Page 6 of Winning Her Duke

“No. I fancied someone else, but he was… otherwise engaged.”

Gia might have asked more about that, but it was clear from the woman’s expression she would speak no more on the subject.

“Well, I don’t fancy anyone, and I don’t see a reason to get married simply for the sake of being called someone’s wife. I shall attend events to satisfy my father, but I have no intention of marrying anyone. I’m simply biding my time until I can return home to the true loves of my life.”

Three of which had just arrived that afternoon, escorted by Owen, her stable master and a man she thought of as a second father.

Unfortunately, she was forced to house her prized horses at Tattersall’s since Lydia’s stable was filled with her own horses, but at least Gia would have her four-legged friends nearby. And with close proximity to the park for riding.

“Did you not see anyone at the ball tonight you found intriguing?” Lydia asked, catching Gia off guard.

She hesitated too long and Lydia shifted closer, a smile growing on her lips.

“Who?”

Gia rolled her eyes, despite Lydia telling her many times already it was unladylike.

It was the word she’d used. Intriguing.

Had Lydia asked if Gia was interested in dancing with any of the men she’d seen at the ball, she could have instantly responded that she had not. But had she been intrigued?

There had been a man on the balcony taking in the crowd below as if he surveyed his kingdom. He should have appeared pretentious or snobbish, but he didn’t hold himself as such.

He simply knew who he was. The tartan draped across his shoulder spoke to his desire to be true to himself despite what the ton thought.

How she’d known that from afar with her only experience with men coming from interactions with her grooms and stable boys, she wasn’t sure, but yes, she’d found him intriguing.

His hair was blond, but that was too small a word for all the different hues of gold and bronze that reflected off the wavy locks in the candlelight.

“Who are you thinking of with that look upon your face?” Lydia asked.

“No one,” Gia snapped quickly enough to bring a pout to Lydia’s lips.

“No one, yet,” Lydia corrected. “The Season is still young, and we have plenty of time to find someone who intrigues you.”

Gia looked out the window of the carriage into the night and wished she could go home to Elmhurst.

She hadn’t wanted to tell Lydia but being at the ball this evening had been too much for her. It brought back memories of years ago when she’d attended her first ball. A young woman with hope and different plans for her future.

She’d remembered how lovely the room had been all lit up with glittering candlelight from the chandeliers. Everyone had dressed so lovely and smelled… well, overpowering. She’d choked on the cloud of heavy perfumes back then, just as she had tonight.

Her dance card had filled, and she’d made friends with the other debutantes coming out.

Everything she’d been told to expect had come to fruition.

But as quickly as she’d been spun up into the whirlwind of the Season, she’d been plunged back into the harshness of reality.

She didn’t want to spend time in this town where people thought her less than them because of her mother’s heritage. She didn’t want to care about their opinions, but a thorn prick didn’t hurt any less to a person who didn’t favor roses.

Pain was pain, and this town had caused more than enough during her last visit. She would need to be careful not to let down her guard this time.

*

Hale found himself still thinking of the dark-haired beauty the next morning as he set out on his daily ride. As was his usual route, he made his way past Tattersall’s at the corner of Hyde Park. He enjoyed seeing the grooms exercising their boards and getting a peek of what would be coming up next on the auction block.

If he had not been born with a title, he would have been content to be a groom and spend his days working with horses.

He was about to turn for the park when a female caught his eye. Her dark mane flowed in the breeze, her rump full and strong. He stopped and she nodded at his mount. Godspell was known to attract the attention of the mares and this one was no different.