Page 42 of Betting on a Duke
Chapter Seventeen
Sitting across fromeach other to avoid wrinkling their gowns, Clarice tapped on the roof, signaling Kirkland that they were ready to go. The carriage rolled onward, and Clarice realized she had forgotten to ask Kirkland how long it would take to reach Ramsbury Ridge Farms. Thirty minutes later, they entered a queue of carriages on a tree-lined stone drive leading to a circular entrance and stopped in front of a grand, three-story stone house with wings extending out from each side.
Once the carriage rolled to a stop, a liveried footman opened the door and assisted first Clarice, then Letitia out of the carriage. The footman then escorted them inside the large estate, down a long corridor, and into a stunningly beautiful ballroom, decorated in cream and gold. Gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling, with hundreds of wax candles already lit. Beautiful, fragrant floral arrangements of all sizes and shapes were spread around the room.
As Clarice and Letitia made their way to greet their hosts, she looked around, her heart pounding with hope at seeing Samuel. Disappointment stabbed her when she didn’t spot him anywhere. Yet she knew she was being silly. He was attending, and they would come face-to-face soon enough.
Her time had come to meet the hosts. She curtsied and said, “Baron and Baroness, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And Ithank you for your invitation on such short notice.”
“Lady Chesterfield,” the baron said as he bowed, “welcome to our home.”
“Yes, Marchioness,” the baroness said with a curtsy. “Welcome. When our dear friend, the Duke of Stanton, asked if we would invite you and Lady Rutherford, we were honored to do so. I hope you enjoy yourself.”
“I will, thank you.”
Clarice and Letitia stood to the side of the dance floor and watched the musicians tune up their instruments. “Have you seen Greyson?” Letitia asked as her eyes moved through the guests milling about. It appeared everyone was getting their bearings.
“Not yet,” Clarice answered. “But he’s here, since I see Lady Anastasia talking with Mr. Hunter by one of the many double glass doors leading outside.”
Letitia remarked, “Perhaps Greyson is with Stanton somewhere, since I don’t see him, either.” Letitia reached out and briefly touched Clarice’s hand. “He’s staying here, so he is here. It won’t be long before you see him. I know how eager you are to lay eyes on him, but also how frightened you are at the same time because of your father’s threats.”
“I am. Even if I only get a few words with him to assure me he is fine, I will be appeased. And with the upcoming races, I know I will see him again.” She didn’t know what the owner did during the actual race. Did they have a designated area for owners only?
“Stanton and Greyson are coming this way,” Letitia said as her cheeks pinkened. “I’m blushing, aren’t I?”
“Yes, but so am I. My cheeks heated up so fast, I need to fan myself.” She looked down at the closed parasol she was holding and her reticle, wondering how she had forgotten her fan back at the inn. By this time, Stanton and Greyson arrived.
“Lady Chesterfield, Lady Rutherford,” Greyson said as he bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you both again today.”
Clarice and Letitia both curtsied. “Wonderful to see you, Greyson,” Clarice said, trying to keep her eyes on the viscount and not the duke. She didn’t succeed.
“Greyson,” Letitia said. “I hope you enjoyed your luncheon at the inn?”
His green eyes sparkled as he took Letitia in from head to toe. The heat coming off them was spilling over to Clarice, making her truly wish she had a fan.
“I did, thank you.”
By now, the musicians were playing a lively country reel, and Greyson and Letitia left hand in hand to join the dancing.
“Shall we dance?” Samuel asked. “Or shall we talk?”
Fan. She needed her fan. She probably made a face, because Samuel asked, “Are you unwell?”
“No,” she sighed. “Just a little warm. Do you think it’s wise to be together?”
“I don’t believe it matters whether we’re seen together or not. Your father has his plan in place, and nothing we do, or don’t do, will stop him.” He extended his arm. “Shall we? All the doors open onto terraces with pathways weaving through the intricate and lovely gardens. The air is much cooler out there than inside this stuffy ballroom.”
She placed her hand on his forearm. “I would love to get some fresh air. Thank you.”
As soon as they stepped outside, Clarice inhaled the cool, fresh air and felt better instantly. “Please accept my apologies if my letter and arrival in Newmarket caused you any discomfort.”
He patted her hand that rested on his arm. “Your apologies are not necessary. I was thrilled when your letter arrived. Then dread settled in, but I’ve shoved it aside. When your father makes good on his threat about my father’s secrets, so be it. I’ve got nothing to hide, andthat’s all that matters. The sooner we face your father’s wrath, the quicker we can move on. Life’s too short, and I refuse to let him ruin ours. My poor departed brother never had a chance to fall in love, to live his life as he saw fit. He never had a chance to marry and have children. We could be dead tomorrow, and I’m done waiting for your father to make his next move.”
This was not what he’d believed when last they’d seen one another, and she was shocked. “What’s changed?”
He sighed and ran his hands through his newly trimmed hair. “I’m not completely sure. Being away from London and spending time with my horses helps ease my worries and concerns. It helps me see things more clearly. Not that I wasn’t seeing things clearly in London; it’s just that I have a better perspective now. I’m a duke, and it’s high time I acted like one. Of course, the biggest change came today with the post. I sent a letter to Prinny asking for his advice on the matter without revealing too much. He advised me to get a special license immediately and marry you, with his full blessing.”
“You sent a letter to the Prince Regent?” Her mouth formed an “O,” and she snapped it shut. “I had no idea you two were close.”
