Read Online The Incomparable Miss Compton by Regina Scott - Free Book Online Page B

Lord Breckonridge. There were moments in his company that were delightful beyond words, and moments that drove me to distraction.”
    “Distraction, eh,” Norrie mused. “That could be auspicious or disastrous. I suppose the important thing is his intent. Did he ask to call on you?”
    “He did,” Sarah admitted, still marveling at the fact. “Though truth be told he asked in such a way that I cannot be sure he did not include Persephone in the request.”
    Norrie’s face fell. “Well, that is a leveler. I can see why you’re confused. Let us just hope the gentleman is more obvious when he visits. Would you like to go home? I can bring Persephone with us. It will only take a moment to pry Justinian away from the discussion of literature he is no doubt finding so fascinating.”
    Sarah shook her head. “You are kind, but I have my duty. I just hope this evening ends soon.”
    Unfortunately, her cousin obviously felt otherwise.
    “What a lovely evening,” Persephone remarked hours later when they at last rode home in the family carriage. “Lady Prestwick puts on the best attractions. I vow there will not be another ball to rival this all Season.”
    “It was interesting,” Sarah allowed, stifling a yawn. “Though in truth I still am not sure what to make of it. But one thing I do know. You are quite a success, Persy. You should be pleased.”
    The girl lowered her head demurely, but not before Sarah saw her smile widen in triumph. “Thank you, Cousin Sarah,” she said quietly. “I am pleased that people seem to like me. The duke was even attentive.”
    “Wonderfully so,” Sarah agreed, but her mind immediately conjured up the image of a raven-haired gentleman who had danced attendance on her instead. She forced her attention back to the matter at hand. “I hope His Grace will come calling this week.”
    “Oh, very likely,” Persephone replied. She gave a gossamer giggle that echoed against the hard wood panels and made it sound as if an entire family of pixies had been let loose in the vehicle. “Can you see his face when I refuse him? He will be beside himself.”
    Sarah blinked, feeling suddenly at sea. “Refuse him? Why would you refuse him?”
    Persephone giggled again, and this time the sound sent a chill through Sarah.
    “Because I’ve found someone better, of course. You do want me to make the best match possible, don’t you, Sarah?”
    “Of course,” Sarah said with a frown. “But I was under the impression that the duke was the best of your suitors. He is wealthy, he is titled, he is handsome and charming, and he is besotted. What more do you want?”
    “Power?” Persy said thoughtfully, elfin head cocked so that her golden ringlets tickled her dainty chin. “Position? Influence?”
    Sarah stared at her. It had never dawned on her that her frail cousin would crave such things. But the interest in her voice would not be denied. “And you don’t think you’ll have those things as the Duchess of Reddington?”
    Even in the dark, Sarah could see that Persy had made a face. “Doubtful,” she replied. “Everyone says the duke is somewhat of a recluse. He spends most of the year at his hunting lodge in York of all places. I am not convinced I can persuade him to stay in London. And I refuse to waste away in the country.”
    “I imagine even London would cloy after a time,” Sarah told her. “It swelters here in the summer and oppresses with fog in the winter. Besides, wouldn’t you miss the quiet of home? We haven’t been here three months, and I miss it already. Why would anyone want to live here all year long?”
    Persy shook her head. “That is just one of the differences between us, cousin,” she said with a sniff of superiority. “You do not mind being hidden away. I hate it.”
    “It does not follow that you must therefore hate the duke,” Sarah pointed out, ignoring the slight. “He seems a fine gentleman to me.”
    “If you like him so much,” Persy replied airily,