Wish Upon a Duke
Page 21
His own sister, Alexandria, reminded him he needed to host some sort of social event as well. As the Earl of Wexford, Parr needed to expand his social horizons beyond White’s and mistresses. Alexandria was of the opinion that he needed a wife and promised him she would put together a tasteful affair. He escaped a lengthy discussion over who he should invite for the time being. That had proved easy enough. He’d merely promised her he would give the matter serious consideration.
Clevedon and his charming wife, Savannah, Her Grace The Duchess of Clevedon, were waiting inside the door, in the grand hall. His friend the duke had fallen head over heels in love with the charming American and her young son. A tale to be savored another time. He needed to focus his attention on his hosts.
“Clevedon,” he murmured before turning his attention to the duchess. He bowed slightly. “You look as beautiful as ever, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Dear Wexford, and thank you for accepting our invitation. My husband says you’re not fond of large social events.”
He smiled. “He would be correct. I find I dislike the crush of the endless balls and soirees.”
“May I tell you a secret?” she asked with her prominent American accent. “I’m not fond of them either, so your secret is safe with me.”
Clevedon cut in. “I believe you’ll be fine, Parr. There are several guests you know, and my wife managed to keep the affair small.”
Parr nodded and again gave the duchess a slight bow before he walked off in the direction of the drawing room. Champagne was being served, and he took a flute from the tray of a passing footman. Taking a long sip, he walked through the doors.
He found there were, by his count, ten couples in total, plus one young woman who appeared to be on her own, without an escort. Perhaps one of the duchess’s friends or some distant relation of the duke’s. In either case, he was intrigued. The young woman obviously had a season or two behind her. She was comfortable conversing with those around her.
She was an exquisite creature. Her ginger hair was swept up off her neck. A long, luxurious neck, one that was made for kissing. She wore a deep-sapphire-colored silk gown. Pearls adorned that beautiful neck. She looked like a queen or, in his case, a countess. That was absurd. He wasn’t looking for a wife, even though everyone told him it was past time.
Clevedon came to his side, observing the festivities. “I see you’ve found Lady Clare.”
“Lady Clare?”
“Yes, the beauty in the dark blue gown.”
Parr finished his champagne and took another from one of many footmen. “Who accompanied her?”
“No one. She’s my cousin on my mother’s side. She was raised in Scotland and France.”
“Really? That’s fascinating. So she’s not betrothed?”
“No, which is why my aunt sent her to London.”
Parr arched a brow and smiled. “Tell me about her, and yes, you must introduce us.”
“Don’t worry, I will. I believe my wife has seated the two of you together for dinner.”
"Excellent. I knew there was a reason I liked the duchess."
"Come I want to acquaint you to a few gentlemen I don't believe you know, and I'll make sure you are introduced to Lady Clare before we go into dinner."
"Excellent. What can you tell me about her before we're introduced? You said she was your cousin."
Clevedon finished the remainder of his champagne and placed the flute on a nearby table. "As I said, she's my cousin and was raised in Scotland and France. Her father, my uncle, is the Duke of Renfrew. Clare is proficient in French, Gaelic and Italian, she can ride better than most men I know, she paints and is far more proficient on pianoforte."
Parr nodded as he listened. "What of her temperament?"
His friend smiled ever so slightly. "She is a delight to be around so long as you don't rile her. She's known for her fierce Scottish temper and a tart tongue."
"Lady Claire sounds quite interesting. I look forward to getting to know her better."
"Come, let me introduce you before we get weighted down in some political discussion."
They walked across the drawing room to where Lady Clare was surrounded by Viscount Newton's wife, Lady Newton and Countess Taylor. Her husband, the Earl of Taylor was well known as a successful land baron with property throughout England and Wales.
"Ladies, I would like to present Parr, the Earl of Wexford," Clevedon said. "Wexford, I believe you already know Countess Taylor and Lady Newton."
"I do. Ladies, nice seeing you this evening."
"Wexford, may I present my cousin, Lady Clare."
Parr nodded, took the hand Lady Clare offered. "Lady Clare, I'm pleased to meet you."
She studied him for a moment, her pale blue eyes sizing him up. "I'm sure you are, Lord Wexford. Everyone is."
Wexford arched a brow. "I beg pardon, my lady?"
She did something with her eyes. Did she actually roll her eyes at him? Clevedon hadn't mentioned her being a snob.
Lady Clare opened her fan, then closed it. "My father, the Duke of Renfrew is quite wealthy, and unfortunately I find most men use me as a way to get in my father's good graces."
"I can assure you I live quite comfortably, and what your father has or may not have is not my concern."
"Then you are a first, Lord Wexford. A man with no interest in my father. How refreshing."
"If you ladies will excuse us," Clevedon said. "Lord Hemsley is beckoning us."
Wexford bowed. "Ladies a pleasure as always. Lady Clare, it has been good to meet one of Clevedon's Scottish relations."
The two men turned and left the ladies. They strode across the large room toward a small group of gentlemen, Lord Hemsley among them.
"So that's your cousin."
The edge of Clevedon's mouth curved up. "I warned you. She thinks any man who shows interest in her is simply wanting to get closer to the duke."
"Her tongue is enough to scare off most men."
"Indeed. She's had two proposals. Both she refused, and her father didn't approve of one. He allowed her the other refusal. Like I said her father wishes her wed."
Parr snorted. "I do believe I've heard of your cousin. Her dowry's reportedly the largest in all England and Scotland."
"Her name and dowry precede her. I'm afraid it's worn on my cousin."
"I can see where it might."
They neared the group of men, stopping just short of joining them. "You'll get to know her better at dinner. Just don't bring up money and you should be safe from her wrath."
"I'll try to remember that." Parr glanced across the room and saw the duchess had joined the group. Unfortunately, Lady Clare's back was to him, and he couldn't see her face. Dinner would be shortly and he would have his chance to get to know the lady better then.
About The Author
J. R. Salisbury is the historical romance alter-ego of contemporary romance author Jamie Salisbury.
Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon, including Encore!. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. In 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are self published.
Music, traveling, and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.
Historical - writing as J R Salisbury
The Mayfair Series
Dealing with the Duchess
Ravaging the Duke
To Love An Earl
Wicked is the Duke
MacLeods of Skye
Donnan’s Rose
The Sins of Rory MacLeod
Lord Malcolm's Heart
Taming Lily
Contemporary Romances writing as Jamie Salisbury
Brighton Cove Series
Everything About You
>
P.S.: I Love You
Start Me Up
Tudor Dynasty Series
Tudor Rose
Tudor Rubato
Tudor Reunion Tour
Tudor Redemption
Tudor Dynasty Box Set
Tudor Saga Series
Encore!
Archangel
The Southern Heat Series
Choice Matters
Choice Affairs
Choice Desires
Choice Christmas
Southern Heat Box Set
The MacLeod Sisters Series
Tartan Deadlines
Kilted Cowboys
Albert and Anne Series
Perpetual Love
Stand Alone: Timeless Sojourn, Maxed Out
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Email: jamiesalisbury@hotmail.com