Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(9)

“Yes, they certainly are.” Nash was going to suggest another round since that one went so well, but the music was winding down.

With a self-satisfied grin, Nash said, “I wanted to go another round. That was fun. Thank you for the lovely dance, Lady Claudia.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said while curtsying. “And do be careful on the ice.”

Nash bowed, “You also, Lady Claudia.”

Harriman came and stood next to Nash. “You looked like you actually enjoyed that dance.”

Nash looked out over the dance floor, “I did toward the end. We had one brief moment where we connected. I like surprises every now and then, don’t you?”

“It entirely depends on the type of surprise. You going in for another round?”

Nash laughed. “Of course. You think I’m here to talk with you all night?”

Nash went for another dance with an unremarkable lady who had a questionable intelligence level. Darrell and Harriman were together on the sidelines. “Drink?” one of them said.

Nash breathed deep. “That’s a very good idea. I need a break before I once again face the music.”

They began to walk to the table bearing liquor when Darrell said, “I heard there is a gentleman here that has the ballroom buzzing with excitement. Ladies are begging to be introduced. Gentlemen want to trip him on the dance floor. Every girl at the ball can’t stop watching him. It’s caused quite a stir.”

Nash shook his head. “Darrell, since when did you become an old lady paying attention to the buzz on the dance floor?”

He turned to Harriman, “Whisky?”

“Yes. But Darrell’s going to have tea with the old ladies gossiping about some dandy.”

Darrell put a hand on Nash’s arm. “No, I’ll also have whisky. And for your information, that dandy on the dance floor? It’s you.”

“Another?” Darrell asked after a while.

“No. One whisky was enough. Let’s get back to it gentlemen,” Nash said.

“Your Grace, may I introduce my sister, Lady Ann Graves.”

Lady Ann curtsied, and Nash bowed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ann. The colour of your gown is perfect for your eyes, did you know that?” Of course she did, Nash thought. “Would you share a dance with me?”

She danced well, one point for her. “Tell me, Lady Ann, are you in London for the season?”

“Yes, Your Grace. I haven’t spent too much time in our London townhouse until now. I have a feeling I won’t be back to our estate in Plymouth for quite a while.”

Manages to fit in London townhouse and Plymouth estate effortlessly.Another point for her.

“Ah, this music is divine. If music be the food of love, play on,” Nash said with a twinkle in his eye.

Lady Ann twirled through the waltz and smiled up at him. Her smile had the appearance of someone who knew a secret. “I prefer ‘The course of true love never did run smooth.’” Three points for the lady. Her knowledge of Shakespeare is more than adequate.

“Quoting ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’ to ‘Twelfth Night.’ Shall we move onto ‘Hamlet’ and ‘King Lear’?”

She shook her head. “We don’t have time. The dance will end, and you won’t have asked me everything you need to know about me.”

Nash laughed. “I can skip down the list to the last two questions. Likes and dislikes.”

Lady Ann tilted her head up and looked into Nash’s eyes. “Likes? Bursting bubbles. Dislikes? Pompous gentlemen.”And yet another point for Lady Ann.

Nash smiled down at her. “You are a charming dance partner. May I ask you for another dance later?”

She gave a mock look of surprise. “Did I pass the test?”

“With flying colours.”





Chapter 4


Then, he saw him. Avery Stanton. He remembered visiting the Duke with his father, Everett, when he was younger. He wasn’t sure the Duke would be welcoming.

Nash and his father didn’t want to make the trip, but it needed to be done. The slaughter of sheep had gone on too long. The extra guards he put on to watch the sheep identified the culprit, and he needed to put a stop to it.

It took less than an hour to reach the Duke’s seat in Somerset. In his return correspondence, Avery insisted they dine with his family. Since Everett understood how delicate the conversation with Avery would be, he reluctantly agreed. He and Nash would head back to Norfolk at dawn.

Everett saw Avery infrequently. As Dukes and neighbours, their interests were similar, and so they would confer about a House of Lords bill before voting. Otherwise, they led separate lives. Avery spent much of his time in London. Everett enjoyed staying at his country estate. He was surprised to find Avery in the country when he wrote his letter asking for a meeting.

He and Nash set out after their noon meal. Nash had never been to Somerset nor had he ever been part of business discussions, but at twenty, Everett thought it time he met his neighbour.

Avery’s sister, Cecilia, greeted them warmly, instructing her staff to show them to their rooms. She invited them to tea.

Cecilia and her son Edward shared tea with Everett and Nash. Everett thought she was a pleasant woman but seemed nervous, darting her eyes from Everett to Nash to Edward then to her lap. She seemed distracted and was deep in thought more than once when Everett asked her simple questions meant only to make conversation.