The Night She Met the Duke by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-01-18T18:32:36+00:00

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The rest of the evening was a trial for Pru. She was on the alert now for any whisper regarding the duke. Not that there was any lack of gossip, but it was the sort of tittle-tattle she had heard many times and from people who could have little knowledge of the facts. The more she considered the matter, the more she was convinced that Sir Joseph Conyers was behind this latest scurrilous attack.

When the ladies finally climbed into their carriage, Pru sat quietly in her corner, going over her conversation with Lord John Callater. They were almost at Brook Street when her attention was caught. Lady Borcaster was discussing with Aunt Minerva the evening party she was planning for early the following week.

‘I shall be delighted to help with the arrangements, Jane,’ declared Minerva. ‘It is very kind of you to put on this little party for us. Do you not agree, Pru?’

‘I do indeed, Aunt. Who is invited, ma’am?’

‘Oh, it will be a quiet affair, my dear. A dozen or so close friends whose company I think you might enjoy. And perhaps we may have a few country dances for the younger ones, if we remove some of the furniture.’

Pru brushed a speck of dust from her skirts, saying casually, ‘Are Sir Joseph and Lady Conyers invited?’

‘They are not,’ replied my lady. ‘I did not take to the man, although I hear he is quite the favourite now, and invited everywhere.’

‘I have heard that, too,’ replied Pru. ‘I wonder, then if perhaps you should include him?’

Lady Borcaster chuckled. ‘Oh, that is a relief! I was very much afraid you were going to suggest I should invite the Duke of Hartland! Given his present circumstances, I should have had to refuse you, my dear.’

‘I understand that,’ said Pru. ‘But going back to Sir Joseph, I think perhaps it would not do to be backwards in any attention.’

‘Goodness, Prudence, you are becoming quite at home in town, these days,’ declared her aunt, impressed.

‘But she is quite right, Minerva. If the man is a rising star, then Sir Timothy would wish me to further the acquaintance. Although, my dear Prudence, I was under the opinion that you did not care for him.’

‘No, ma’am, my first impression was not favourable, but I think that was because I am not accustomed to society manners.’

Her explanation appeared to satisfy Lady Borcaster. Nothing more was said, and when Prudence climbed into bed that night, she realised the die was cast. She would do what she could to discover if Sir Joseph was behind the accusations against the Duke of Hartland.

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