Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,73
I didn’t make them,” he said flippantly.
“Why not? You cannot assess a woman’s worth by a single dance with her. You must get to know her. The three women I suggested to you are gracious and quite beautiful. I know two will be present this evening. I want you to speak to each of them. In my presence.”
“Why?” he asked testily.
“Because I want to see how you engage with one another. I believe you are being far too particular, especially since you haven’t gotten to truly know any of them. You’ve snapped to a judgment of their character when you don’t know anything about them at all.”
“And you do?” he challenged.
“Yes. I have learned quite a bit about each of them. Sought the opinions of others. Spoken to all three myself. Let me see you with each of them. I demand that you give them a chance.”
“None made a good first impression on me.”
“Then you will be magnanimous and allow them the chance to make a second, more delightful one on you,” she insisted. “Only if I see there is no hope will I go back and find another three for you to consider.”
“Why is it I am required to take your advice when you no longer wish for my guidance?”
“Because you’ve never searched for a wife before, much less been married. You may have more experience in many things, Your Grace, but I know what I’m talking about in this instance. The kind of woman you have sought before and engaged in casual affairs with is not the type you want as your wife.”
Weston arched one eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“It is. You will need to trust me on this. Come. Take me about the room. I see Lady Morrow. We’ll speak to her first. She is the one who was wed to a man forty years her senior and has a young daughter.”
“I remember,” he said grumpily.
“Behave,” she said sternly. “Stand up straight and be charming. I know you know how to do so.”
“Yes, my lady. I am at your service,” he said dutifully.
“And if you feel like kissing one of them, do so,” she added, mirroring his advice to her. “I know it’s the one requirement you’ll have a say in. I’m sure you know all about how to create that kind of opportunity.”
He gave her a rakish smile. “I did so last night, didn’t I?”
“Quit being impossible,” she admonished, feeling her cheeks heat. “I believe you enjoy testing me.”
Weston sighed. “You’re on to me. And you sound like a governess chastising me.”
“Maybe you need one to do so,” she said. “I’m sure you were impossible as a little boy since you’re wildly inappropriate as a grown man.”
“But I am a lot of fun.” He waggled his eyebrows and she began laughing.
They made their way to where Lady Morrow stood. Elise had enjoyed conversing with the widow last night. She was very animated and had warm, lovely eyes that showed her interest in a person. Fortunately, the couple she spoke to turned away just as she and Weston arrived.
“Lady Morrow, how nice to see you again,” she said. “I am Lady Ruthersby. We met last night. The Duchess of Colebourne introduced us. I’m sure you remember His Grace, the Duke of Treadwell?”
The widow smiled brightly. “I remember you both, my lady. His Grace is certainly a fine dancer. I have a tendency toward clumsiness but His Grace made me feel as if I were graceful.”
When Weston didn’t say anything, she dug her nails into his forearm.
“I would never have guessed so, Lady Morrow,” he responded politely. “I thought you a superb dancer from the beginning.”
Elise eased her hold on him. “Would you excuse me? I see someone I must speak with.”
She left them and then went a short distance to where she could study them. Elizabeth joined her.
“What are you doing?” Her gaze followed Elise’s. “Oh, His Grace is with Lady Morrow. She made the list, didn’t she?”
“She did and I like her quite a bit.”
“But does Treadwell like her?” Elizabeth asked as Weston bowed to Lady Morrow and stepped away.
“Blast,” Elise muttered. “Would you excuse me?”
Elizabeth laughed merrily. “Of course. Do let me know how it comes out.”
Elise followed Weston as he weaved through the crowd. He stopped in front of George and Jon and she joined them.
Slipping her hand through his arm, she said, “If you’ll excuse us, Your Graces, your friend has someone I’d like him to become reacquainted with.”