The Matchmaker and the Duke by Ann Lethbridge

Author:Ann Lethbridge
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-01-02T20:02:39+00:00

* * *

‘Will I be permitted to waltz tonight?’ Charity asked Amelia a little too casually as her maid finished pinning her hair.

Since the Vauxhall debacle, Amelia had resided at the Mitchell town house and would do so for the rest of their stay in London. Clearly, she needed to keep a closer eye on her charges and it would be fair to say that Mr Mitchell was not especially pleased with her. Though it did seem they had escaped any sort of repercussions from that little adventure thanks to Jasper frowning at anyone who even hinted it might not have all been above board and perfectly respectable. Clearly, he was a man who did as he pleased with impunity. A cold chill trickled down her spine at the thought.

Yet...he did not seem to use his power for ill. And he had given up his own pleasure in order to aid Charity. Not something every gentleman would do. Certainly her husband had never given up anything he wanted to do, not even for her sake. According to him, marrying her had been enough of a sacrifice.

Still, the big question in her mind was what Jasper planned with regard to Charity and the future. Because if he did not plan to come up to scratch, then Amelia needed to look elsewhere.

Oh, dear, was that a little bit of hope she felt in her heart?

Tonight being Wednesday, they were off to Almack’s Assembly. If Jasper was there, it would give her a chance to thank him properly.

‘You may waltz, provided the right gentlemen asks,’ Amelia said.

Charity’s shoulders slumped. ‘You mean the Duke.’

Amelia forced herself to smile gently. ‘Not necessarily.’

‘What about me?’ Patience said. ‘I want my first waltz to be with Mr Dobson.’

To Amelia’s surprise, Mr Mitchell had given his approval to Mr Dobson’s suit. Apparently, he knew Dobson’s father. He’d had business dealings with him and thoroughly approved of him, and therefore approved of his son.

‘If he is in attendance, I see no reason why you should not waltz with him.’

Patience, who had completed her toilette and now sat on the bed trying not to crease her skirts, beamed. ‘He will be there.’ The girl glowed.

Whereas Charity looked pale. Almost sickly.

‘Do you have a headache, Charity?’ Amelia asked. The girl had been looking peaky since they got home from Vauxhall. ‘Shall we stay home this evening and attend Almack’s next week instead.’

‘Oh, you cannot mean that, Mrs Durant,’ Patience exclaimed, jumping to her feet. ‘What a let down.’

‘But if your sister is not feeling quite the thing—’

Charity straightened her shoulders. ‘No, indeed. I am well. A little tired, perhaps, but no doubt I shall feel better directly.’

Amelia frowned, then shrugged mentally. Surely the girl would regain her spirits once she was among her friends.

The housekeeper popped her head through the door. ‘The carriage is waiting, Mrs Durant,’ she said. She beamed at the girls. ‘My, don’t you ladies look a picture.’

‘Thank you,’ Amelia replied. She ushered the girls downstairs and out of the front door.

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