well, I don’t think he’s very happy with her at all,” Eugenia said. “She spilled his drink on him.”

“But accidentally,” Lord Lockwood said. “You told me as much.”

“Yes,” Eugenia said. “But even so…I didn’t see any admiration between the two of them.”

“The Duke can be difficult to please,” Lord Lockwood said. “But when his interest is piqued, he can be very single-minded. Tell me, do you think your cousin would return his interest, if she knew of it?”

Eugenia could hardly believe what she was hearing. She knew Esther had hoped to make a connection with the Duke tonight, and she had liked her cousin’s chances, but even she hadn’t believed it could happen this perfectly.

“I think so,” she said to Lord Lockwood, trying not to let her incredulity show on her face. “I know she’s hoping to meet someone interesting this Season. Is your friend interesting?”

Lord Lockwood burst out laughing.

Immediately, Eugenia felt ashamed. What kind of question had that been? He must think her an idiot—and he would be right to think so.

But Lord Lockwood’s eyes were sparkling with merriment. “Is he interesting?” he asked. “That’s a wonderful question, and one Hugh isn’t asked nearly often enough! No, in my opinion, he’s a frightful bore. But that’s only because I’ve known him for so long. You certainly can’t take my word for it. I’m sure he has plenty to interest your cousin.”

The dance came to an end. Lord Lockwood bowed again. “Thank you, Lady Eugenia,” he said. “This has been most illuminating. I certainly hope to have the pleasure of your company again.”

“I’d like that,” Eugenia said, hardly knowing what she was saying.

Lord Lockwood smiled, turned, and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Eugenia to watch him go.

My goodness. Thatwasexciting. Esther was right to encourage me to find a gentleman to dance with. I’m so glad I did it!

And what was more, she had learned something of great value to her cousin! Esther would be so grateful when she heard that the Duke was interested in her after all, in spite of everything.

Eugenia turned and hurried off in search of Esther.

She found her after only a few moments of searching, obtaining a fresh glass of wine from a servant. When Esther saw Eugenia, she stopped the servant, took a second glass, and turned to her cousin.

“Well!” she said, passing along the glass. “Tonight has been full of surprises, Eugenia. Wait until you hear what just happened to me.”

“You must hear what happened to me as well!” Eugenia said. “But you tell your story first.”

“I’ve spoken to the Duke!” Esther said, her voice full of excitement.

“I was sure you would,” Eugenia said. “You did set out to find him, after all, and you always get what you want, don’t you?”

“Notalways,” Esther said, but Eugenia knew by the flush of color rising to her cousin’s cheeks that she had taken the comment as a compliment.

“Well, what did he say?” she pressed.

“He isn’t angry at me at all,” Esther said, positively glowing. “Can you believe it? He thought it wasfascinatingthat I was courageous enough to speak my mind to him. He actuallylikedit! What a strange gentleman he is!”