Page 6 of A Reckless Wager
She dropped into a curtsy worthy of his title. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I do hope you will enjoy your stay.”
Amberville, a decade younger than Papa, took her hand and bowed over it. “The pleasure is all mine. The earl has promised me a most interesting hunt. And other activities.”
He finally let go of her hand, and not for the first time she wondered if the duke had flirted with her. He was widowed, with two small boys. He no longer needed an heir and a spare, so he need not marry again unless he wanted to give his boys a mother. Once, when his wife first died, Georgiana wondered what being married to such a powerful and handsome man would be like.
“Give me an hour, sweetheart, then meet me in my study.”
“Yes, Papa.” What could he want to speak to her about? Did he know about her wallflower status and empty dance cards? Had her reputation of wearing breeches and running wild in the countryside made it into London drawing-rooms? Aunt Clara must correspond with him and keep him abreast of her prospects in finding a husband. Was he disappointed in her for not having made a match yet? He didn’t seem to be. Only one way to find out. She made her way to his study early, removed a book of poems from Lord Byron off a bookshelf, sat in a comfortable brown tufted chair, and began to read.
“You are early.”
“Papa!”
He bent down and kissed her cheek. “You look well. Happy. London suits you.”
She tried hard not to laugh but failed miserably. “Papa, have you spoken to Aunt Clara?”
After sitting in his chair behind his large oak desk, he met her eyes and frowned.
Her heart sank. Oh dear, he was disappointed in her. “I’m sorry, Papa. I tried to find a husband.”
“It’s not your fault the young bucks of society are too stupid to notice a young woman of worth. You will make some gentleman a wonderful wife.” He paused and rubbed his jaw—something he did when debating over things. “I’ve been thinking about speaking to Amberville. It’s high time he married again. I know most fathers would not include their daughters in marriage discussions, but you and I both know you are not most daughters. I was wondering if you would consider the duke.”
“The duke?” she stuttered.
“Don’t worry. He knows nothing of this conversation. Without considering your thoughts and feelings first, I would never propose a match between you two.”
Silence took over the room, except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. When her father said ‘the duke’, her insides tingled. With panic or excitement, she’d couldn’t be sure. Yes, the duke was handsome, wealthy; and from what she knew, an honorable gentleman. At one point in her life, she would’ve been thrilled at her papa’s suggestion. But now…the duke? Papa’s closest friend? Another handsome face appeared before her eyes. One she knew would always haunt her if she didn’t find out what drew them to each other.
“Well?”
She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them to find her papa looking quite serious. “May I have this week to get to know him and the other gentlemen attending?” Against her will, her cheeks heated.
“You’re blushing.” The earl leaned forward. “What are you not telling me?”
“There is one who interests me. He will be in attendance.”
“Who?”
She couldn’t tell if he was annoyed that the duke had competition or relieved that it wouldn’t come down to marrying his daughter to his friend.
“We’ve only spoken several times, but if I’m not mistaken he’s interested in me.” More heat suffused her cheeks, giving her feelings away.
“I’m waiting for a name. Let’s see. There are five gentlemen arriving today, all young and eligible. Don’t make me guess all five.”
And just like that, her insides settled down. She swallowed and whispered, “Viscount Blackstone.”
“A most admirable man; in his twenties, not a fortune hunter.”
Her heart pounded. “So you would approve?”
“If it comes to it. Yes, I will approve. Now, daughter, tell me what else is on your mind.”
He knew her so well. “I plan on attending the hunt.” Her words were confident, but she thought he might refuse her, truthfully. After all, it was most unladylike, and bordered on scandalous. Honestly, it was disgraceful.
“I will think it over. Some might find it shocking.” The earl placed his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers. “The purpose of this party is to find you a suitable husband, not end up in the gossip rags as the latest on-dit.”
“I’ll await your answer then.”
