“I do not, for then I would not have known my aunt and cousins. From what I learned of Mondvale, they would not have been welcomed in our lives.” But Marissa would have been alive.
Constance smiled. “Your cousins must be so excited and your aunt proud.”
He arched his brow at that. He doubted his cousins cared or saw the importance of him having such a title. While he had ensured they wanted for nothing, not once had they aspired to move in lofty circles, happy with their life in Hampshire. His aunt, a former school mistress herself, was even less inclined than his cousins.
A sharp gust of wind lifted the blanket, and a dark cloud passed over them, blotting out the sun for a brief moment.
“Oh drat!” Constance cried and then started to laugh as a large drop landed on her cheek. “I fear our picnic is over, Your Grace. But it was indeed splendid conversing with you.”
She gave him a winsome smile, and Lucan wondered if he had ever beheld anyone as ravishing as the lady. Several shrieks and laughter from the other ladies and gentlemen ensued as the rain pattered with more strength. The footman appeared and in quick time packed their belongings.
Constance and Lady Ralston giggled as they ran ahead of Lucan toward the waiting carriage, while he walked behind at a much slower pace. Something about their joy rattled him. The rain had been timely indeed. He was weakening toward Constance, and Lucan doubted he had ever been in such a dangerous position. The day should have been about using her to discover more of Calydon’s weaknesses. Learning more about the man, gleaning titbits society would not know were important. Lucan was a master at sifting through the undercurrents, picking at the details that were crucial, and ignoring what was irrelevant. The only thing he had learned today was how damned enticing Lady Constance was. If he was not careful, she would have the power to sway him from his path, and that would never do.
Chapter Seven
Constance held herself still while her maid artfully arranged her hair so that her golden ringlets cascaded down one side kissing her shoulder, and piled the rest in an artful chignon. She’d resolved to try and make Lucan fall hopelessly in love with her. A quiver of trepidation traveled through her. She knew what she had to do, and she would not falter. Seduce Duke Mondvale, the Lord of Sin.
She was nervous and doing her best to look indifferent, wanting to appear serene when he called to collect her. She had been pleased when he had visited the day after their picnic to invite her to the opera. He had been charming and unassuming and within minutes her mother had been smiling, the dour expression she had greeted him with melted away under his undeniable charm.
The three days wait to see him had been intolerable. She had dashed off a note to him, thanking him for his invitation, and he had responded. At first, when the butler had handed her the letter, she had been flummoxed. She had not recognized the seal—a stunning silver and red design of a lip pressed to an apple. It looked sinful. Constance had gone hot with excitement. She had slit the seal and read the single line nearly a dozen times.
It was my pleasure, Lady Constance. I look forward to our next encounter and shall be sending a carriage for you at seven.
L
Charlotte swept into her room, looking beautiful in a pale pink gown, cut low on her shoulders, her dark hair bouncing around her forehead. Anne put the finishing touches in Constance’s hair, and she went over to the mirror. Anne had outdone herself. Constance wore one of the daring new gowns she had ordered from Madame Lemont. A flattering green gown that perfectly matched her eyes.
“You look beautiful,” Charlotte murmured.
Constance smiled. “So do you, Charlotte.”
Her friend must have heard the doubt in her tone, the one she had been working so hard to bury.
Charlotte turned serious eyes to Constance. “You will be fine. Ignore everyone who stares and whispers. It is expected. It is good that you are going out and not hiding as you were before. But promise me that you will be careful tonight. Remember His Grace has not asked permission to court you, so we are still unaware of his intentions. I know your spirit, Connie, so behave with decorum.”
“I will be careful,” she said affectionately, kissing Charlotte’s cheek. “But don’t chaperone me too strictly.”
“Constance!”
“Oh pish, I highly doubt anyone can determine if they are ideally suited without a few stolen moments here and there, Charlotte. I only ask you to give me such instances before you hover.”
“It is not safe to be alone with a man like Mondvale for even a few seconds,” she growled.
Constance rolled her eyes. “Well if someone would explain what I must be wary of, my life would be much simpler. Come on, Charlotte, tell me.”