Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
He had to assume that the marquis was not going to throw him out of Avebury manor in the intermediate time if he was away, but he wished that he knew for sure.
“Alright, to be perfectly honest, the duke did ask if he could take me for a carriage ride tomorrow,” Janice told her sisters as she sat cross-legged on her bed and they sat opposite her. They had just retired after dinner, leaving the men to their brandy and cigars while they cozied up in Janice’s chambers.
* * *
Emily frowned. “For what reason? You said he has no interest in courting you.”
* * *
“I know. But…I think…” Janice shook her head, “I do not know how to explain it, but I think he feels he cannot court me. He cannot do anything that brings him any joy.”
* * *
Anne gave her a soft look. “Oh, that’s even worse. He is trapped in a hell of his own making.” She sighed, “rather like me.”
* * *
Janice smiled, reaching out to squeeze Anne’s hand. “Don’t despair. Rhys will wake up one day and realize that the two of you were meant to be.”
* * *
“God, but when?” Anne said with despair.
* * *
“And while we shall certainly discuss that at length, at the moment I am more concerned about the duke’s intentions. What does he want with you? He has already kissed you, what if he thinks of doing more than that?”
* * *
“He won’t. He is a gentleman.”
* * *
“You just said he is determined to bring dishonor to his name. What better way to do it than to defile a lady.”
* * *
Janice shook her head. “He would not do that…” She looked from one sister to the other. “Would he?”
CHAPTER 12
In spite of her reservations and the fears Emily had managed to instill in her, Janice was still excited at the thought of going on a carriage ride with the duke.
* * *
“Darling, you simply cannot just disappear all day like that again,” her father said during breakfast.
* * *
“I won’t, Father. I apologize for yesterday,” Janice said as humbly as she could.
* * *
Her father gave her a smile. “Now don’t sound too apologetic. It stretches the limits of my credulity when you do.”
* * *
Janice grinned at him. “Alright, fine. I am excited to go for a carriage ride with the duke. I shall take Hubert with me for protection, and I promise not to lose track of time again.”
* * *
“I think you should take all your sisters. They would make better chaperones than a puppy.”
* * *
Janice pouted. “But father!”
* * *
“Take your sisters or you don’t go.”
* * *
Janice stared at her father, unable to believe he was putting his foot down.
* * *
“I support that,” Frederick said as he reached for a string of sausage.
* * *
Janice narrowed her eyes at him. “Thank you, Frederick. And when do you intend to start courting?”
* * *
He snorted, “Are you saying that you and the duke are courting?”
* * *
“No! We are merely two acquaintances who enjoy each other’s company. Is that not allowed now?”
* * *
“Not according to the Ton, it isn’t,” Frederick said.
* * *
Janice cocked an eyebrow. “Since when do you care about the Ton?”
* * *
“I do not.” He took a huge bite of his sausage, “but perhaps you should since you plan on hobnobbing with them next week.”
* * *
“I am only going as I have been invited by the Carters for their ball. Should I happen to snag myself a husband, I’m sure Anne, at least, will be happy for me.”
* * *
“We will all be happy for you, my darling,” her father assured her, patting her hand. “Now eat your breakfast. And where is Hubert? Has he been fed?”
* * *
“Yes. I went to the kitchens to find him and found him gnawing on a bone. The kitchen maids are treating him well.”
* * *
“Good.” Lord Benjamin got to his feet. “Now I have some work to do in my study. I shall see you all later.” He pointed at Janice. “Remember what I said.”
* * *
“I will Papa. Anne and Emily will come with me.”
Arthur was a little surprised to find all three sisters waiting for him when he arrived. He was glad his open carriage could seat four people because apparently, there were two chaperones. He smiled in welcome and helped all three of them into the vehicle.
* * *
“Lady Emily, Lady Anne, it is a pleasure to see you once again.” He bowed to one and then the other, before sitting down opposite them, with Janice by his side.
* * *
Lady Anne leaned forward, “It’s a pleasure to see you too, Your Grace. Where are we going?”
* * *
“I thought we might take a turn around the lake. Perhaps feed the ducks.”