Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (19 page)

“The girl? The one with the golden blonde hair?”

Hunt could not remove his eyes from the hack.

“Saw the lady yesterday when I escorted your boys to the park. At least, I think she is the same one.” His voice trailed off as the hack pulled away from the curb.

“Who is she?” Henrietta’s too sharp eyes followed the departing coach.

Hunt returned his attention to his sister.

“Obviously no one of any consequence. Otherwise, what would the lady be doing in a public coach and alone at this time of the evening?”

“Is she pretty?” Etta’s expression lit with an interest Hunt recognized as his sister’s meddlesome ways.

He rolled his eyes heavenward.

“First, I only saw the lady from a distance,” he cautioned. “She likely has bad teeth and crossed eyes.” His sister chuckled. “Secondly, I am in no humor to entertain
a
gir
l
. If I share my time with a lady, I want one who can hold an intelligent conversation.”

“Is that what Alexandra Dandridge provides, Hunt? Intelligent conversation?”

He heard the disappointment, which laced his twin’s tone.

“As a genteel lady, you should know nothing of the likes of Miss Dandridge,” Hunt warned.

“Every well-bred English woman knows of women such as Miss Dandridge. We just rarely speak of them,” his sister asserted.

Hunt swallowed his amusement.

“Miss Dandridge was never known for intellectual repartee.”

“Was?” Etta jumped on the past tense verb.

“Was,” Hunt confirmed. “I released Zan several days prior.”

Henrietta intertwined their fingers as he escorted her across the busy street.

“I cannot say I am sorry to hear it, Hunt. I know Papa’s schemes are tiresome, but you do require someone with whom you may share your life. It is a sin against nature for you to have no children of your own. You are the perfect uncle.”

“Most certainly.” He grinned. “I spoil my nephews and then send them home for their parents to discipline.” They stepped from the way of the late arriving theatergoers. “I know my duty, Etta. I am well aware of my responsibility to the dukedom.”

* * *

He stepped upon the stage, and Angelica’s heart raced. The audience quieted, and everyone leaned forward in anticipation. Like the others spectators, she slid to the edge of her seat and waited for the opera’s opening notes. Without ever hearing him sing, Angel knew he would be a compelling baritone, one to mesmerize every female in the theatre.

As he opened his mouth for the first phrases, he made a slow advance to the stage’s edge and then down the side steps beyond the imaginary fourth wall of the stage. She knew he was coming for her: His gaze remained locked upon her countenance. It was as if she could feel the heat of his breath upon her cheek. As his voice rose to fill every corner of the house, he reached for her, and Angelica placed her hand in his.