Mistaken for a Rake - Rose Pearson Page 0,1

her head, lowering her voice as they walked inside. “I am sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.”

The lady smiled sadly, her expression now a little morose. “It was some years ago, Lady Rebecca, but I miss him still.” She sighed softly, then gave herself a small shake. “But my son, the new Lord Hayward, has done very well in taking things on at the estate.”

“I am glad to hear it,” Rebecca replied, still feeling a trifle uncomfortable about the amount the lady was sharing when they had not been formally introduced. “I should go in search of my sisters now.”

The lady’s expression brightened. “But of course. Are you to have new gowns from Madame Bernadotte?”

Without meaning to, Rebecca allowed a heavy sigh to escape her, which, seeing the astonished look on Lady Hayward’s face, only made a blush color her cheeks.

“Forgive me,” she stammered, aware of her father’s rumbling tones coming closer to her. “I did not mean to make any expression of complaint, Lady Hayward. It is only that, given that my mother is no longer with us, I have been given the responsibility of ensuring that my sisters and I are dressed appropriately. If I am truthful, I do not know precisely what would be best.” She shrugged, heat still pouring into her face. “We have never been to London, and I do not know much about society.” Quite why she was expressing this much to a lady she had never met before in her life, Rebecca could not explain, but there was something in the lady’s expression that was so welcoming and encouraging that she felt as though she could tell her anything.

Lady Hayward tilted her head, her eyes considering. “I would be happy to assist you in this, Lady Rebecca,” she said slowly. “I am aware that we have only just met, but if you have no other friends within London as yet to aid you, then I would be glad to offer my assistance.”

“Assistance?”

Rebecca closed her eyes briefly, hearing the note of confusion in her father’s voice.

“Father,” she said quickly, turning to face the duke and seeing how his green eyes—so akin to her own—were watching Lady Hayward with something like suspicion. “This is Lady Hayward. She and I were quickly introduced as we came into this establishment. She is, very kindly, offering to do what she can to ensure that my sisters and I choose gowns of the highest fashion.” Smiling quickly, she gestured to Lady Hayward. “Lady Hayward, forgive my improper manner. I should have introduced you properly.” Praying that the lady did not think her entirely unsuitable for being anywhere near London, she tried again. “Might I present my father, the Duke of Landon.”

Lady Hayward curtsied quickly, although she did not show any sign of awe or astonishment at being in the presence of a duke, as Rebecca had seen so many visitors do when they had come to the estate. “Good afternoon, Your Grace. I am very glad to meet you. As Lady Rebecca had just informed you, I would be glad to assist her with the ordering of suitable gowns for this Season.” She smiled, and Rebecca saw the way the frown began to lift from her father’s face. “In truth, it can be quite a burdensome task!”

Rebecca held her breath for a few moments, looking towards her father and entirely uncertain as to what his reaction might be. She prayed that he would be willing to permit Lady Hayward to do as she had offered for, whilst Rebecca had only just met the lady, she was certain that any assistance she could receive at this present juncture would be most appreciated.

The duke harrumphed for a moment, his gaze turning towards Rebecca, who continued to watch him hopefully.

“Very well,” he said, speaking slowly as though he was not quite certain that such a thing was appropriate, his brow furrowing as he looked back towards Lady Hayward. “But only if it does not delay you, Lady Hayward.”

Lady Hayward laughed and shook her head. “No, it does not,” she replied with a smile. “In truth, I would be glad for the distraction! I have very little else to occupy me at present.” Turning her head, she smiled at Rebecca, who, with relief, smiled back. “Might you introduce me to your sisters, Lady Rebecca? I should be glad to meet them.”

“But of course,” Rebecca said quickly, putting one hand on her father’s arm. “Father, if you wish to wait, then might I