Page 17 of An Unfamiliar Duke

“I thought that by virtue of their position in Society, dukes need little assistance with their self-confidence,” she said.

They were approaching the entrance to the park, and the number of carriages on the road had increased significantly. Most of the vehicles had their tops down, their occupants more than happy to see and be seen by all they passed. Sebastian spotted the Dowager Marchioness of Pendleton’s carriage in the distance and barely resisted the urge to tell Perkins to turn his around.

“I cannot speak for all dukes, Miss Ainsworth, but this one will gladly accept all the help he can get.” The Pendletons’ carriage was drawing close enough that he could see the Dowager Marchioness and Lady Marian seated beside her. “Indeed, if you could muster a smile—no matter how weak—whilst we drive past one of Society’s most influential biddies, I would be most appreciative.”

With the intelligence he was beginning to expect of her, Miss Ainsworth did not turn around to look. Instead, she leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Whom exactly are we attempting to bamboozle?”

“The Dowager Marchioness of Pendleton.”

“I fear that will take considerably more than a weak smile, Your Grace. Her ladyship is not easily fooled.”

The marchioness’s carriage was only a few hundred yards away.

“Could you perhaps manage an engaging smile?”

“I think we can do better than that.” Miss Ainsworth swooped up her skirts and shifted to the left. “Quickly,” she said. “Sit beside me.”

He rose and exchanged seats. All at once, she was close enough that he could feel her warmth. The scent of jasmine lingered in the air between them.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” It seemed to Sebastian that he had gone from incurring the dowager marchioness’s ire for being out with someone other than her daughter to causing a veritable scandal amongst the ton.

“We are sending a signal, Your Grace. A strong one.”

“Strong enough to ruin your reputation?” he asked.

An impish light appeared in her eyes. “Not quite. There is ample room on this seat for two people, and thanks to your driver, we are not alone.”

“True.” He could not argue otherwise, even though Perkins had kept his back to them the entire time.

“And we are to be married within days, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then I think it might be just as well to give select ladies some warning that you are no longer on the market.” She raised a delicate eyebrow. “I believe I can manage an engaging smile, Your Grace. Can you?”

“I . . . uh . . .” He cleared his throat, hoping it would also clear his head. “Yes. Of course.”

Sitting this close to Miss Ainsworth was muddling his senses. He took a deep breath of jasmine-filled air. It did little to help his situation. Tearing his eyes away from his captivating companion, he turned his attention to the road. The dowager marchioness’s carriage was almost upon them.

“Allow the marchioness’s carriage to enter the park ahead of us, Perkins,” he called to his driver.

Immediately, the barouche slowed.

“Now would be a good time, Your Grace.” Miss Ainsworth’s whisper was followed by a smile that illuminated her face. Her brown eyes sparkled, her small nose crinkled, and Sebastian’s heart stuttered. Of their own volition, his lips curved upward. The look in her eyes softened, and he felt himself sinking.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” The dowager marchioness’s voice cut through the air like a rapier.

Miss Ainsworth blinked, and the connection was gone. More shaken than he cared to admit, Sebastian turned to see that the dowager marchioness’s carriage had rolled up beside his. Perkins brought the barouche to a halt.

“Good day to you, Lady Pendleton. And to you, Lady Marian.” He gestured toward the park gates. “Please enter ahead of us.”

Lady Marian inclined her head in response. Lady Pendleton gave him a terse nod but did not so much as glance at Miss Ainsworth.

“Into the park, driver,” Lady Pendleton commanded. “There is no reason to delay.”

Her carriage moved ahead. Sebastian watched until they passed through the open gates before turning back to Miss Ainsworth, an apology on his lips. The dowager marchioness had been abominably rude to the lady. To his surprise, however, Miss Ainsworth did not look the least put out.

“That went remarkably well, I think,” she said.