The Decadent Duke by Virginia Henley Page A

you stepped outside for a few minutes and strolled in the garden it would help you to breathe.’’
    "The scent of the flowers always brings on my headache, and what if I was stung by a bee? It happened once when I was a child. They seek me out for some reason I cannot fathom.’’
    There’s no point in my asking her to join the boys and me for lunch—she would conjure an excuse to reject my request. "I ran into Charles Lennox and his wife at the cricket match yesterday. He and his family are close by at Marylebone Manor for the summer. He invited us to drop in for a visit. John is around his oldest son’s age.’’
    "Charles is married to one of those dreadful Gordon women. Married him for his money, no doubt, and his prospects of becoming the next Duke of Richmond.’’
    "But she is a duke’s daughter. Alexander Gordon has vast wealth and lands in Scotland.’’
    "And by-blows aplenty.’’ Her mouth tightened with disapproval. "His faithlessness reminds me of your brother, Francis.’’
    John clenched his fists. He had a very close bond with his brother because their parents had died when he and Francis were so young. "Francis is unwed, not unfaithful. Shall I accept the invitation?’’
    "They have a whole brood of children, probably all unruly. I couldn’t stand it. You know my poor health won’t allow me to socialize. It’s out of the question, John; don’t ask it of me.’’
    "Of course not. I understand. I think I’ll take them up on the invitation. The boys would enjoy it. I’ll give Lady Lennox your regrets.’’
    "Yes, that would be best.’’ She pressed a languid hand to her head. "You’ll be glad when I’m gone.’’
    How often have I heard that plaintive refrain? "We’ll go tomorrow. It will give you some peace and quiet.’’
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Georgina was on her way to the stables for a morning ride. Charlotte had offered her favorite filly, Barleybree, since the dread of morning sickness prevented her from joining her sister.
    At the familiar clip-clop of hooves, Georgina glanced toward the gates of Marylebone Manor and saw four riders approaching. The sight of an adult male accompanied by three boys mounted on ponies threw her into a panic. "Good God, it’s him !’’
    Georgina looked down in dismay at her old divided riding skirt and ran her hand across the sleeve of her shabby tweed jacket. She turned on her heel and fled back to the house.
    She ran up the stairs to the pink bedchamber and threw open the mirrored doors of the wardrobe. "I need something that will make me look like an elegant lady of fashion.’’ Her hand hesitated over her dresses. "I need to look older ... I need to look taller. Oh damnation, nothing is suitable!’’
    Georgina finally chose a morning gown in a lovely shade of apricot. The sleeves and hemline were embroidered with a Greek key design in a deep shade of amber. Its slim empire line was elegant and sophisticated, rather than frilly and girlish.
    She took the hairbrush, swept up her curls to give her height, and anchored them with a pair of tortoise-shell combs. Then she put on a pair of dangling amber earrings. She powdered her nose, darkened her eyelashes with kohl, and added a touch of lip rouge. Makeup was deemed scandalous for a young lady who had not yet made her debut, but Georgina did not even pay lip service to convention. She picked up her small ivory fan and examined her reflection in the mirror.
    She nodded to her image. "Lady Georgina, you look at least two years older and two inches taller.’’ Before her confidence deserted her, she left the bedchamber and descended to the main floor.
    Children and dogs dashed across her path in a mad rush for the great outdoors. Charles and Charlotte were engaged in conversation with their guest, and Georgina heard him say, "My wife sends her regrets. Elizabeth is