Page 47 of Courting Claudia

“Mr. Middleton, who is that lady over there that you spoke to when you came in?” Poppy asked.

“That is my aunt, the dowager Duchess of Shelton.”

“Your aunt is the dowager Duchess of Shelton?” Claudia asked.

“Yes. You know of her?”

“Everyone knows of her,” Poppy said. “She’s legendary. But I thought she’d retired from Society years ago.”

“She had, but she’s recently moved back to London, and is reacquainting herself with some old friends.”

“I’m sorry, why is she legendary?” Morris asked.

“She’s married no fewer than two dukes in her lifetime. And she’s known for having a complete disregard for convention. She’s a force to be reckoned with and a good example for women of our generation,” Poppy said.

“I believe, Lady Penelope, that you know more of my aunt than I do,” Derrick said.

“She is a fascinating woman. I would very much like to meet her at some point.”

“I think I can arrange that,” he said.

“Shall we get on with the game?” Morris suggested. “Lady Penelope, I do believe we’ve been paired together today.” He gave her a toothy grin.

“Splendid,” Poppy said, although Morris didn’t seem to notice her lack of sincerity.

“I suppose that leaves you and me to partner, Miss Prattley,” Derrick said.

“Yes, I suppose it does,” Claudia said.

Morris dealt first, with hearts as the trump. Fitting.

Derrick eyed her above his cards. As much as she hated to admit it, it thrilled her to be on the receiving end of his attention. She was certain everyone in the room noticed, and while she might have to pay for that later with her father, right now it made her smile. Besides, it wasn’t as if she could do anything about his being here—she herself hadn’t invited him. And her father had insisted she attend.

Did her father know Derrick’s aunt was the dowager Duchess of Shelton? Would it make a difference? Probably not, but it might be worth mentioning the next time they spoke, since Derrick clearly had no intention to cease courting her.

Something touched her shoe.

She looked up and met his glance, and he raised one eyebrow.

Was that his foot? Touching her foot? At a proper tea and card party, full of matronly women and dandies?

He was completely shameless.

She smiled again despite the gravity of the situation. What she should do was get up and leave. But that would only make a scene and draw more attention to them. She tucked her feet in closer to her, trying desperately to stick them underneath her chair, but with her undergarments, that was an impossibility.

Poppy played a seven of diamonds, and then it was Claudia’s turn. She glanced at her cards and tossed down a three of diamonds. Then it was Morris’s turn, and she realized she still held the ten of diamonds. Clearly she wasn’t paying proper attention to the game. She hoped Derrick wouldn’t mind if they lost.

When this game was over, she would simply make her excuses and leave early. She could plead a headache or some other ailment.

It was her turn again. She studied her cards, trying to determine the best to play. Finally she gave up and tossed down a four of spades.

Once the game ended, she quickly stood. “I’m afraid I must leave you to find a new player. I’ve developed a headache and believe it in my best interest to return home and lie down.”

Poppy frowned at her, but she could explain to her friend later.

She didn’t check for Derrick’s reaction, rather made her excuses to the hostess, then stepped into the hallway.

Claudia stood waiting for the butler to retrieve her cloak, when Derrick grabbed her elbow.