Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,109

He didn’t even have a beard!”

She shook her head, her smile growing ever wider. “He asked me to dance, and I accepted only out of politeness. I admit, I was rather rude to him. I was out of spirits and tired, but he kept up his smile and complimented me over and over again. I could tell he was interested in me, but I didn’t know how this man who looked little more than a boy could be mature enough to be a suitable husband.”

Annette smiled. “It’s difficult to think of Father without a beard!”

“It’s even difficult for me, now!” Her Mother paused, then continued the story. “Though I did not know it at the time, my father had already invited the Earl of Rutmont—your grandfather at the time—to dinner at our estate. I was surprised when, a few days later, I saw your father at the dinner table. He greeted me cheerily and talked to me, wanting to know about my life growing up in France. He laughed a lot, and I thought he was witless.”

Her eyes looked wistful, recalling things past. “As he pursued me, we spent more and more time together. Soon enough, I looked forward to our outings. I realized that his laughter lifted my spirits. He hardly ever wore a frown. He grew better at speaking French, simply so he could talk to me more, and eventually he asked me for my hand in marriage, as we stood on the bridge over the brook on my father’s estate.”

Annette smiled at the story, which might as well have been a perfect fairytale. It was one Annette wanted for herself. She wanted to be won over just as her mother had, even if she was a little more open to receiving gentlemen than her mother had been at her age.

“Your turn will come soon,” her mother assured her with a warm smile. “Yes, very soon.”

Chapter 3

Annette would never get tired of the luxurious splendor she saw all over London. Even after an entire week of balls, tea parties, dinners, and the like, she was still astounded at the grandeur that awaited her in all the prominent estates.

She found herself amazed once again at an evening gathering at the end of her first week in London. Her host, the Duke of Portland, smiled at her.

Annette suddenly realized how impolite she was being and dipped into a curtsey. “Forgive me, Your Grace, I was admiring your beautiful decorations. This really is a most enchanting place.”

“It is simply wonderful, Your Grace,” her mother agreed.

“Lady Rutmont.” The duke greeted her with warm familiarity. “It has been such a long time.”

“Too long, my lord. May I present my daughter, Lady Annette Whitlock?”

“A pleasure to meet you, my dear. I have been friends with your father since we were boys. I trust he’s well?”

“Very well,” Annette replied.

“Very good. I do hope you enjoy the party.” He turned to greet the next guest, as Annette and her mother continued inside.

Annette caught a glance from a familiar pair of eyes from across the room. Lord Huddington smiled and immediately crossed over to her, bowing as he reached her.

“Lady Annette, it is so good to see you again.”

Annette studied Lord Huddington, conscious of what her mother had said about him being smitten with her. He looked as cheerful as he had on the night they had first met.

“It is good to see a familiar face here already, my lord.” She dipped into a curtsey.

“I noticed you have become particular friends with Lady Julia, as well; I have already seen her hereabouts tonight.”

Annette noticed her mother turning to someone else, leaving her and Lord Huddington to converse alone.

“I am glad to hear it! She has become a good friend already.”

“And how are you finding London?”

“It is different from home, to be sure, but I find the atmosphere here rather invigorating. There is so much happening in London, whereas in the country the important goings on are seldom, and not very interesting.”

Lord Huddington smiled. “It is true. I must admit, however, that it is the country I prefer. London has its merits but give me the hills and a horse to ride any day, and I am a perfectly happy man.”

“You are interested in horses, then?”

“I like to ride, certainly. I enjoy exploring the countryside when I am not involved with business.”

Annette considered his conversation pleasant, but there wasn’t much more to it. He answered in all the right ways and was perfectly open and honest, but Annette