A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) - Darcy Burke Page 0,79

the groups of men. The one with Jane’s and Phoebe’s husbands, in fact.

Forcing her attention away from him before she was caught, she flashed a smiled at Lord Sandon. “I haven’t been here the entire Season, if that helps.”

He laughed again. “It does, it does. Perhaps you will save me a promenade later? I believe the picnic is about to be served.”

“That would be lovely.” On the contrary, it would be torture. The only man she wanted to promenade with was Tom. Oh, this was miserable. She was most definitely in love with him, and every other man paled in contrast. It was even worse now that he was here, and she could so easily compare them.

“I’ll look forward to it.” Inclining his head toward the rest of the ladies, he walked away with a lightness in his step.

“Well, that was interesting,” Lady Satterfield said as she turned back toward their circle.

“That was the Earl of Stone’s son?” Lady Kendal asked.

Lady Satterfield nodded. “I didn’t think he was looking for a wife yet. Probably because he’s been gone most of the Season. Clearly I was mistaken.”

Jane leaned toward Beatrix. “He set his sights directly on you. Perhaps you’ll find yourself wed like your sister before the Season ends.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that, actually,” Beatrix murmured. She shot another look toward Tom. Had he seen her?

“My goodness, is that Lord Rockbourne?” Lady Satterfield asked.

“Yes.” This came from the Countess of Sutton. “I haven’t spoken to him since Lady Rockbourne’s funeral, but we planned to have dinner next week.” She did?

“You know him?” The question leapt from Beatrix’s mouth before she could stop it.

Lady Sutton, who was exceptionally cheerful, smiled. “He’s my cousin. Our children like to play together. Actually, his daughter likes to take my son by the hand and lead him everywhere. She is nearly two years older and adores playing big sister. It’s a shame she doesn’t have any siblings of her own. Of course, Peregrine will soon have one and then he can be the big brother.” She briefly stroked her round belly.

“He will be no help to you,” the Duchess of Clare said wryly. “Not yet, anyway. I keep hoping Leah will manage her younger brother, but I suppose I could at least wait until she turns two.”

“You might,” Lady Kendal said with a laugh.

“Children are so delightful,” Lady Satterfield said. She’d told them at a recent Spitfire Society meeting about losing her daughter to illness when she was young and then being fortunate to become a mother to her stepson, the Duke of Kendal. “This is why I am so thrilled we’ve decided to open an orphanage.”

Beatrix suddenly recalled what Tom had told her about Kendal. She wanted to ask if he was really called the Forbidden Duke, but realized that might be rude in front of his wife and stepmother. She suddenly remembered the Duchess of Clare was also married to one of those Untouchables. Beatrix decided to leave that subject alone. Perhaps she’d ask Tom’s cousin about it later. Or, preferably, she’d just ask Lady Sutton about Tom. Had she known him as a child? Had he been happy, or had his experience with his father made him wretched?

He couldn’t have been happy. Certainly not after his mother had died. But somehow she doubted he’d allowed his father’s treatment to affect him completely. He hadn’t let Thea’s awfulness do that either. He still managed to be an adoring father and a charming gentleman.

She glanced his direction once more. He was magnificent.

And she was disgustingly lovesick.

It was time to be seated on blankets and partake of the fare Lady Exeby had provided. Beatrix sat with Jane and Phoebe and their husbands while footmen delivered plates of food containing fruit, cold meat, bread, and cheese. There was also wine and ale aplenty.

“Well, good afternoon!” The Earl of Daventry, with whom Beatrix had danced at Almack’s and at the masquerade, arrived at their blanket. “It seems Lady Exeby has arranged for six to a blanket, and you appear to have an open space. May I join you?”

Damn. Beatrix would have much preferred to save it for Tom. She’d lost sight of him when they’d taken to the blankets and deeply regretted it. She looked wildly about in search of him, but it was no use. Lord Daventry was here, and to refuse him would be rude.

Damn again.

Daventry was dazzlingly handsome with wavy blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He also possessed an easy smile and