Page 32 of Saving a Scoundrel
The library door opened, and Fred entered. “Your ride is here, Miss Spencer.”
Ellie jumped up. She ran a hand over her hair to make sure all the pins were in place. Then, turning to Susanna, she said, “Wish me luck.”
“Have courage. And have fun!” Susanna blew her a kiss.
Ellie stepped out into the night air. Lucius stood at the base of the stairs. He held out a hand. “Adventure awaits, my lady.”
He looked so handsome, his too-long hair had been slicked back, and his cravat was snowy white against the black of his waistcoat. But it was his smile that always made her heart flip over in her chest. She stepped forward and accepted his hand. “Why do you always wear black? I remember you used to like to wear color.”
“That was back when I had a valet to choose my clothing. I have no skill at matching colors. It’s easier when everything is black.” He raised her hand to his lips. “You, on the other hand, look lovely in peach. I seem to remember that you always wore gray and brown.”
Ellie shrugged. “They are practical colors that do not show dirt easily. My father feels that caring about fashion is a sign of vanity. But Lady Dearborn would not let me wear any of my normal clothes here in London.” She grabbed a handful of her skirt and executed a small pirouette. “It may be a sin, but I love my new wardrobe.”
Lucius laughed, and the sound was music to her ears. She glanced to the street and saw an enormous carriage with four black horses waiting. “What is that?”
“Oh, yes, that is the Duke of Hartwick’s carriage. He and his ward are joining us this evening. We are headed to Vauxhall, and Hartwick has a membership. So tonight, we travel in style.” He swept them down to the carriage.
The Duke of Hartwick? Ellie could feel her palms sweat. She was going to spend the evening in the company of a duke? She climbed into the carriage, and Lucius followed, settling next to her. Across the spacious carriage, the Duke of Hartwick sat next to a lovely young woman in a midnight-blue gown.
The duke might be the most handsome man Ellie had ever encountered. He had the dark, dangerous look of a pirate masquerading as an impeccably dressed aristocrat. Perhaps it was the weak light from the one lantern, or perhaps it was just the overwhelming presence of the man himself, but Ellie couldn’t stop herself from staring.
“May I introduce you to Miss Ellie Spencer? Miss Spencer, this is the Duke of Hartwick and his ward Miss Lucy Middleton.”
“Good evening,” the duke said.
Ellie opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She tried again and managed to squeak out, “A pleasure to meet you both.”
“Don’t worry, that happens a lot around Hart. He’s terribly intimidating.” Miss Middleton patted the duke’s arm. The duke let out a low growl. But the lady kept talking. “Tell me, Miss Spencer, how do you know Mr. Grisham?”
Lucius answered first. “Miss Spencer is my younger sister’s best friend. She is the vicar’s daughter in Marbury, where I grew up.”
The duke’s eyebrows rose, and he glanced across at Lucius. Some silent conversation passed between them. But then the duke’s gaze transferred to her, and a smile stretched across his face. The transformation was startling. Gone was the dark and brooding pirate. In his place was a charming…rogue because the dangerous edge did not quite leave entirely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Spencer.”
The lady next to him also smiled. “Miss Spencer, I’m so happy you had a need for adventure this evening so that I could join in as well. I’ve never been to Vauxhall either.”
Miss Middleton’s smile was so genuine Ellie relaxed. She slid Lucius a sidelong glance and asked quietly out of the side of her mouth, “You told them about my list?”
“No, I simply explained to Miss Middleton that you were visiting London for the first time and wanted to see the sights.”
“A list? Of what?” Miss Middleton asked.
The duke shot her a frown. “You ask too many questions.”
“I’m simply making conversation,” Miss Middleton shot back.
“It’s a list of things I would like to do this spring while I’m in town.” She turned to Lucius. “Which one are we accomplishing tonight? Vauxhall was not specifically on my list.”
Lucius just grinned. “You’ll see.”
“Why won’t you tell me?” She thought about the items on the list. “Will we see a play?”
Lucius wagged a finger. “Patience is a virtue.”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Lucius, you are so annoying sometimes.”
A deep chuckle rang out. “She’s not wrong. I already like you, Miss Spencer,” the duke said.
The rest of the trip was spent in pleasant conversation. Miss Middleton had been traveling on the continent with her great-aunt and seemed to have an endless supply of interesting stories. Before Ellie knew it, they had arrived at the entrance to Vauxhall. They followed the Duke of Hartwick, who was greeted with much acquiescence.
