Gentleman Seeks a Lady by Grace Burrowes

Author:Grace Burrowes [Burrowes, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952443695
Publisher: Grace Burrowes Publishing

Chapter Two

Because the seaside was the last place Lord Dunstable would look for Genie, to Brighton she did go. Then too, Diana and Belinda were joining her there, and the company of friends was a much-missed comfort.

“The scent here is always the same,” Belinda said, linking arms with Genie.

“I’ve never been able to determine if that stink is gossip or rotten eggs,” Genie replied, matching her steps to her taller friend. “Or court intrigue. Thank heavens the king’s entire coterie has not yet arrived.”

Neither had Diana, though she was expected that afternoon. Belinda and Genie were taking the air, one of the most popular activities in Brighton.

“How is Tindale?” Belinda asked.

Two gentlemen tipped their hats, though Genie recognized neither one. “His Grace thrives in the company of his duchess. I do believe they were a love match.”

She managed that observation without sounding too envious. Genie and the previous duke had not been a love match. Charles had considered himself a decent husband, meaning he’d never taken his mistresses to the theater when Genie attended, and he’d never openly chastised her for failing to produce an heir.

The rhythm of the surf was punctuated by the cries of gulls overhead, and Genie finally began to relax. Brighton had been her haven, her respite from all things London. She’d come here to escape from the relentless burden of having married far above her station and to heal from the miscarriage. Tindale had left her alone in Brighton, one of the truest acts of consideration he’d shown her.

“You’re quiet,” Belinda said. “Was the trip down from Town tiring?”

“I’m a trifle fatig—merciful powers, he’s here.”

A gentleman approached, a lady on his arm. He was exquisitely turned out and so, of course, was she.

Belinda marched along, though Genie wanted to dodge behind the nearest hedge. Why, oh why, did Isambard Bentley, Marquess of Dunstable, have to be in Brighton now?

“Duchess!” he called, tipping his hat. “And Duchess.” He bowed to Belinda and then to Genie, the dukedom of Winchester standing higher in precedence than the dukedom of Tindale. “What a pleasant surprise. I’m sure you’re acquainted with Lady Naughton.”

Lady Naughton was a sylphlike blonde who was no better than she should be, though she avoided outright impropriety. Genie silently commended the woman on organizing her life around who and what she wanted, though why anybody would enjoy having a parcel of randy men sniffing around her skirts was a mystery.

The ladies curtseyed, and Genie gave Belinda’s arm a discreet tug. “We’ll let you be on your way on this fine day,” Genie said. “One must enjoy the sea air while the weather remains obliging.”

Belinda, confound her, remained fixed to the walkway like a lamppost. “What brings you to the seaside, my lord?”

“The beauty,” he said, treating both duchesses to calf-eyed mooning. “The excellent company, the healthful pastimes.”

A ducal heir’s notions about healthful pastimes did not include sea bathing and likely did include gambling, horse racing, and large quantities of liquor.

Genie tried another tug on Belinda’s arm. “Taking the air is a pleasure on a day such as this, and I do so enjoy my constitutional.

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