Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,46

and said, “This is Lady Ruthersby. She’s a guest of Weston’s. My lady, this is the Duke of Blackmore. His sister, Lady Elizabeth. And the Duke and Duchess of Windham.”

For a moment, she froze. It was overwhelming to be in the company of four dukes—but her trepidation went beyond that. It was being in the presence of the Duchess of Windham. This woman had also suffered as Elise had, made a widow by the same tragic accident. She worried how the duchess would react if she learned who Elise was. Ruining Christmas for this group was the last thing Elise wanted yet she had no way to gracefully exit.

Instead, she drew from the well of strength within her, managing a splendid curtsey. “I am delighted to make your acquaintances. Happy Christmas to you all.”

“Please, have a seat,” the Duchess of Colebourne said. “My brother told me he was bringing guests. Is anyone else coming?”

“His Grace was referring to my daughter, Claire. She is but four and stayed behind at Treadwell Manor.”

Blackmore assessed her with a friendly look. “How on earth did you come to stay at Treadwell Manor, Lady Ruthersby?”

“It’s all thanks to a stingy earl and a rickety carriage,” Weston replied smoothly.

Elise listened as he told the group about the accident and how the vehicle had been destroyed and she and Claire injured.

“You are very fortunate, Lady Ruthersby,” the Duchess of Windham said. “That horrible vehicle alone could have done you in but to survive a burning tree crashing into your carriage?” She shuddered.

“His Grace was very brave,” Elise said. “He got my daughter out quickly and then me.”

“No, first was Claire. Then her doll. Then your satchel. Finally, came you,” Weston corrected. “The satchel contained Ralph Rabbit, a treasured stuffed animal that Lady Claire simply cannot sleep without. A treasured book and atlas were also inside it. Who am I to argue when a lady asks for her satchel to be saved, and then herself?”

“Your wrist is better now?” asked Lady Elizabeth.

“Yes. Much better. Dr. Cherry said it was a mild sprain. Claire’s ankle is still a bit swollen since her sprain was much more severe. She’s been sitting in your invalid chair, Your Grace.”

“I’d forgotten about that. I broke my leg,” the Duchess of Colebourne said. “I was a tomboy, always following Weston and George about, thinking I could do everything they could. Actually, I did climb trees better than they could but I turned too quickly and hit my forehead on a limb that day. It caused me to lose my balance. I fell wrong on my leg when I hit the ground.” She gazed fondly at her husband. “George carried me all the way back home.”

“I felt awful,” Colebourne said. “You were crying and looked miserable. Snot coming out of your nose. A nasty knot springing up on your forehead.”

He took her hand and kissed it. She smiled and said, “Perhaps you need to make it up to me later this evening, Your Grace.”

The look she gave him—and the one he returned—stunned Elise. The air between them crackled with an electricity that was palpable.

“Stop it, you two,” Weston admonished playfully.

“Your Grace?” said the butler. “Dinner is served.”

They went into the small dining room, which still seated twenty, and partook in a lavish meal. Weston kept his eyes on Elise, making sure that she was not only conversing with everyone but enjoying herself.

He turned to Phoebe when the conversation died down. “I noticed a special glow about you. When is your child due?”

She smiled radiantly. “Early April. That means no Season for me. We will remain at Windowmere instead.”

“Congratulations to you both.” He looked at his sister. “I suppose you’ll be making a similar announcement soon. I find I am eager to become an uncle.”

“We hope so,” Sam said. “Of course, I expect you to teach your nieces and nephews the things you and George taught me. Except for fishing, that is.”

“Why not fishing?” Elise asked.

Sam wrinkled her nose. “Weston has some sort of secret that he never shared with either George or me. When we fished in our pond, he caught double the number of fish that George or I did.”

He laughed. “Why would I reveal my secrets to your children, dear sister? I will pass them along to my own. That way, when the cousins hold a fishing tournament, my offspring will win every time.”

Everyone around the table laughed.

“I’m quite full,” George announced. He turned to the butler. “Please let Cook and the kitchen