Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,49
with your new husband.”
“Since you haven’t been in society for a few years, I can help,” Lady Elizabeth said. “Once we’re back in London, we must have tea. I will tell you all about the girls who made their come-out with me last year and the ones who will do so this year. That can help you narrow down which ladies to suggest to Treadwell.”
“I must be a part of this,” the Duchess of Colebourne declared. “After all, it is my brother we are talking about.”
“We can also discuss unmarried gentlemen of the ton,” Lady Elizabeth continued. “That way, you won’t go into the Season blindly.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate your help on my behalf and Treadwell’s. He’s declared with confidence that we’ll both be engaged by the end of the Season.”
She saw the two duchesses exchange a glance and wondered what it meant. At that moment, though, the men joined them.
Elise knew it would be far easier to find Weston a bride than her a groom. He was, after all, a duke, while she was a penniless dowager countess with a child. As they began a word game of their hostess’ choosing, Elise couldn’t help but wonder if it would be possible to find a husband at all.
The four dukes entered the room. Weston immediately looked to Elise to gauge her mood, feeling certain she would have sought out Phoebe and revealed the tragic way they were connected. He relaxed, seeing her smile as she listened to something Phoebe said. He might have known that Elise would win over these women. The four suddenly burst out laughing.
Weston turned to Andrew. “It seems all is well between them.”
“I did not think Phoebe would blame Lady Rutherford in any way,” his friend said.
“I knew she wouldn’t but I feared the thought of remembering the tragedy would upset her.” He paused. “I want a word alone with Samantha.”
“To share your plans involving the lovely widow?”
“Yes. Go distract the others if you would. Let Jon and George help.”
Weston caught his sister’s eye as the three dukes joined the women and she slipped away, joining him on the far side of the room.
“I hear you are ready to find your duchess,” Samantha said, slipping her hand into the crook of his arm as they took a turn about the room. “Lady Ruthersby shared with us how you and she are to aid one another as you look for spouses this Season. Frankly, I don’t think you have to look at all, Weston.”
Curious as to what she would say, he asked, “And why not?”
Samantha’s eyes sparkled as she declared, “Because Lady Ruthersby is a perfect match for you.”
“I think so, too.”
She stopped. “You do?”
He nodded and continued their slow pace. “I will admit that I am quite taken with her—and I plan by Season’s end to ask her to be my wife.”
Samantha frowned. “Then why go through the pretense of each of you searching for a mate?”
“I believe she is extremely cautious. She puts Claire, her daughter, before everything. You, of all people, know my reputation is not the best. I want to change, Samantha. Show her I am a better man than what Polite Society thinks of me. I want to slowly win her over. Allow her to trust me. That will take time.”
She squeezed his arm affectionately. “I will do whatever I can to help you in this endeavor. She is a lovely person.”
“I think so, too. And I will admit I am also captivated by young Claire. Being around her has given me the desire to father children.”
Samantha beamed at him. “It is good to see you so happy, Weston. It has been a long time since you were. I hope Lady Ruthersby will quickly recognize the good man you are and come to love you as much as you love her.”
Weston didn’t bother to correct his sister. He had not spoken of love—and didn’t need any lectures from Samantha on the topic.
No, it would be enough to simply claim Elise as his when the Season ended.
Chapter Sixteen
Weston looked at Elise and Claire, who sat opposite him in the carriage as they journeyed to Briarcliff. Claire was stretched out so that her ankle could be propped on her mother’s lap. If he couldn’t have Elise’s warmth next to him, having his eyes rest on her was the next best thing.
The week after Christmas had passed too quickly. He’d spent as much time as he could with the pair, learning both their likes