Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(15)

He put down his fork and leaned forward. “And you know, Penelope, we haven’t even tackled the dessert table yet.” The twinkle in his eyes was irresistible, and she grinned uncontrollably.

She was having so much fun with Nash that she didn’t see Henry approaching holding a dinner plate of his own. Without asking or giving a greeting, he sat down between them.

“Well, well. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were enjoying each other’s company. But that can’t be,” Henry said, shaking his head dramatically. “Because you two barely know one another, and you won’t be continuing your friendship. Make it easy on yourselves and end it now before it becomes difficult to say goodbye.”

Nash ground his teeth and spoke through his clenched jaw. “Leave now, Henry, before I pick you up by your scrawny neck and throw you across the room.





Chapter 6


The next day, at the beginning of calling hours, Nash was at the door. The ladies and Edward were in the parlour, hoping Henry wouldn’t wander in and decide to stay.

Nash smiled. “Lady Balfour, Lady Penelope, Lord Balfour,” he said, waiting for the ladies to curtsy and take their seats. He bowed.

Edward motioned to Nash, “Your Grace, please sit and join us for tea.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’m afraid I need to get used to the shift in time due to the balls. They let out at three or four in the morning. Your teacakes look delicious to a man who got a late start and hasn’t eaten much today.”

Cecilia leaned forward, “Would you like something more substantial? I can have the kitchen make whatever you like.”

“Oh, no don’t bother but thank you. After another ball or two when I get home at four in the morning, I’ll have my breakfast habits once again aligned. I must say, I enjoyed the ball last night, did you?” he said to no one in particular.

Edward answered, “I am new to the ball. Both my sister and I will be on the ball circuit and whatever else the ton throws at us this season. If the rest of the balls are similar to last night’s, I may have to revise my opinion and say the process we go through to meet women isn’t so bad after all.”

“Oh, Edward.” Cecilia laughed and turned to Nash. “He’s been complaining for months about attending these events. And look at him now.”

Nash gave a broad, gorgeous smile that showed his beautiful teeth and twinkling eyes. “I have to agree with you, Lord Balfour. I was dreading the experience. That is until your uncle pointed out your beautiful sister.”

Edward smiled broadly, “That’s kind of you to say. Do you happen to know any single young ladies you could recommend to a gentleman?”

Penelope cleared her throat. “Would you two like us to leave so you may finish your conversation? It sounds as though you’re at the club, not in a parlour having tea with ladies,” she said with a smile.

“You are right, My Lady. White’s? Dinner? Tomorrow evening? That will give me time to think about any ladies I might be able to recommend,” Nash said.

“Seven o’clock?” Edward asked.

Nash smiled. “Perfect. Although, I have noticed you do seem to have a nice lady under your nose. Lady Dinah may be worth getting to know better.”

Edward snorted, “I thought you were going to say Kitty or Isabel. I would have wondered why you disliked me so much.”

Both men laughed, and Penelope cleared her throat again.

Nash looked at Edward, “I think we had better change the subject before I am kicked out.” He turned to Penelope, “Are you ladies planning to attend the Thompson ball later this week?”

Cecilia was quick to answer. “We are, Your Grace. It should be a lively event. But I hear that, in the past, Lady Thompson has invited more people than her ballroom holds. I hope that isn’t the case this year.”

Nash turned to Edward again, “If that is the case, shall we retreat to the card room after a few dances?”

Edward shook his head no. “Not if I want to stay alive.” He looked at his mother. “I mean my mother and my sister may have other plans for me.”

Nash laughed. “I think you and I are going to be great friends.

Edward bowed. “I believe you are right.”

“Right? Right about what? What have I been missing since you started tea without me?” Henry asked, coming in and taking a seat with no bow or greeting to anyone.

Cecilia spoke in a low, slow, steady voice. “Hello, Henry. You know we begin tea every day at one o’clock. You have a standing invitation but rarely join us. Do you know the Duke of Norfolk?”

“Oh, I know him,” Henry said in a loud, hostile voice. “He’s the one who accused me of killing his dog.”

Penelope gasped, and then put her hand to her mouth. Oh, that neighbour, she thought. She remembered the incident and looked over at Nash. He was putting down his teacup and his plate. He was going to leave.

Nash stood. “Lady Balfour, Lady Penelope, Lord Balfour,” he bowed, “I look forward to our next encounter. Thank you for a lovely visit.” He turned to Edward. They nodded to one another but didn’t say a word. Neither wanted to risk Henry showing up at White’s for dinner tomorrow evening.

The ladies curtsied, Edward bowed, but Henry stayed seated. Nash left.