Page 5 of Winning Her Duke

He well knew who paid the highest price in that scenario.

He would be content for the time being to focus on the promise he’d made to his friend. He would focus on his passion for horses and stay clear of the trappings of the Season.

*

“It hardly made it worth the time it took to get ready for the ball,” Lydia complained as the door to their carriage shut and they were off again for Tomison House.

“I promised I would attend the ball, and I attended. It is not my fault no one asked for an introduction or a dance in the entire hour we were there.”

After her father’s subterfuge to get her to London, he’d managed to trap her there as well by warning all the coachmen, if any took her back to Elmhurst without his permission, they would be let go without a reference.

After setting his rules in place, he’d conveniently had to leave town to attend to a matter at another estate. Gia was certain he was just avoiding her wrath by hiding until she’d calmed down and accepted her fate.

Never.

She would find a way to get out of the snare he’d set for her. Until then, she wouldn’t feel guilty for leaving the ball before she’d danced or even met anyone.

“As if anyone could request an introduction when you practically glowered at everyone that looked in our general direction,” Lydia mentioned.

“My father insisted I go to the ball. I went.”

“I understand you do not wish to be here. However, I do enjoy the Season and would appreciate if you could see to stay for my benefit at least.”

“Then perhaps you should have negotiated a longer stay.” Despite her plan not to allow any guilt, Gia felt a twinge.

Lydia raised a brow, refraining from mentioning how tedious Gia had been.

Over the last week of fittings and shopping trips, Gia had to admit she liked Lydia immensely. She had a pleasingly dry wit Gia enjoyed. Especially when the countess turned it on her father. Lord Waverly wasn’t always sharp enough to notice.

Gia had come to think of Lydia as an older sister of sorts. One that didn’t hold too tightly to the rules of propriety.

Perhaps it was due to enjoying the freedoms of her widowhood for the past three years, or maybe it was that Lydia realized when it came to a woman of Gia’s age there was little use in attempting to maintain the status of a debutante.

“Please don’t punish me for the actions of your father. I didn’t conspire to deceive you, I only found out about it by letter a few hours before you arrived.”

“I will consider staying longer next time,” Gia relented. The twinge of guilt had grown to a lump in her throat. “But you must refrain from any matchmaking plans you may have. I do not want a husband. Father cannot force one on me. I am content to stay at Elmhurst with my horses. I have friends in the village.”

Not many, but there were a few women in Leigham that spoke to her when she visited.

“Why are you so sure you don’t want to marry?”

“Men are deceitful. My father’s scheme to bring me here did nothing but steady my resolve and prove me right.”

“Not all men.”

“You know of a man who would not lie to get what he wanted?”

Lydia frowned and offered no names.

“I’m sure it’s not a life my father wished for me.” Gia gazed out the window of the carriage at the inky blackness. “I don’t mean to embarrass him. But I must be true to myself and what makes me happy.”

“Your father is a dear friend, despite his lapse in judgement at times, but I do know he is not the least bit embarrassed of you. He only wishes for you to find happiness as he had with your mother.”

“Happiness like you had with Lord Tomison?” Gia asked.

“My marriage was one of respect only.” Lydia twined her fingers tightly in her lap.

“Not love.”