Chapter 4: II. BOOKS & DRINKS
CHAPTER 2. BOOKS AND DRINKES
the carriage, and spot Lady Danbury near the entrance, a gentleman with her. I walk towards them, and Lady Danbury spots me.
"Ah, Miss Bridgerton." She greets.
"Lady Danbury." I reply, and courtesy.
"Your Grace, meet Miss Bridgerton." Lady Danbury tells the man. "Miss Bridgerton, this the the Duke of Hastings, I do believe your brother and him were acquainted at Oxford."
"Your Grace." I turn to the Duke, and courtesy, and he nods.
"What brings you to my doorstep, Miss Bridgerton?" Lady Danbury questions me. "Have you already finished the last book I have you."
"I do believe so, Lady Danbury." I tell her, as I show her the book. "It has been a terribly boring few days, with this as my only source of entertainment."
"Fear not, we shall find you another one of those, in just a moment, after I finish speaking to the Duke." She tells me. "You might even want to take an extra one you that sister of your, Eloise."
"That would be most wonderful, Lady Danbury." I tell her with a smile.
She turns to the Duke again.
"As you know, I'm to host a ball this evening." Lady Danbury says.
"Yes." The Duke nods.
"I have managed to keep the details of your return quiet." Lady Danbury continues. "But when those vulgar mamas discover that there is an eligible duke, present at tonight's fete, I shall be able to keep such a secret no longer."
"That is what I was hoping to discuss." The Duke replies, not meeting Lady Danbury's eyes. "I have only returned to London to deal with my late father's affairs. I'm afraid it leaves me no time to... socialize. And so, whilst I appreciate your most gracious invitation, Lady Danbury, I must ask you to accept my regrets.
"Your regrets..." Lady Danbury tells him. "Are denied."
The Duke is still unable to meet her eyes, looks down.
"I suppose a brief appearance..." He tells her, and I hide my smile at how easily he caved at Lady Danbury's glare.
"Excellent." Lady Danbury says, with a smile, as she hands me her walking stick, and takes my arm for support. "You may leave that flask you carry at home." She tells him, as we start walking to the entrance. "Most undignified, isn't it, Miss Bridgerton?" She asks, still in hearing distance form the Duke.
"Most undignified, indeed, Lady Danbury." I reply, with a laugh.
Anthony says, as we walk into the ball.
"Allow them to come to you, dears." Mama tells us.
"Lady Bridgerton, Miss Daphne, Miss Diana." Lord Ambrose greets. "Lord Bridgerton."
"I believe you have already been introduced to my daughter Daphne, Lord Ambrose." Mama tells him.
"Uh, yes. We met at your brother's levee." Lord Ambrose replies.
"If I recall, my lord, you had just won your first race at Newmarket." Daphne tells him.
"His first and only, I believe." Anthony cuts in, and I hide my smirk.
"Well, in that case, let us hope his lordship has found himself a new horse." Daphne says.
"I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you at our club lately, Ambrose." Anthony continues. "Should it have anything to do with the unpaid balance you left on our betting books winter last?"
Lord Ambrose awkwardly bows, and leaves.
"Ambrose is a cheat." Anthony tells us. "A man of any honor ensures his debts are fully paid."
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