Duke Looks Like a Groomsman - Valerie Bowman Page 0,36

you rumors of his charm have been greatly exaggerated,” Julianna added with a tight smile.

Helen giggled at that.

“I doubt that,” Rhys replied, his tone clipped. “He’s visited Clayton Manor upon occasion. I’ve met him. I found him to be quite charming. Witty, too.”

“He certainly thinks he’s witty,” Julianna replied.

More giggling from Helen.

They went on that way for several more minutes before the other ladies returned each carrying a plucked buttercup in their hands.

“The flowers are beautiful on the far side of the lake,” one of them exclaimed.

“Yes, well, we may want to return to the carriage, my lady,” Rhys said to Julianna. “We still have a great deal more to see if you would like the entire tour.”

“Indeed,” Julianna replied as she began ushering her friends back toward the carriage.

As they walked, one of the ladies said, “I’ve been having the loveliest time at the party so far, but I cannot help but be disappointed that more of Lord Clayton’s friends aren’t in attendance.”

“Like whom?” Julianna asked, clearly relishing the topic. She gave Rhys a sideways glance.

“The Earl of Kendall should be here,” one of the other ladies said.

“Yes, and the Marquess of Bellingham,” another added.

“Perhaps even the Duke of Worthington,” a third pointed out.

They’d arrived back at the break and Henry caught Rhys’s gaze and arched a brow. Rhys slightly shook his head.

“I’ve heard none of them can countenance ton events,” Lady Helen said, regret in her tone. “Which is terribly disappointing, because that’s the only reason Mama brought me here.”

“Yes, well, let’s not talk about the Duke of Worthington,” Mary pointed out loyally, glancing apprehensively at Julianna.

“Oh, that’s right, Mary,” the first lady said. “We don’t want to talk about that blackguard. Not in front of our dear Julianna, here, do we?”

Julianna shrugged. She didn’t meet Rhys’s gaze. “It’s quite all right, Lady Agnes. I’ve all but forgotten about the Duke of Worthington.”

“Just as well,” Lady Agnes replied. “He’s known to be a drunken lout. You’re much better off without him.”

“Don’t I know it?” Julianna replied, a beatific smile on her face. She still wouldn’t look at him, the coward.

Henry shot him another quick glance, which Rhys did not return.

“It’s the funniest thing, but we were just speaking of him,” Lady Helen added.

“Of Worthington?” Mary asked, her brow furrowed.

“Yes,” Lady Helen replied. “I’ve heard something about him being in debt.”

“I heard that too,” Lady Agnes replied.

“According to the Times, he’s lost far more than he’s ever won at the gaming tables,” the third lady reported.

“I hear he likes to make outrageous bets with his friends as well,” Julianna added.

This time Rhys glowered at Julianna. None of the other ladies were looking at him, thank God.

Moments later, they all piled back into the coach, Julianna looking like the cat who swallowed the canary, and they were soon off toward the far end of the grounds.

The next stop on their tour was a trip out to the far edge of the property where the forested grounds hid the small gamekeeper’s cottage.

“Is the gamekeeper at home?” Julianna wanted to know.

“I don’t believe so, my lady—he usually arrives in September just before hunting season begins. But I’m happy to go knock at his door if you’d like to make certain.”

“No, thank you, Mr. Worthy,” Julianna replied. “I wouldn’t want you to get shot.” She blinked at him, her tone implying the opposite.

To finish off the tour, they cut across the far meadow back to the front of the property to meet the meticulously maintained grand drive up to the manor house. Then, they wound down the small lane to the Dower House. The entire way, Julianna peppered Rhys with a variety of questions about the estate’s architecture, landscaping, number of servants, and any other random bit of information she could think of. She was obviously enjoying herself. Especially the part where the women had all spoken ill of Rhys. No doubt that had been her favorite part of the outing.

By the time they returned to the stables it was past noon and all the ladies looked a bit tired. All of them except Julianna. She looked as if she were fit to keep touring the grounds and asking him endless rounds of questions all day. No doubt she’d enjoy it.

As Rhys and Henry assisted the ladies out of the carriage, Rhys ensured he helped Julianna down himself. She was the last to disembark. The other ladies had all walked ahead toward the entrance of the stables, no doubt eager to return to