The Bachelor Earl - Darcy Burke Page 0,3

here, Duchess.”

Something in his tone made Genie sit up straighter, her senses tingling. “Why is that?”

“I’d heard you were in deep mourning and that you may sit out a third Season come spring.”

Of course there were rumors about her. Gossip made London go round. “Well, this isn’t exactly the Season,” she said, feeling a trifle defensive. “It seemed just the right opportunity to dip my toe back into the sea.”

Satterfield’s brow creased, which only further pricked Genie’s awareness. However, before she could think on his reaction further, Lord Cosford strode into the drawing room.

“I’m so pleased you are all here! Please forgive my tardiness.” He looked around the assemblage until his gaze settled lovingly on Lady Cosford. After a brief moment, he readdressed the room. “As I said, I’m so pleased you are all here, because if you weren’t already, I’m afraid you wouldn’t have made it. The rain has washed out the road, and given the way it’s pouring, it may be that way for a few days. It’s a good thing you’d all planned to be here for a week!” He chortled. “In fact, you may be here longer, and I daresay you won’t mind.” He winked, and this was met with laughter from nearly everyone. Only nearly, because Genie wasn’t sure what was funny.

“Needless to say,” Lord Cosford continued, “we’ll be making some adjustments to our activities.” He looked to his wife once more. “I know my darling wife has alternate plans, so rest assured there will be amusements for all. Now, I think it’s time I had a brandy!” He turned toward the nearest footman, then stopped. “I nearly forgot. If you haven’t yet received your map, raise your hand, and Vernon will bring it to you.”

Genie swallowed the rest of her second sandwich, then looked at Satterfield. “What map? If we can’t go outside, why would we need a map?”

The earl cocked his head, looking at her…dubiously. Again, Genie had an odd sensation. And she was finally beginning to realize that she was missing something.

Satterfield raised his hand, and a moment later, the butler delivered a folded parchment to him. “I already have one,” he said to Genie. “This one is for you. However, I take it you don’t know what it’s for.” He frowned slightly. “Did Lady Cosford not explain the purpose of this party?”

Purpose? What purpose did a house party have aside from providing social opportunity and amusement? Genie took the map and opened the parchment. “Is this the house?” She glanced over at the earl.

“Upstairs, to be precise.”

She could see that. In each bedroom was written someone’s name or initials. She found hers—at least she thought DDK meant her, the Dowager Duchess of Kendal. Why on earth would they give out maps of everyone’s bedrooms? Unless… No, that was too scandalous.

Genie looked around the room at the people assembled. Not one wife. Not one husband. No one was a couple, save their hosts. In fact, Genie was fairly certain every woman in attendance was a widow. What the devil kind of party was this?

Standing so quickly she upended her plate, Genie felt heat rush to her face. Before she could bend down to pick up the biscuits that had tumbled to the floor, as well as the plate, Lord Satterfield did it for her.

When he stood, he took a step closer, so that there was scarcely any space between them. Their proximity both terrified and excited her. She hadn’t been this close to a man in some time. She hadn’t been this close to a man who wasn’t her husband ever.

“I’m sorry you didn’t know,” he said softly. “But I’m glad you’re here.”

Genie couldn’t move. Her heart beat faster, and she wondered if he could hear it. He turned and walked away, taking her plate and biscuits with him. Which was fine since she’d quite lost her appetite.

She located Cecilia across the room, standing with her husband, and made her way quickly in that direction. “Cecilia, may I have a word?” Genie tried to keep her voice pleasant.

Cecilia turned toward her, smiling. “Of course.”

“Welcome to Blickton, Duchess,” Lord Cosford said cheerfully. “We’re so glad you came.”

Genie narrowed her eyes slightly before pinning her attention on Cecilia. “Privately, please?”

Concern flashed in Cecilia’s gaze. “Certainly.” She walked with Genie from the drawing room. Once they were several paces away from the doorway, she stopped and turned toward Genie. “Is there something amiss?”

Holding up the map, Genie struggled to keep her emotions in check. “What