Page 39 of Betting on a Duke
Samuel approached, “I just received a note from Lady Chesterfield, and she’s in town staying at the Red Lion Inn. I was hoping you could invite both her and Lady Rutherford to tonight’s ball.”
She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “So I will get to meet Lady Chesterfield after all. Of course, I will have an invitation sent rightaway. Won’t Greyson be pleased to see Lady Rutherford?”
“How do you mean?”
“Greyson’s sisters and I attended the same luncheon yesterday, and they mentioned a mysterious Lady Rutherford who had caught their brother’s eye.”
Samuel couldn’t help but laugh. “Poor Greyson. He can’t have any secrets without his sisters sharing them.”
Anna, the baroness, giggled. “Ladies do like to share juicy tidbits. My brothers were very happy when Ramsbury and I got married, and I was no longer living with them. They could finally keep secrets from me.”
“How are your brothers? I haven’t seen them in ages.”
“They should be arriving today. I told them they must attend the ball tonight. They are hellions and testing my papa’s patience, especially Thomas. As the heir, Papa wants him to settle down, but Thomas, at twenty-eight, believes he’s too young. Stephen, at twenty-five, falls in love every other day.”
Samuel couldn’t help it; his face fell in sadness. Anna stepped forward and touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Stanton. I shouldn’t have gone on and on. You must miss your brother and father terribly.”
“I do, and you did nothing wrong. I asked about those two devils. I look forward to spending time with them.”
“I’m sure they look forward to seeing you, but I admit they will be disappointed to lose another friend to love.”
Samuel shook his head. “I predict that when they find the right lady, they will fall hard and fast.”
She laughed. “I agree, and I can’t wait.”
“Thank you, Anna, for everything.”
“You are most welcome, Your Grace.”
Samuel exited the ballroom through the double glass doors onto the terrace, then down the steps onto the garden path of crushed stone, and strolled aimlessly until he found a bench to sit on. He leaned against the wooden back, his legs stretched out and crossed atthe ankles, and smiled, thinking about Clarice. She was here. In Newmarket. To see him. He glanced around the gardens, hoping there weren’t any gardeners watching him smile like a love-sick fool. Which, of course, he was. In love with Clarice, that is. A love that never died when she married Chesterfield. A love that not even getting shot by her father could eradicate.
He removed the letter from his coat pocket and noticed something he hadn’t when Jerome handed it to him. It had the royal seal. He eagerly broke the seal, unfolded the paper and read the several lines of fine handwriting. Those few lines and words had his heart lighter and the muscles in his chest easing now that he had Prinny on his side.
After about an hour of relaxing on the bench, Samuel left the gardens and went to his room to think more about Clarice and how he couldn’t wait until that night to see her again.
*
Clarice and Letitiasat in the outdoor dining area at a small round table with two chairs, having luncheon, when an inn worker bowed and handed her two notes. “These are for you, Lady Chesterfield.”
“Thank you,” Clarice said as her heart pounded, knowing one or both came from Samuel. She opened the one addressed to her in his smooth, looping handwriting.
My Dearest Clarice,
I don’t know whether to be worried or thrilled that you have arrived in Newmarket. I look forward to seeing you, but I’m also concerned. We must be very careful not to draw attention to ourselves.
You and Lady Rutherford can expect an invitation to a ball tonight, hosted by the Baron and Baroness Ramsbury, where I currently reside. I can’t wait to see you.
Always and Forever Yours,
Samuel
“Well,” Letita said as she stared at her excitedly, “is it from Stanton?”
“Yes. He says we should expect an invitation to a ball being held this evening.” Clarice broke the seal on the heavy cardstock of the second note and unfolded what appeared to be the invitation. “It’s an invitation from Baron and Baroness Ramsbury. The ‘Off to the Races’ ball starts at seven. I have the feeling it’s a dress for the races theme.”
“It sounds like it,” Letitia replied. “I’m sure Penny can take care of everything.”
“I’ll inform Kirkland that we need the carriage tonight.”
