Read Online Susan Johnson by When Someone Loves You - Free Book Online Page B

for Armitage”—he smiled—“the old coot should pay his jockeys better and they might not stray.”
    “He pays well and you know it.” Giles gazed at his brother over the rim of his wineglass.
    Duff grinned. “But not as well as I.”
    “And Harry dearly loves you.” The duchess smiled at her son. “I don’t know how many times he was over before the race season, hoping you were well enough to speak to him. He’ll ride for you. You needn’t worry.”
    “I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Duff shot a glance at the rest of his family. “I suppose everyone has a racer on the course tomorrow.”
    “But of course, darling,” his mother replied. “Papa has won three races this year and my new little mare is doing well. Giles has a brute of a horse that has a bit of training yet to accomplish, but Georgie and Lydia”—she glanced at her daughters. “Tell Duff about your wins.”
    At that point, horses and racing took over the conversation, a not uncommon occurrence at the Westerlands’ table. And for the first time since his return to England, Duff felt a sense of normalcy. Not that his former life would have been characterized as normal by the more staid circles of society. But it had been typical of a wealthy young buck about town.
    Gambling, racing, and women had consumed his days and nights, his name a byword for high play, prime horseflesh, and carnal pleasure. While the legions of women in pursuit had been the envy of his male colleagues, he’d accepted female adulation with a casual imperturbability that only added to his allure. Although his reputation for delivering sexual pleasure with a deft and flattering attention to detail couldn’t be discounted. Nor his superior physical endowments and stamina.
    Not that he’d been doing anything that required stamina in bed of late.
    However, if his recuperation continued apace…
    A thought well apart from the heated discussion of horses and jockeys transpired at the moment.
    Much later, though, over dessert, when the candles had been lit and the duke’s excellent wine had loosened tongues, Georgie said, “You must bring Miss Foster to our box at the track tomorrow. I haven’t seen her for ages. She simply disappeared from society.”
    “She may prefer her seclusion.” Duff’s voice was reserved. “I’ll extend your invitation, but I can’t promise anything.”
    “How mysterious you sound, although she vanished from town just as mysteriously.” Georgie held her brother’s gaze for a pertinent moment. “You know Walingame is searching for her high and low.”
    “I know.”
    “No one has seen Annabelle for months.”
    “I saw her at the horse fair in plain sight of everyone,” Duff pointed out. “She wasn’t exactly hiding.”
    “Whatever she chooses to do, I’m sure it’s none of our business,” the duchess asserted, giving her daughter a warning glance. “Miss Foster has had her share of fame. Perhaps the country offers her a much-needed respite.”
    “I believe she’s enjoying her quiet,” Duff agreed.
    “That’s quite enough said on the topic,” the duke interposed, attempting to put an end to the catechism. “Whether we see Miss Foster tomorrow or not is of no consequence. We’ll visit with her some other time.” Annabelle was much feted by society—not unusual, considering her plays were all the rage.
    “Why not invite her to dinner,” Giles said with a grin. “We’re secluded enough here at Westerlands Park.”
    “Giles,” the duke said repressively.
    Duff smiled. “Never mind, Papa. I can’t fault Giles for trying. Miss Foster is enchanting. If she wishes to come to dinner, I’ll let you know, Giles,” he added with a grin.
    “You needn’t keep her all to yourself,” his brother muttered.
    “We’re just going to the races. I’m hardly keeping her to myself.”
    “Boys, for heaven’s sake. Julius, tell them to stop,” the duchess insisted, looking to her husband to referee the brothers.
    “You