Lord Wastrel by Donna Cummings

Author:Donna Cummings [Cummings, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2014-11-02T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

It was just as dreadful as he had feared.

Hugh wanted to groan when he saw everyone's heads snap their direction, their jaws dropped in shock. He kept his eyes straight ahead as he led Lucinda and Felicia to the private box he had booked ahead of time.

Lucinda was too excited by her surroundings to notice people gawking, whispering behind their hands, or worse, turning aside with a cut direct. He gripped his daughter's hand firmly, to reassure himself more than anyone.

"Hugh," Felicia whispered, sliding her hand into the crook of his elbow. "We shall weather this."

Her words were strangely calming. He had experienced enough scandal to last ten lifetimes, but it meant nothing compared to what Lucinda might have to endure.

"Does your plan include a fast carriage and a race for the border?"

"No," she said with a laugh. "At least not yet."

He nearly sagged with relief when they finally arrived at the entrance to the private box. He ushered Felicia through, and once she was safely inside, he led Lucinda to the edge of the railing, to give her a better vantage point.

"Papa! The horses!"

Lucinda's squeals could likely be heard in the next shire, especially since the entire crowd had quieted the minute she had uttered the word "Papa".

Hugh straightened his shoulders, and somehow managed to refrain from growling at everyone staring their direction. He was not about to let anyone, not even him, spoil his daughter's enjoyment of the day.

He lifted her into his arms, holding her aloft so her view of the arena was not restricted. She turned back to say something to him, and all at once her face lit up with unabashed glee. She squealed again, only this time she squirmed in his grasp.

"Papa, look who is here."

If Felicia had not giggled just then, Hugh would have guessed the King himself had strolled in. Instead, it was the next best possibility: Felicia's brother, the Duke of Enfield.

"Lucinda, it is such a delight to see you once more." Julian sauntered into their box, and in full view of the crowds leaning to get a better look, raised Lucinda's chubby fingers to his lips. "I hope I shall be invited to another tea party in the near future. I so enjoyed our last one."

Predictably, she blushed and hid her face in Hugh's neck. In the next instant, she reached her arms out toward Julian. The man did not hesitate. He scooped her into his arms and bounced her jovially, as though he had done it for years.

Hugh could not help but laugh, watching his bachelor friend play the proud uncle, dispelling Hugh's fears for his beloved daughter.

All at once, a crowd made their way into the small confines, intent on making Lucinda's acquaintance. Julian cheerfully made the introductions, and Lucinda entertained everyone with all the grace of a miniature duchess.

Somehow a bevy of debutantes had managed to surround Felicia as well, chirping and chattering, delighted that their idol was in their midst once more.

Hugh stood outside the circle of his wife's admirers, bemused.

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