My Once and Future Duke (The Wagers of Sin #1)(80)

The door behind him opened. “Your Grace,” cried Lady Stowe. “How delightful of you to call.”

Jack turned. The countess curtsied, a rather rigid motion compared to Sophie’s flowing one. “Good day, Lady Stowe. I called in hopes of having a word with Lady Lucinda.”

Her face brightened. Lady Stowe was a petite woman and had been a beauty in her youth, with pale blond hair and wide blue eyes. Now her hair was turning to silver and there were lines around her eyes, but Jack was not fooled. The countess might look like a china doll, but she was cut from the same iron--willed cloth as his mother. “My daughter will be down soon to receive you. She will be most delighted you’ve called.” She came into the room, a proud smile on her face. “Won’t you be seated, sir?” She went to the sofa, and Jack obediently took a chair. “I hope the duchess your mother is well?”

“She is.” Jack thought she must know how his mother was even better than he did, especially since he’d been avoiding his mother since their conversation about Lucinda.

“I am delighted to hear it,” said Lady Stowe warmly. “Family is so important.”

Sophie wanted a family. She’d had no one since she was twelve, not even a managing mother or an irresponsible sibling. Jack, who had never been free of family duty and obligations, thought he would also like a family, one of his own making. His lips curved at the thought. His sons would be better cardplayers than Philip; he had no doubt about that. His daughters, too. Sophie would see to it.

“My husband’s brother, Lord Stowe, is in town at present, as well. Are you acquainted with Stowe yet?”

Jack’s polite expression felt as stiff as a mask. If he had been about to propose marriage to Lucinda, he would have to receive her guardian’s blessing. But he wasn’t about to propose, and he had no interest in speaking to Lord Stowe. “I am not.”

“Stowe is very fond of my Lucinda,” the countess went on. “He treats her quite as if she were his own child! I’m sure I couldn’t ask for a better guardian for her, since her own dear father is no longer here.”

“I’m delighted to hear it,” he replied. He glanced around the room, determined to change the subject. “My man Percy tells me you have had no complaints this Season with the house.”

“Oh no,” she said at once. “This house suits us very well. It is too small to hold a ball, of course, but your own mother—-such a kind lady!—-has offered to host one in Lucinda’s honor.” She gave a little peal of laughter. “But naturally you must know all about it, since it will be held in your very own home!”

There was no doubt in Jack’s mind that his mother had been actively scheming with Lady Stowe to make that ball a betrothal ball for him and Lucinda. “I’m afraid not,” he said. “My mother does not always keep me appraised of her plans, and I rarely attend balls.”

She paused, her expression turning sharp and frustrated for a brief moment before she smiled again. “I hope you will make an exception to attend this one. It would mean so much to Lucinda, and to your mother, I imagine.”

He tipped his head. “Perhaps.” He’d attend that ball only with Sophie on his arm, as his duchess. Otherwise, a regiment of soldiers couldn’t make him walk through those doors.

Lady Stowe pursed her lips. “Where is Lucinda? Normally she is so punctual, Your Grace.” She reached for the bell rope and gave a hard yank. “I’m sure she’ll be so distressed to have kept you waiting.”

The door flew open then to reveal Lucinda, pink cheeked and flustered. She hurried into the room and almost stumbled into a curtsy. “Your Grace, Mother,” she murmured breathlessly.

“There you are at last, dear. Come, ring for refreshments for His Grace,” said her mother, patting the seat next to her.

“Actually,” said Jack as Lucinda flushed at her mother’s criticism, “I wonder if Lady Lucinda would care to take a turn about the square with me. It’s a very fine day out, and I confess I long to feel the sun.”

Lady Stowe blinked, then let out another peal of her tittering laughter. “Why, that’s a splendid idea! It’s been ever so rainy lately, a breath of fresh air would be delightful. I fancy a turn about the square as well—-”

Jack cleared his throat, and she stopped speaking at once. “If I may, Lady Stowe, I have something particular to discuss with Lucinda and wonder if we might speak alone.”

The countess shot a look of triumph at her daughter. “Of course, Your Grace.”

But Jack was watching Lucinda, to see if she shared her mother’s delight. If she did, he couldn’t tell; Lucinda’s expression didn’t change, for better or for worse. Since he’d seen ladies’ faces brighten simply at the sight of him approaching, he took this as a positive sign. If she’d been waiting eagerly for his proposal, as his mother claimed, he would expect to see some indication of gratification. Instead, Lucinda continued looking slightly nervous, fidgeting with a ribbon on her dress.

When she caught him watching her, she dropped the ribbon and blushed. “Yes, Your Grace. That would be lovely.” She curtsied again.

Lady Stowe swept out into the hall, where the butler was waiting. “Lady Lucinda will be walking out, Wilkes,” she told him before turning back to Jack. “I will have refreshments waiting when you return.”