Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,68

not have made much of an impression during her come-out but now she’d grown into her beauty. The gentlemen of the ton were now panting after her, much to his chagrin.

When he couldn’t take any more gossip, he left White’s, dismissing his driver and walking the streets for an hour before taking a hansom cab to see Elise. He had the driver stop a half-block away, paying for his time as Weston watched the stream of men leaving. His anger grew and he had to remind himself of what George had said. Elise had never received attention. She needed this time to see how worthwhile and deserving she was.

It didn’t make him like what occurred, though.

Finally, he paid the driver and went to Ruthersby’s front door. The butler admitted him as three more bachelors departed. All turned, gazing at him in curiosity, and he heard one fellow ask another why they’d been made to leave when Treadwell was only arriving.

“Because he’s a bloody duke, you fool,” his companion uttered as the butler closed the door on the trio.

“Right this way, Your Grace. Lord and Lady Ruthersby are expecting you.”

As the servant led Weston upstairs, he asked, “Were you very busy today?”

“Quite,” the butler replied. “It did my heart good seeing so many nice gentlemen call on Lady Ruthersby. She deserves a little happiness in her life. It was hard to see her lose Lord Ruthersby. And now . . .” The servant’s voice trailed off.

He realized this man had seen Elise come to the household as a young bride and now witnessed how the new earl and countess behaved toward her.

As they reached the drawing room door, Weston asked, “How do the Ruthersbys treat her?”

The butler looked surprised and then said, “Abominably, Your Grace. My hope is she and Lady Claire will find a good man to take them away from this place.”

The servant’s honesty surprised him yet it confirmed what he believed.

“Forgive my indiscretion, Your Grace,” the butler added. “It’s just that everyone in the household adores Lady Ruthersby and her daughter. To see how her life has changed is very hard.”

“I am sure Lady Ruthersby will make an excellent match very soon,” he said. Left unsaid was he planned to be her fiancé.

The butler nodded and then announced him. Weston entered the drawing room and the three occupants rose. Pleasant greetings were exchanged even though he had a bad taste in his mouth regarding the Ruthersbys. He would never speak to them after his marriage to Elise.

The teacart arrived and they made small talk as Lady Ruthersby poured out. The conversation continued in that vein until he finished what was on his plate.

Looking at Elise, Weston said, “Might we go for a drive in the park, my lady? I would be interested in discussing the group of ladies you encouraged me to meet last night.”

“Is that wise?” she asked. “You do know how the park is full of people at this hour of the day.”

“I feel like getting some air,” he replied. “I daresay you need some, too, being trapped all afternoon with so many visitors.”

“Go ahead,” Lord Ruthersby urged and then looked to Weston. “You will be at tonight’s musicale, Your Grace?”

“Of course. Would it be convenient if I stopped for you and the ladies on my way there?”

The earl looked pleased. “That would be delightful, Your Grace.”

Weston rose and the three followed suit. Both he and Elise left the drawing room.

“We shouldn’t be seen together in the park,” she reiterated as they moved down the corridor.

“Well, I certainly don’t want to discuss matters of an intimate nature in front of those two. I doubted they would be leaving anytime soon, which is why I suggested we take a drive.”

“You know Hyde Park is the place to be seen at this time of day,” she accused.

“Is it?” he asked innocently. “I’ve never taken anyone driving in the park.”

“Oh.”

Elise remained quiet as the butler handed her a shawl. Weston helped place it about her shoulders and they stepped outside.

“Damnation,” he uttered, under his breath.

He’d forgotten that he’d dismissed his driver and had no carriage here.

He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “Would you mind a walk through the park instead?”

“That would be nice. I know you enjoy walking.”

Weston turned toward Hyde Park. He pointed out a few houses he liked as they strolled along.

“I didn’t know you enjoyed architecture,” she said.

“I like classic lines. I helped design new stables at Treadwell Manor