Page 4 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

Abigail whispered, “I think your devotion to Christopher is impacting your judgment. He is now speaking with Lady Eliza, by the way.”

“I’m certain he is simply sharing stories about his trip. Things will return to normal soon.”

“Don’t you wonder what it would be like to be swept away by someone?” Abigail asked.

Her friend loved romance novelettes far more than Cora did. She read them avidly, and they clouded all her thoughts on potential matches. “I’m not sure I’ve ever thought about it.”

“How can you know Christopher is right for you then?”

She glanced at him, standing with Eliza and a few more ladies now. He’d always been her choice. “I know.”

“I will stop challenging you about him then. I, personally, will not wed until I’m overcome with passion for my suitor.”

Cora shook her head and looped her arm through Abigail’s. “No more marriage talk. We hear enough of that from our mothers. Shall I tell you about my maps?”

Abigail laughed. “Only if I can tell you about the book I’m reading.”

***

Damion grinned at Lady Clark, who shot him a saucy wink. He’d been surprised to see Meredith here. She enjoyed spending her time in the city and rarely ventured to the country. The lady and her husband had a discreet open marriage but still tried to stay out of each other’s way. That meant he usually never went to London, and she never left the city.

Stanton muttered, “Look at all the ladies flocking around Bellamy.”

He reluctantly stopped his perusal of Meredith and asked, “Jealous?”

His friend snorted. “Surprised and will be watching him closely. My sister thinks they might be a match.”

Damion turned away from Meredith, turning his attention to Bellamy. The man appeared happy to be surrounded by a bevy of ladies. Where was Stanton’s sister? “He enjoys being the center of attention.”

“Let’s hope it is a momentary thing.”

Damion suspected Stanton’s optimism might be far-fetched. Bellamy didn’t strike him as a man ready to settle down with a wife. “I’m sure there are plenty of options for Lady Cora.”

His friend sighed. “Yes, there are, but she is determined that Bellamy is the most well-suited to be her husband.”

“Why?” he asked.

“She likes that he is our neighbor.”

Damion frowned. It seemed like a strange reason to wed someone, but he was the last person who should criticize anyone’s choices.

Bellamy motioned for Stanton to join him. Sighing, Stanton said, “Time to play host.”

“Lady Clark appears bored. I will go keep her company.”

His friend warned, “Stay out of trouble.”

“She and I are old friends,” Damion said with a smile. Stanton snorted.

He made his way to the lady. She stood by a window sipping punch. “May I join you?”

“I could never refuse you, Damion.”

Meredith was a beautiful woman. She was petite and curvy with a dimple on her right cheek. They’d spent more than one evening together. The two of them were very similar, to be honest. Attraction was acceptable, emotion not so much.

“It isn’t common for you to venture out of London.”

She sighed, “My husband decided he needed to spend a few weeks at the Mayfair townhouse, so I’ve planned accordingly.”