Mad About the Duke - Standon Widows 02 (2010) by Elizabeth Boyle

Author:Elizabeth Boyle
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9780061783500
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2010-09-28T07:00:00+00:00

“Superstitions aside,” Lucy said, “let’s return to the more relevant issue. Why didn’t I get them?”

Elinor shot another glance at Minerva, who groaned and continued her confession. “It was decided—”

“Lady Geneva decided,” Elinor rushed to add.

“Yes, it was Lady Geneva,” Minerva said, nodding in agreement, “who thought it prudent to wait and see—”

Lucy gaped at the pair of them. “What? If Archie lived? If we had children? If he actually managed to inherit?”

They both shrugged like a pair of purse snatchers caught in the act.

“It was really Geneva’s idea,” Elinor told her. “I fear she wasn’t too keen on the idea of Archie inheriting the dukedom. She thought him a bit of an—”

“Idiot?” Lucy supplied. “I can’t argue with her reasoning there. He was disgraceful. And I have to imagine the idea of me, the daughter of a thief and an infamous Incognita, wearing some priceless Sterling relic was just too much for her to bear.”

“Something like that,” Minerva admitted.

“Yes, something like that,” Elinor rushed to agree.

Then Lucy surprised them both and laughed. “I probably would have lost them anyway. I’ve never been one for jewels. But if you are going to wear them out in company, Elinor, I would suggest checking to make sure Felicity is not on the guest list.”

They all laughed and settled back into their seats, Elinor still holding her gown.

Lucy glanced over at it. “Minerva is right—diamonds would make that gown if you decide to seduce your Mr. St. Maur.”

“Really, Lucy! You shouldn’t press Elinor so to take a lover,” Minerva admonished. “But there is no denying, the diamonds would be stunning with that velvet.” She paused and then shocked them both. “And I will confess, I can see why you are tempted. St. Maur is a handsome devil.”

“Minerva Sterling!” Lucy said, turning to face her friend. “Who would have guessed you could be so wicked.”

Elinor leaned over and added, “Just last night she was longing for her own wicked baron.”

Lucy grinned. “You don’t say! Minerva, I am quite thrilled to see my influence wearing off on you.” She reached for the teapot and began to pour herself a cup.

“A wicked baron, indeed! I am longing for no such thing. I only said that about Mr. St. Maur because I finally got a good look at him this afternoon,” the first Lady Standon declared. “And he has the cut of a gentleman about him. How unfortunate he isn’t titled and excessively rich.”

“I haven’t that good fortune,” Elinor said.

“Oh, you never know,” Lucy mused as she blew on her cup of tea.

“I swear he looks rather like that rakish devil who used to cause all those scandals about ten years ago.” Minerva tapped her lips with her fingers. “What was his name?” She looked over at Lucy, who shrugged off the question and started to pour a cup for Elinor.

Minerva’s brows furrowed as she continued to ponder her question. “Oh, goodness, now I remember, doesn’t he look like he could pass for that mad fellow, oh,

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