Page 7 of The Duke’s Scandal (Bluestocking Book Club #5)

Chapter Five

“ Y ou danced with the Duke of Exeter, I hear!”

Isobella looked up from the book she was reading. “Good afternoon, brother,” she said, snapping her book shut. “Yes, I did.”

“What a pity I was not present for it.”

“You and Louisa were enjoying a very lovely dinner with Lord and Lady Whitfield, I understand.” Isobella gave her brother a broad smile. “Louisa has not yet risen to break her fast, so it must have been an exceptional dinner party!”

This made her brother grin as he came to sit down opposite Isobella. “There were a good many entertainments, I must admit. Louisa is very tired today so I do not think we will see her much before dinner!”

“Will she be joining us for Lord Crawley’s ball?”

Lord Granville nodded. “Of course. But you must tell me more about this Duke of Exeter!”

Isobella frowned, not understanding her brother’s interest. “I danced with him, that is all. I also danced with the Marquess of Thornbridge, if you care to ask me about him? ”

“Ah, you do not know what the ton are speaking of this morning, then!” Lord Granville chuckled as Isobella’s frown deepened. “You do not know that you were the only one he danced with last evening!”

This made Isobella’s stomach dip low. “The only one?”

He nodded. “And even worse, he refused the other young ladies who asked if he was to dance, stating that he was choosing not to do so that evening. You can imagine their shock to see him dancing the country dance with you!”

This sent a slight tremor over Isobella’s frame, fully aware of what such a thing would mean. The ton were already speaking of it, which meant that rumors and gossip might soon be flying through London.

“I did not even know you were acquainted with him!” her brother said, still grinning as if there was something mirthful in all of this. “You did not tell me of your meeting.”

“That is because it was not particularly delightful,” Isobella answered as her brother’s smile dimmed. “He did come to apologize, however, and that is when he asked me to dance.”

“Apologize?” Lord Granville looked concerned. “I do hope you are quite all right, Isobella.”

“I am.” Quickly, Isobella explained all that had happened, seeing him roll his eyes. “I am grateful that you and Louisa do not criticize me for being a bluestocking.”

Lord Granville smiled and shrugged. “There is nothing wrong with any young lady seeking to further her knowledge of the world, not as far as I am concerned,” he said, firmly.

“It does seem as if the Duke of Exeter also feels that way, however.” His eyes twinkled as Isobella sighed loudly and looked away.

“My dear Isobella, if a Duke is interested in your company, then – ”

“He asked me to dance because of his apology and my acceptance of it, nothing more,” Isobella interrupted. “Please, brother, do not see something in the dance that was not there.”

“All the same,” Lord Granville replied, as the door opened to admit Louisa, “there may be some sort of interest there on his part, at least. And you would not refuse a Duke, would you?”

Louisa came to sit down beside her husband, giving Isobella a warm smile.

“I think Isobella can refuse whomever she wishes, Granville. If she does not find herself drawn to a Duke, then so be it.” When Lord Granville opened his mouth, Louisa pinned him with such a sharp look that he practically withered in front of her, closing his mouth tightly again.

Louisa gave Isobella a tiny wink, making Isobella grin at just how much influence the lady had over her husband – and being grateful for it!

She had spent many hours talking with Louisa about all that she felt when it came to gentlemen and her hopes of a happy marriage.

Louisa knew that Isobella had practically given up any idea of finding a suitable match, that she did not find herself easily able to trust anyone again, and, much to Isobella’s relief, Louisa had never once demanded she think otherwise.

“Your dear mother informed me about your dance with the Duke of Exeter,” Louisa continued, smiling at Isobella. “I hope he danced well?”

“He did.” Isobella considered for a moment, thinking to herself just how easily she and the Duke had been able to converse.

“He was very engaging.” Her lips drew into a flat line.

“He was, of course, nearly surrounded by young ladies and their mothers or fathers once our dance had come to an end.” That was certainly one thing that would push her away from a gentleman such as the Duke: the sheer amount of attention his presence would bring.

“That is good. I am glad you had a pleasant evening.” Louisa, much to Isobella’s relief, drew the conversation to a close. “Now, Granville, did you not say that you would take me to the milliners today?”

Lord Granville’s lips flicked upwards. “I am always delighted to step out with you, my love.”

“And you will join us, yes?” Louisa looked back at Isobella. “Your mother is on her way out to spend the afternoon with some friends, so we certainly cannot leave you here alone!”

“Mayhap you will have some gentlemen callers and we will be forced to remain at home,” Lord Granville suggested, as Isobella rolled her eyes at him. They had been here in London for many weeks now, and she had not, as yet, had any gentlemen coming to call.

“I hardly think so,” she said, without complaint nor upset. “Yes, Louisa, I should be very glad to join you.”

“But not to the milliners, I think,” her sister in law said, with a gleam in her eye. “The bookshop, mayhap? That is where you will want to go, is it not?”

Isobella laughed, glad that Louisa did not mind in the least bit just how much she read. “Yes, quite,” she agreed, as her brother nodded his agreement. “Thank you, Louisa. I should like that very much indeed.”

The bookshop was not particularly quiet, much to Isobella’s frustration.

Her maid trailed after her, with both Louisa and Granville still at the milliner’s, promising that they would come to the bookshop once their business at the shop was completed.

Hopeful that she would find one of her friends present, Isobella made her way directly to the first floor of the bookshop, climbing up the staircase until she emerged into the treasure trove of books.

A smile on her face, she looked at each of the shelves, wondering what she might try first. There were so many books here, she was not quite certain where to begin!

At the present moment, she was interested in furthering her knowledge of art and artists, for Miss Sherwood was well versed in such a subject and had inspired Isobella in that regard.

In addition, she wanted very much to read a little more about the animals not found on England’s shores.

There were so many, and some sounding so remarkable, they sounded almost fictional!

Finally, Isobella thought she might consider reading a novel, something that she could simply sink into and enjoy.

With these things in mind, she began to run her fingers along the bookshelves, stopping when she found a book of interest.

“Oh!”

Her heart shot up, a gentleman looming over her. Isobella caught her breath and stumbled back, hitting the bookshelf hard.

“Do excuse me!” the gentleman exclaimed, the book in his hand falling to the floor as he hurried towards her. “I am dreadfully sorry, I did not mean to upset you. I was far too caught up with what I was reading and did not even see you.”

Isobella rubbed at the small of her back. “I am quite all right,” she promised. “Your book, however, is not.”

The gentleman turned quickly. With a muttered few words, he went to pick it up and then returned to her, his earnest face filled with apologies yet unspoken.

“I well understand being lost in a book’s contents,” Isobella said quickly, hoping that he would not linger in conversation, especially when she was here with only her maid. “Please, do not concern yourself.”

With a nod, the gentleman took a step back. “I still must heartily apologize,” he said, with a small bow. “This is not how I should have liked to introduce myself! The Earl of Preston, ready now to make a full and fervent apology.”

Managing to smile, her heart beginning to quieten its thunderous beating, Isobella bobbed a quick curtsy.

“Lady Isobella,” she said, thinking to herself that this was now the second gentleman she had introduced herself to in what was a less than proper manner.

“Please, there is no need for anything further. Might I enquire as to what book garnered your fervent attention?”

Lord Preston smiled, his blue eyes warm, his face a little flushed from the embarrassment of what he had done. “It is a study on birds,” he said, looking away from her. “Not something that many a person will enjoy, I am sure, but I find it quite fascinating.”

It was not a subject that instantly grabbed Isobella’s attention but all the same, she found his interest delightful.

“I was thinking to myself that I should very much like to learn a little more about some of the animals that have been discovered on the continent,” she told him, catching the way her maid came to stand a little closer, albeit with her head lowered and hands clasped in front of her.

“I do not know much about birds at all, however.”

This sent light spiraling into Lord Preston’s eyes. “I should be very glad to speak with you on the subject if you would like?” he asked, making Isobella’s lips curve. “I confess, I do speak a little too much at times; however, so you shall have to tell me to be quiet if I go on for far too long. ”

Considering this quickly, Isobella let her smile grow. “That would be most enjoyable, Lord Preston. Thank you.”

“Then I shall arrange to come to call some afternoon, mayhap?” He sounded hopeful, and Isobella nodded.

“Wonderful. I shall take my leave now, though I should very much like to begin our conversation now.” Glancing about him and, no doubt, seeing the other patrons in the shop, he sighed and shook his head.

“Best not to do so, I think, else we shall be standing here for the rest of the afternoon!” He inclined his head. “Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon, Lord Preston,” Isobella answered, watching him as he walked away, a little surprised at how happy the conversation had made her. Lord Preston had been an unexpected arrival to her time here in the bookshop, but after their conversation, certainly not an unwelcome one!

But I have no intention of letting my heart follow after him.

That made a frown pull at her forehead, realizing just how easily she might find herself interested in a gentleman’s attentions.

Had she not learned from her previous mistakes?

Had she not been shown just how little she could trust what a gentleman said?

First, Lord Brookmire had hoped to court her, only to then step away when she had not been as eager in her attentions as he.

Secondly, Lord Pollock had pursued her with such a great and fervent intent, she had believed him wholeheartedly in love with her – until he had disappeared from society one day.

She had been distraught, wondering what had happened to him, only to hear that he had eloped with a young lady.

Lastly, Lord Hogarth had broken her heart entirely, for she had begun to fall in love with him.

His words of love and affection had been nothing but lies, his promises of devotion and adoration crumbling to nothing.

Recovering from such a dark situation had been a hard path to walk, but she had done so.

With that, however, had come the determination that she would never again let herself be hurt in such a way again – and that meant never permitting herself to have even the smallest interest in a gentleman.

“And I shall not,” she stated aloud, her maid looking up in surprise. “I will never again let myself fall in love again.”