Read Online The Reluctant Debutante by Becky Lower - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Becky Lower
Ads: Link
thoroughbred Arabian horse when I graduated from West Point. Perhaps we could race my horse against one of old Joe’s here and see who comes out ahead.”
Basil rose to the bait. “I think a horserace would be a capital idea! Why don’t we plan on it in July, when we all go to the country?” Basil continued.
“Why wait? We could meet tomorrow at Hangman’s Tree and race through the park,” said William.
Joseph objected. “The park is crowded during the day with buggies and people. It would be foolish to race there.”
“Are you calling me a fool? I think you’re afraid you might lose.”
Basil replied anxiously, “Joseph makes a good point about the park. It is generally packed during the day. In fact, I know Ginger and Mother are planning to take the carriage out tomorrow. Perhaps, if you were exercising your mount in the morning, you could meet up with them? I’m certain Mother would be happy to give you some insight on the route they plan to take.”
As they took their seats for dinner a few minutes later, Ginger’s gaze flickered over William briefly, and then settled on Joseph. Her lips parted briefly and her cheeks flushed. She moved her eyes away, and then back to him again.
William forced her attention away from Joseph as he began to speak to her. “Miss Fitzpatrick, it is settled, Joe here and I are going to race our horses. It should be the highlight of the Independence Day weekend at the Hamptons. Perhaps we could raise the stakes even further to include a private dinner with you for the winner?”
Ginger had read the society columns that claimed William had already selected her as his bride. And, considering his rivals, Quentin and Richard, he was probably correct in his thinking. After all, he had a solid career as an Army officer. His uniform accented his hardened physique, earned by years of discipline and exercise at West Point. But then Basil arrived with Joseph in time for the ball, and diverted her attention. Now William was forced to endure this dinner in Joseph’s honor, and to watch as he was toasted and fawned over. Ginger almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
“I’ll confer with Mother on the proper etiquette of a private dinner with a single man and let you know, Officer Davenport.”
“Did you know the Opera House is putting on a performance this weekend?”
Ginger answered, “Yes, I am aware of it. The family plans to attend on Friday evening.”
“Perhaps you’ll have room in the family box for me? I have not been able to procure a ticket. It’s sold out, I’m afraid.”
“I, uh, I’m not sure. Mother?”
“Of course we have room in our box for a military man, Officer Davenport. We would welcome you, if you’d like to attend with us.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, for your generosity. I’ll plan on it.”
William nodded slightly at Joseph. But Joseph merely raised an eyebrow. Ginger caught the exchange between the two men, and wondered what was going on. William had annoyed her long enough, though, so she gave herself the prize of looking at Joseph, just for a moment. When her gaze flicked back to William, he had a sour expression on his face. Uniform or no, there was no comparison between the two men.
She then turned her attention to Richard Douglas, the duke’s son, who was regaling the guests on either side of him with a description of his father’s land holdings in England. Ginger supposed he was pleasant enough to look at, with his light brown hair, blue eyes, and dashing clothing, but his body reflected his aristocratic upbringing — thin and pale. His melodious voice and accent, however, highlighted the culture and fine education he had been privileged to receive. But it’s not as soothing as Joseph’s French-imbued speech. She sighed softly and stole another glance at Joseph.
And then, there was Quentin. She let her eyes wander to him. She much preferred talking to his father, Charles Gray, who sat on her left. It was a shame Quentin had
Basil rose to the bait. “I think a horserace would be a capital idea! Why don’t we plan on it in July, when we all go to the country?” Basil continued.
“Why wait? We could meet tomorrow at Hangman’s Tree and race through the park,” said William.
Joseph objected. “The park is crowded during the day with buggies and people. It would be foolish to race there.”
“Are you calling me a fool? I think you’re afraid you might lose.”
Basil replied anxiously, “Joseph makes a good point about the park. It is generally packed during the day. In fact, I know Ginger and Mother are planning to take the carriage out tomorrow. Perhaps, if you were exercising your mount in the morning, you could meet up with them? I’m certain Mother would be happy to give you some insight on the route they plan to take.”
As they took their seats for dinner a few minutes later, Ginger’s gaze flickered over William briefly, and then settled on Joseph. Her lips parted briefly and her cheeks flushed. She moved her eyes away, and then back to him again.
William forced her attention away from Joseph as he began to speak to her. “Miss Fitzpatrick, it is settled, Joe here and I are going to race our horses. It should be the highlight of the Independence Day weekend at the Hamptons. Perhaps we could raise the stakes even further to include a private dinner with you for the winner?”
Ginger had read the society columns that claimed William had already selected her as his bride. And, considering his rivals, Quentin and Richard, he was probably correct in his thinking. After all, he had a solid career as an Army officer. His uniform accented his hardened physique, earned by years of discipline and exercise at West Point. But then Basil arrived with Joseph in time for the ball, and diverted her attention. Now William was forced to endure this dinner in Joseph’s honor, and to watch as he was toasted and fawned over. Ginger almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
“I’ll confer with Mother on the proper etiquette of a private dinner with a single man and let you know, Officer Davenport.”
“Did you know the Opera House is putting on a performance this weekend?”
Ginger answered, “Yes, I am aware of it. The family plans to attend on Friday evening.”
“Perhaps you’ll have room in the family box for me? I have not been able to procure a ticket. It’s sold out, I’m afraid.”
“I, uh, I’m not sure. Mother?”
“Of course we have room in our box for a military man, Officer Davenport. We would welcome you, if you’d like to attend with us.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, for your generosity. I’ll plan on it.”
William nodded slightly at Joseph. But Joseph merely raised an eyebrow. Ginger caught the exchange between the two men, and wondered what was going on. William had annoyed her long enough, though, so she gave herself the prize of looking at Joseph, just for a moment. When her gaze flicked back to William, he had a sour expression on his face. Uniform or no, there was no comparison between the two men.
She then turned her attention to Richard Douglas, the duke’s son, who was regaling the guests on either side of him with a description of his father’s land holdings in England. Ginger supposed he was pleasant enough to look at, with his light brown hair, blue eyes, and dashing clothing, but his body reflected his aristocratic upbringing — thin and pale. His melodious voice and accent, however, highlighted the culture and fine education he had been privileged to receive. But it’s not as soothing as Joseph’s French-imbued speech. She sighed softly and stole another glance at Joseph.
And then, there was Quentin. She let her eyes wander to him. She much preferred talking to his father, Charles Gray, who sat on her left. It was a shame Quentin had
Similar Books
