A Duke’s Guide To Romance by Sophie Barnes

Author:Sophie Barnes
Language: eng
Format: epub

11

Pleasure simmered within Ada’s heart as she watched Mr. Gibbs walk away. Despite the blatant criticism she’d been subjected to earlier, he’d managed to cheer her. The information he’d since imparted had turned her world upside down once more. It left her feeling slightly giddy. He wasn’t attached. Moreover, Miss Starling’s dogged pursuit of a man with no interest in her filled Ada with sympathy as opposed to displeasure.

Honestly, she could face a dozen more Countess Bournerlys right now, and her current mood would not be dimmed.

“Did you learn something worth sharing?” Emily asked as she sidled up next to her.

Ada took a sip of punch. The drink was wonderfully refreshing. She glanced at her friend and nodded. “He’s not engaged.”

“That’s excellent news indeed.” Emily smiled. “In case you were wondering, your uncle is having a marvelous evening as well. He and Papa have become fast friends.”

Despite the relief this comment evoked, Ada had to ask, “No one has questioned his presence?”

“Not at all.” Emily frowned. “Why? Did someone say something to you?”

Not wanting to concern her, Ada shook her head. “Not at all. I’m glad I came.”

Pleasure shone in Emily’s eyes. “By the way, that gown suits you much better than it ever did me.”

“Thank you once again for lending it to me. And for helping Uncle James find appropriate clothing as well. We’re indebted to you.”

“Nonsense,” Emily said with a wave of her gloved hand. “True friendships never have debts attached. I’m merely happy to help.”

“Nevertheless.” Ada gave her friend a warm smile. “You truly are one in a million, Emily. Any man would be lucky to have you. Is there no one here for you to consider?”

“I’m afraid not, which is all right as far as I’m concerned. As rebellious as this may seem, I’m not really looking to marry. If it happens it happens, if not then…” She shrugged. “Point is, I absolutely refuse to settle and… Oh dear.”

“Oh dear, what?” Ada followed Emily’s line of vision until she spotted Mr. Gibbs’s friends. They were chatting between themselves while walking in their general direction.

“I probably ought to go see how Papa is faring,” Emily said, retreating a step.

“But—” The Duke of Stratton shifted his gaze and glanced toward them at that exact moment. His eyes widened and he instantly halted his progress. The Duke of Corwin turned to him with a questioning look.

“Please forgive me,” Emily said in a rush. “I’ll be sure to catch up with you later.”

Ada blinked as Emily fled. It wasn’t until she was gone that Stratton resumed his progress. By the time he reached her, the hard expression he’d worn just moments before had vanished behind a friendly demeanor.

“Miss Quinn,” he said. “We’re so glad you chose to join us this evening.”

“It’s a pleasure seeing you both again,” she said, voicing the sentiment with some hesitancy while frowning in the direction Emily had vanished. Something was odd about her friend’s response just now, to say nothing of Stratton’s.

“Has Westcliffe mentioned the progress we’ve made?” Corwin asked.

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