Splendid by Julia Quinn Page A

now,” Emma joked. But inside, she breathed a sigh of relief at Belle’s assurance that Alex wouldn’t attend her ball. Her head still ached, and she felt utterly exhausted. There was no way that she’d pander to the arrogant duke, but with her injury, she just wasn’t up for another round with him.

Chapter 4
    â€œA shbourne! This is a surprise. I can’t believe I’m seeing your ugly face here.”
    William Dunford, one of Alex’s closest chums since his Oxford days, strode across the Blydon ballroom and slapped the duke affectionately on the back. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d categorically sworn off all such gatherings.”
    â€œBelieve me, I have no intention of remaining at this little soiree for more than another ten minutes.” Alex kept his tone light, but underneath his temper was starting to flare. The moment he’d entered the ballroom, a hush had fallen over the crowd. Everyone had been utterly shocked to see the Duke of Ashbourne walk through the door in his elegant evening attire. Nervous mamas forced their daughters to swear they’d steer a wide path around the notorious rake (all the while secretly hoping he’d single their charges out for attention), while everyone who wasn’t in some way connected with a marriageable female immediately made his way to Alex, preening at the rich, titled gentleman.
    Alex sighed. He had no patience for the insipid chatter of the ton . All he really wanted was to find Meg, assure himself of her welfare, and leave. His latest mistress was tucked away in a cozy townhouse, and Alex was looking forward to a long, lazy night with her. An evening with Charissewould surely rid him of this strange obsession with the Blydon’s kitchen maid.
    Alex almost went weak with relief when he saw Dunford striding across the ballroom toward him. At last, some decent conversation.
    Dunford was not quite the rake that Alex was, but he came damn close. Most of the ton , however, were more than willing to forgive him his tarnished reputation because he was insufferably charming. Alex had never quite learned to follow his friend’s example. His cronies praised him as an eminently affable fellow but had to allow that the Duke of Ashbourne bore little tolerance for most of society. He rarely hid his boredom when he was forced into conversation with anyone he found dull, and he gave the most icy stares to those who caused him displeasure. Rumor had it that more than one young lady had been sent scurrying in terror across a room at one of his scowls.
    â€œDo tell, Ashbourne,” Dunford laughed. “Why are you here?”
    â€œWhy, indeed,” Alex muttered. “I’m beginning to wonder the same thing.” He’d arrived at the ball a full hour earlier, and during that time he’d scoured the mansion, surprising many a footman and serving maid and interrupting no less than three clandestine couples. Not a single sign of Meg. In desperation, he’d actually entered the ballroom, figuring that there might be a chance that Meg was tending to the refreshments. But he’d had no luck. The serving girl was nowhere to be found. And although he found the prospect of defeat bitter indeed, he was just about to give up his search. Alex sighed and turned to face his friend, happily turning his back on the ogling crowds.
    â€œFess up, chap,” Dunford prodded.
    Alex sighed. “It’s a long story. I doubt you’d be interested.”
    â€œNonsense. It’s the long stories which are usually the most interesting. Besides, if this ‘story’ has actually brought you into the ranks of polite society, it must involve a female. And that means, of course, that I’m terribly interested.”
    Alex turned to his friend and briefly recounted the story of how his nephew had been saved by a brave kitchen maid, omitting the part about the strong attraction he felt for her. “So you