Since Helena caught sight of Camden bowing to Miss Landry, she decided it was time to get back to work.
“I’ll talk to you again soon.” Giving her friend a smile, Helena headed for Camden.
Chapter Nine
By the time Camden was dancing with the sixth available lady Helena picked for him, he was exhausted. All this dancing was harder than Helena made it sound when he was in her townhouse.
The particular lady he was dancing with at the moment—Miss Hearnshaw, if he remembered correctly—could talk nonstop about flowers. If he’d been interested in flowers, he was sure the different varieties she mentioned would have fascinated him. It seemed to be fascinating to her, after all. But his mind kept drifting the whole time.
And, worse, his mind kept going to Helena. She always stood to the side of the room, engaging with other ladies and the occasional gentleman. She was easy to find, probably in case he or one of her other clients needed help. But he thought she’d take one or two dances.
She didn’t, though, and he couldn’t help but wonder why. Plenty of widows and married ladies danced, and she was a desirable lady. But maybe she didn’t like to dance. Maybe she preferred to watch.
How he wished he had the luxury of being in her position. Simply an onlooker. It was a role he was most comfortable with. It was easier to learn about people that way. And who knew? Maybe she did it to learn about those who attended balls. How else would she know which ladies he should dance with?
“Not all flowers are appealing,” Miss Hearnshaw said.
Forcing his gaze off Helena, he made eye contact with Miss Hearnshaw. “They aren’t?”
“No. Some don’t smell good.”
“Really?”
“Yes, my father came across one once. It was tall, too. Eight feet, to be exact.”
She had to be making this up. He’d never seen a flower that big before. But for the sake of having something to say, he replied, “That’s a large flower.”
“Indeed. I’ve never seen one in person, but I saw a drawing of it. It’s not very attractive, if you ask me. But then, I hear the smell is far worse than how it looks. You want to know what it smells like?”
“Sure.” He had another thirty seconds left to dance with her. Why not see this particular topic to the end? “What does it smell like?”
“A dead body.”
All right. Now he knew she was lying to him. Most likely, she was going to go back to her friends and laugh about how she was able to fool him into believing something so ridiculous. He wasn’t sure if he should let her know he knew she was making this up or let her think he blindly accepted whatever she was telling him.
Finally, he decided to keep quiet for the remaining twenty-five seconds of the dance. Silence was always the best option when he didn’t know what to say. It had saved him from a lot of trouble in the past.
When the music ended, he muttered a good-bye and offered a quick bow. By the time he reached Helena, she was talking to a very excited Miss Jasper.
“Lord Waxman wants to see me in two days,” Miss Jasper told Helena.
“Wonderful,” Helena told her.
“Do you think he might ask me to marry him?”
“Not right away. Gentlemen don’t often jump to a proposal unless they’re desperate to marry right away, and from what I know, Lord Waxman’s financial affairs are in order. I believe he is sincerely interested in you. You’ll just have to be patient and wait for a few visits before he proposes.”
Miss Jasper clasped her hands together. “This is so exciting! Thank you, my lady.”
“Don’t thank me. You’re the one doing all the work.”
“Yes, but you’re helping me. I never got this far last Season.” Looking over at Camden, she told Helena, “I want to tell my parents. They’ll be thrilled.” She offered a quick good-bye then ran off.
Helena turned to him. “How did things go with Miss Hearnshaw?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Is there such a thing as an eight-foot flower?”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “An eight-foot flower?”
“It’s supposed to smell like a dead body.”
After a few moments, she said, “I think I heard a gentleman my husband used to know mention it in a missive he sent while in India. Why do you ask?”
“Miss Hearnshaw said her father saw one.”
“Miss Hearnshaw’s father does a lot of traveling.”
“Oh.” Well, since that was the case, he didn’t feel like such a fool.
“Did you enjoy your dance with her?”
“Not really. All she wants to talk about are flowers.”
“I hate to bring this up, Your Grace, but there are worse faults a lady can have than that.”
“I know, but I don’t want to hear anything else about them for as long as I live.”
Helena chuckled. “Everyone has their limits. I say we found yours. I’ll keep that in mind when selecting ladies for you to dance with.”
Already, she was looking around the room, so he cleared his throat to get her attention. When she returned her gaze to him, he said, “I notice you haven’t danced all evening. Perhaps you’d like to take a break and dance the next one with me?”
“Oh. I would if I wasn’t teaching you how to attract ladies. But since I am, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Are you growing weary of meeting new ladies?”
He was tempted to deny it but figured it wouldn’t do any good. “Yes. It’s a lot of work.”
“It is. The marriage mart isn’t as easy as it looks.” She waited for a couple seconds before continuing, “Is there any lady you danced with so far that you’d like to get to know better?”
“Um…” For the most part, all of them seemed to blur together since he’d only had enough time to catch his breath before going up to the next one. “Which one has the most money?”
She blinked, as if not expecting his question.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” he quickly clarified. “It’s just that they all seem the same, except for Miss Hearnshaw. I don’t remember much about any of them.”
“So you wouldn’t mind getting to know any of them better?”
“I suppose you could say that,” he slowly replied, wondering if he was making a mistake without realizing it. He should have paid better attention to what they were saying instead of worrying about what he could ask them to get them to keep talking.
“I would say Miss Richie would be best to dance with again, and when you do, ask to visit her.”
“Which one was she?” Noting the way her eyes grew wide, he added, “I’m sorry. I’m trying to remember who is who, but it’s hard. I’m not used to being with so many people at once.”
She relaxed and smiled. “I understand. This can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it.” She scanned the room and motioned to the raven-haired lady wearing a blue gown.
Oh, he remembered her now. She was the one who liked birds and cats. He didn’t mind animals. They were more interesting than flowers. He took a deep breath then released it. “You think I should dance with her again and ask to see her?”
“That’s what I just suggested.”
“How should I ask her if I can pay her a visit?”
“May I see you tomorrow?” When he didn’t say anything, she added, “That’s how you ask. Short, simple and to the point. You might want to add how much you enjoyed talking to her and would like to continue the conversation.”
He shifted from one foot to another. “You think I should ask to see her tomorrow?”
“The sooner, the better.”
“But won’t I frighten her away?”
“If it’d make you feel better, then you can ask to see her when it’s convenient for her, but if she wants to see you in a week, you’ll have a harder time convincing her you’re the one she wants to marry.”
“All right. I’ll ask if I can see her tomorrow.”
Realizing the musicians were ready to present the next musical piece, he s
trode over to Miss Richie. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought another gentleman was heading over to her as well. If he wasn’t quick, he’d have to wait another turn before getting this over with. He picked up his pace, beating the other gentleman by a few seconds. Fortunately, the gentleman relented and turned to another lady.
“Your Grace,” Miss Richie said and curtsied.
“Miss Richie.” He bowed and glanced at the older lady, who was probably her mother. Clearing his throat, he forced out, “May I have another dance with you?”
To his great relief, she nodded and accepted his hand so he could lead her to the dancing area.
Once the music began, he blurted out, “I know this is sudden, but I was wondering if I might see you tomorrow.”
Her steps slowed, and immediately, he wished he hadn’t come right out and said it the way he did. He glanced at the exit. No, he couldn’t leave. Not until the dance was done anyway. But then, Helena wouldn’t be happy if he ran out of there before saying good-bye to her first.
“This is sudden,” she replied.
“I’m sorry. I-I…” He what? Trying again, he said, “I haven’t heard a parakeet talk before.” He forced a smile, praying he didn’t look like he was in pain. He glanced at Helena and caught the alarmed expression on her face. So he did look like he was in pain. He stopped smiling and opted to say, “I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable.”
“No, you’re not,” Miss Richie replied. “I just didn’t expect the offer so soon, but I certainly don’t mind. You sound like you enjoy animals. It’ll be nice to have a kindred spirit visit them.”
“I am interested in seeing them, especially the talking parakeet.”
After she talked about the parakeet, the music ended, and he exhaled. Relieved it’d gone so well, he bowed and said he’d come by tomorrow afternoon for a visit. Maybe getting a wife wasn’t going to be so difficult after all.
Chapter Ten
When Camden reached the door to Miss Richie’s townhouse, his heart was thumping wildly in his chest. He could do this. He would do this. It was just like Helena said. He just needed to be confident.
After taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door then put his arms behind his back. From the other side, he heard a dog bark. The dog was small, if he guessed right. The door opened, and the footman picked up the short furry dog, which continued barking.
“I’m here…” When he realized the footman couldn’t hear him over the dog’s barking, Camden raised his voice. “I’d like to see Miss Richie. I’m the Duke of Ashbourne.”
He nodded. “This way, Your Grace.”
As Camden entered the townhouse, another dog—a beagle—watched him with mild interest.
“I’ll tell Miss Richie you are here,” the footman told him. “In the meantime, please have a seat. The butler will bring in some tea and scones.”
Camden started to thank him, but the footman was already heading down the hallway. Releasing his breath, Camden went into the drawing room, aware the beagle followed him. Meanwhile, a blue-gray cat with copper eyes, which was resting on one of the chairs, studied him. Feeling a tad bit self-conscious, Camden hurried forward.
He was about to sit on a chair when something screeched. He jerked and spun around, his heart leaping up to his throat. His gaze went to the corner of the room. As soon as he realized it was just a parakeet, he relaxed.
With a sigh, he settled into his chair. The beagle came over to him and looked up at him expectantly, his tail wagging. Smiling, he petted the dog. Too bad people weren’t as easy to be with as animals were.
The butler came in with a tray of tea and scones. “Miss Richie is still getting ready, Your Grace.”
“I’m in no hurry,” Camden said.
The butler nodded and left.
Camden continued to pet the dog, but this was only interesting for about five minutes. So he then turned his attention to the room and studied the fine details in the woodwork along the walls and meticulous furnishings. No one would know there were animals living here if they didn’t see them.
When studying the room lost its appeal, he looked out the window and watched carriages and people who passed by. Occasionally, the parakeet whistled, an action which was soothing. He could understand why Miss Richie enjoyed the bird.
More time passed, and it was about twenty more minutes before Miss Richie appeared, holding the dog the footman had taken.
He rose to his feet and bowed. “Good afternoon,” he mumbled and winced. He didn’t sound as confident as Helena wanted him to.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t ready sooner,” she replied and curtsied. “I didn’t realize you were coming so early.”
“Oh. I-I’m sorry. Should I come back?”
With a smile, she shook her head. “No. I’m ready now. I just didn’t know you meant to come by so early, that’s all.”
“I didn’t think to specify a time.” He released his breath. His first blunder of the afternoon. He wondered how many more he’d make before the day was done. No. He wouldn’t think that way. He needed to keep thinking good things. “I should have.”
“I don’t mind.” She went over to the settee, and the dog cuddled up to her.
He returned to his seat and tried to figure out the best way to sit. Did he cross his legs? Should he lean forward? Should he lean back? Why didn’t he think to ask Helena what would be best?
She poured them both some tea and said, “You could have had something to drink or eat while you were waiting.”
“Oh, well, I thought it best to wait.” Actually, the idea never occurred to him.
“I suppose it’s no matter.” She held a cup out to him, and he gingerly took it. “You remember what I told you about my family’s pets?”
He glanced at the beagle which was still sitting by him, the cat which was watching him, and the parakeet that let out happy sounds. “Yes, I remember.” He glanced at the cup in his hands then at Miss Richie, who drank her tea. He would have to drink something. At least, he had to take a sip. But first… “You said your bird talks?” Then he took a sip.
“Yes.” She set the cup down. “My brother and I worked diligently to teach him words.” She ruffled her dog’s ear and cooed, “Poor Meredith was jealous for a while, weren’t you?” She kissed the top of the dog’s head and giggled. “Meredith was a gift from my father a couple years ago. She’s been with me through everything. Do you have a dog?”
“Yes. But only one.”
“Really? What kind?”
“A Labrador Retriever.”
“I hear those are friendly dogs.”
“Yes, they are.” Feeling more at ease, he took another sip of the tea. “I recognize your beagle, but I don’t recognize the breed of the one on your lap.”
“Oh.” She glanced down at the dog and smiled. “She’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She’s a wonderful dog, as one would expect from this breed. She’s attentive, polite, and willing to please everyone. But she also needs to go out for walks because she can get a bit restless.” She paused for a moment then giggled. “One time, I was taking her for a walk, and she chased after a squirrel. I had to run after her across the park. It was incredibly embarrassing. Thankfully, she couldn’t climb up the tree after the squirrel. Not like Margo would have.”
He followed her gaze to the cat, which looked over at her in mild interest.
“That is a British Shorthair,” she said. “She is four years old, and she’s a very likable cat. It’s one of the reasons my father allowed me to have her. My father’s not fond of cats that are active. This one is perfect. And best of all, she gets along with everyone.” The beagle wagged his tail, and she continued, “Of course, we can’t forget Bartholomew. He’s my brother’s dog. He’s just as friendly as Meredith and Margo.”
He took another sip of his tea, and unable to think of anything else to say, settled for, “All of your animals seem friendly.”
He winced. That was horrible. Why didn’t he ask for Helena’s advice
on what to say once he got a chance to visit a lady? A quick lesson in this area would have proven very useful.
“Are you feeling all right?” Miss Richie asked.
Turning his attention back to her, he straightened in his chair and nodded. “Yes, I am. Why? Do I look ill?”
“Well, it seemed you were in pain for a moment there.”
“Did it?”
She nodded.
He mentally cursed himself for giving away his unease. He had to remember to stay positive. Certainly, this was a matter he could handle. Forcing a smile, he shifted into a more comfortable position and cleared his throat. “I’m not in pain. I…I was just…um…” The parakeet let out some more noises. Thankful for the distraction, he motioned to it. “Is your bird as friendly as the cat and dogs are?”
“Certainly.” Then she set her dog on the floor and stood up. “You were interested in hearing Alexander talk! I completely forgot. My apologies, Your Grace.”
“No apologies are necessary, Miss Richie,” he said as she ran passed him.
She nearly bumped into him, causing him to spill some tea. Before she caught his blunder, he reached for the cloth napkin on the tray. He glanced back to make sure she wasn’t watching him. Her attention was on the bird as she was opening the door to the cage.
Good. That bought him some time. He was about to soak up the tea into the towel when he realized the beagle was licking it off the floor. He paused for moment, not sure if he should urge the dog aside or not. But the dog was done in quick time and no one could tell the spill had ever occurred.
The matter resolved, he patted the dog to give it a thanks. The dog, in turn, gave his hand a playful lick.
From across the room, Miss Richie laughed, so he looked over at her. “It seems you’ve made a friend.”
“Oh, yes,” Camden replied, giving the dog another pat before rising to his feet. “He’s a helpful dog.”
“As good as yours?”
“I’d say so.”
“Animals are wonderful, aren’t they?”
With a nod, he joined her.
Fortunately, she saved him from having to come up with anything to say since she said, “This is an Alexandrine Parakeet.” She patted its head and spoke to it in a soft voice, “Who’s a pretty bird?”
Love Lessons with the Duke Page 8