The Bride Goes Rogue (The Fifth Avenue Rebels #3)(59)

Circling the room, she kept an eye on him while chatting with the other guests. At present, he was frozen in front of an Alfred Sisley landscape, a painting she happened to love. Hopefully he was using the serene brushstrokes and soft pastel colors to calm down, because she would demand answers from him soon.

First she needed to soothe any ruffled feathers in the room.

“This was certainly exciting,” Abby Aldrich said as she passed by. “You must do this again soon, Katherine.” Abby and Katherine had debuted together, and Abby was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Meliora Club. There were rumors she might marry the sole Rockefeller heir, John Davison Jr.

“Oh, Abby. I’m so sorry. That behavior was deplorable.”

“Nonsense. If anything, you probably sold more memberships for the club tonight. People will be clamoring to attend more events here.”

“I hope you’re right, because I’m mortified.”

“Please. Two handsome men brawling in evening coats? Every woman in the room nearly swooned.”

Katherine gave her friend a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, tonight was supposed to be about the art.”

“And it is. The collection is superb. I have my eye on a few of these paintings.” She flicked a glance toward where Preston stood. “I’ve never known Mr. Clarke to be so hotheaded. Any idea what it was all about?”

“None,” Katherine said. “But I mean to find out as soon as everyone leaves.”

Abby’s dark brows shot up. “Is there anything I should know?”

“Oh, Mr. Clarke and I are just friends.”

“Then why are you blushing?”

“Am I?” Her hands flew to her cheeks.

Abby laughed. “No, but you’ve just given yourself away. I suppose the rumors about you and the duke are unfounded.”

Dropping her arms, Katherine smirked at the other woman. “Tell me, how are things going with John Junior? I hear you’re taking long walks together and that—”

“Fair enough,” Abby interrupted, though she was smiling. “Let’s have lunch soon. We can swap stories then.”

“I’d like that.”

After Abby left, Katherine searched for Lockwood, and eventually found him engaged in small talk with some matrons. The older ladies were looking up at the duke with stars in their eyes. “Ladies, might I steal His Grace for a moment?”

They tittered and nodded, while one even had the audacity to wink at Katherine. Lockwood executed a perfect bow before she dragged him away. “Are you having a nice time?”

“Indeed, I am. You’ve put together a beautiful collection.”

“Thank you. I apologize for the earlier drama. I have no idea what came over Mr. Clarke, but I don’t believe the altercation will hurt your marriage prospects.”

“Quite the opposite, if I had to guess. It’ll be all anyone will wish to discuss tomorrow. You’ve given me social cachet as a witness.” He leaned in. “And I’ve discovered you have an admirer in the room.”

Did he mean Preston? How on earth had Lockwood arrived at that conclusion? She shook her head. “You’re wrong. I have no idea what caused that scene, but I do intend to find out.”

“Have you told him about our drive in the park? Because he seems to believe I am courting you and I got the sense it bothered him.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. He’s not interested in marrying me.”

“Are you certain?”

“Absolutely positive.” She hurried to change the subject. “You know, my aunt was hoping you and I would marry. She’s quite fond of you.”

The side of Lockwood’s mouth hitched, his face confident even with the weight of his family’s future on his broad shoulders. “I met her earlier in the far room. She asked me all sorts of questions about Queen Victoria.”

That sounded like Aunt Dahlia. “She’s obsessed with royalty.”

“I told her I’d be happy to introduce her to the queen any time she visits London.”

“Oh, goodness. Now she’ll never let up about traveling there.”

“I hope she comes—and I hope you join her. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, Katherine.”

He was such a kind and decent man. “And I you, Lockwood. I’m glad we are friends.”

“Same, Miss Delafield. Incidentally, I’ll bring the paintings for your museum back with me when I return after the holidays. I hope that’s acceptable.”

“That’s perfect. Has my father written you a check?”

“Yes, he did. Much appreciated, that.”

Hopefully the money went a tiny way to easing some of the duke’s immediate financial woes. Though he still needed to marry, but perhaps this would buy him some time.

The guests started to depart and the crowd thinned. Preston hadn’t moved, still absorbed in the Sisley painting. She needed to speak with him privately, but she should see Lockwood off properly first. “Shall I walk Your Grace out?”

“Not necessary,” Lockwood said as he lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth. “Congratulations on your exhibit. You certainly have an eye for these things. The museum will undoubtedly be a smashing success.”

“I hope so. The Lockwood family collection will be a huge draw when we open. Thank you, Your Grace.”