Sins of a Duke(18)
Surprise and hope flashed across her mother’s face. “Another suitor? Who are you referring to, my dear?”
Her mind jerked to the kiss and dance in the conservatory. She imagined she could still feel the warmth of Lucan’s mouth on her lips. “The Duke of Mondvale called this morning.”
Shock chased her mother’s expression. “He called? Why was I not informed of this?”
Constance blushed and her mother’s gaze sharpened. “You were not here.”
“Was Charlotte with you?”
Constance fought not to blush harder. “Yes.”
Her mother was not reacting with the excitement she had hoped. Maybe her caution was for naught.
“But why would he call on you? You have not been introduced.” Her mother could not disguise the shock in her tone.
Constance swallowed in discomfort, not wanting to lie to her. “I met him last night at Lady Lawrence’s ball. We spoke. He invited me to the Hyde for a picnic and a walk and I said yes. So I will not be here for luncheon with the Viscount and his mother. I believe His Grace may be interested in courting me.”
Lady Radcliffe’s head shook with vigor. “Connie, please do not tell me it is because of Mondvale that you wish to remain in town?”
Constance flushed. “Mother, I…”
Her spine stiffened and her lips went flat in disapproval. “Absolutely not. I forbid it.” Lady Radcliffe’s eyes flashed with anger and determination. “He is not interested in you, Constance. I do not know what he was doing here or how you met him, as your father and I have not made any introductions. Lady Lawrence certainly would not have introduced you! His reputation cannot be taken lightly and I fear his attentions are not honorable.”
An awful sensation sank into the pit of Constance’s stomach. She had not expected her mother to have such a reaction. She could only imagine her brothers would be the same. Everyone thought Lucan scandalous and wicked. But she had seen the gentleman, the man who had danced with her and had not behaved in a disrespectful manner after his first faux pas. She supposed she was like her mother, just as everyone whispered—a wanton—to be interested in a man with such a reputation.
She pushed away the shameful thoughts. They had made her miserable these past months, as though she had not lived at all. In fact, if the duke had tried to call on her last year, he would have been met with staunch resistance. She had always had an innate urge to be wicked and free, to do something as daring as riding without a side saddle, like Phillipa and Jocelyn. But the fear of being seen as wanton, and the possible fall to destruction like the one her mother had experienced, stifled any such inclination. It was only recently those thoughts had been stripped away under loneliness, and Constance refused to permit the viciousness of society’s whispers to further dictate her life. “I felt alive for the first time in weeks when we conversed, Mother. Though His Grace has not declared any intentions toward me, I am open—”
“This conversation is over, young lady. I will not entertain any thoughts of a courtship between you and that…that…” Her mother visibly composed herself. “Lord Litchfield is honorable. He has a cheerful disposition and is kind. Not to mention he very much wants to marry you. Our families have been acquainted for years, and they have informed Sebastian and your father that my past indiscretion does not matter. You must do the smart thing, Connie, and accept Lord Litchfield’s suit.”
Heat flared through Constance. “You married Lord Radcliffe only three months after Papa’s passing. Why? Was it not because you loved him and did not care about the opinion of society? Why must I be concerned now?”
“You speak foolishly, Constance. I forbid you from walking with Mondvale. He is not a gentleman. He is a common gambler with a shocking reputation.”
“You hypocrite,” Constance breathed, truly shocked at her mother’s stance. “You did not even mourn for Papa! And you lecture me on propriety? I am your lover’s daughter.” Her voice cracked. “A lover you had while married. Papa is not my father and I found out through rumors.”
Her mother paled. Constance had never spoken to her in this way. She herself felt appalled, but the unfairness stung. It was by her mother’s actions that Constance’s world had been shattered, and now her mother sat before her spouting of propriety with no care for her daughter’s happiness? “Why did you do it?”
The silence became profound. She saw her Mother’s deep discomfort and did not care. Her actions had affected Constance’s life in the most horrible manner. She should feel some discomfort.