Read Online Carola Dunn by Lord Roworth's Reward - Free Book Online Page B

creased forehead gradually smoothed. Not without effort, Felix pushed the closed frontier to the back of his mind and basked in the attention of Lady Sophia, seated next to him.
    Soon after dinner they all went on to the Duke’s party, Felix in the Daventrys’ carriage.
    “Our picnic is to be on Friday,” Lady Sophia told him as he took his place beside her, opposite her parents, “in the Forest of Soignes. We decided we are less likely to be plagued by flies there, and by undesirable persons, than on the banks of a river.”
    “If this hot weather continues, you will be glad of the shade,” said Felix, wondering whether she remembered she had invited him.
    “We hope you will be able to join us,” the marchioness put in.
    “I shall be sadly cast down if you cannot go,” said Lady Sophia dispassionately.
    He chose to hear her words rather than her tone. “I would not miss it for the world,” he assured her.
    Arriving at the Duke’s, Felix requested a private word with him.
    “Urgent?” Wellington asked, changing instantly from jovial host to keen-eyed commander.
    “This evening, sir.”
    “After the concert, then. I hope La Catalani’s visit is long enough past that you won’t despise the local diva, Lady Sophia. At least her fee is reasonable and she don’t refuse to sing more than two songs.”
    “Madame Catalani’s temperamental character is to be deplored, Duke. I am sure we shall enjoy your concert.”
    “There will be dancing afterwards. Lovely young ladies cannot have too much of dancing.” He kissed her hand with the gallantry that had won him the nickname of the Beau.
    Lady Sophia’s genteel composure was no whit disturbed by the attentions of the great man. As they made their way to the music room, she said with considerable satisfaction, “You have Wellington’s ear, my lord.”
    “I flatter myself I have been of use to him more than once,” said Felix, delighted with her approval.
    Nonetheless, unaccustomed to taking second place, she pouted when, instead of leading her into the first dance, he went off with Fitzroy for his private interview with the Duke. Lord George Lennox came to the rescue. Even the Goddess must be pleased to be partnered by one whose proficiency in the quadrille was justly celebrated. Felix was glad Lord George was not one of her admirers.
    “Good choice?” drawled Fitzroy with a grin, leading the way to a small antechamber.
    “So you set that up! I might have guessed. Excellent choice.”
    Wellington joined them a moment later. “What news, Roworth? London? Paris? Frankfurt? Vienna?”
    “Paris, sir. A courier just made it through before they closed the frontier. No one is allowed to cross. Even the fishing boats are confined to harbour.”
    “Hmm, as when he escaped from Elba. That certainly presages a move.” The piercing gaze drilled into him. “Where is he, man, do you know that?”
    “He was still in Paris when the courier left.”
    “Good.” The Duke relaxed. “Excellent. Laon was too close for comfort, but it will take him some time to march from Paris. Anything else to report? Then off with you both, there are any number of young ladies waiting for partners.”
    The quadrille ended at last, and Felix led Lady Sophia into the country dance that followed. Despite the absence of her other beaux, she refused to stand up with him more than twice--to dance three times with the same gentleman would be shockingly fast, he had to agree. However, since it was a informal affair, she agreed to take supper with him later, and in the meantime to sit out a set with him.
    With her on his arm, he was seeking a secluded corner when he caught sight of Wellington seated on a sofa with the Duchess of Richmond and Lady Daventry. His laugh rang out as he loudly complained that no one would care for his ball after the proposed magnificence of the duchess’s.
    Once again Felix had to admire the Duke’s sang-froid. With the borders closed, the emperor bound to make a