October 1811

As the Duke of Eldridge concluded his remarks regarding the evening's itinerary, he couldn't help but notice Lady Polly's unwavering gaze fixed upon him. With a subtle smile playing upon his lips, he returned her stare with a knowing glint in his eyes. Lady Langdon, in turn, lowered her gaze and excused herself to Mina and Roy, and drifted towards a cluster of her acquaintances, all the while stealing discreet glances in the direction of the Duke, curious to see if he would indulge in this innocent game that, while perhaps more suited to the younger set, possessed a certain allure of playfulness for her.

As the gathering gradually dispersed to retire in its chambers briefly before the first activity, Lady Langdon found herself alone, only to be greeted by a voice from behind her.

"Lady Langdon, it is indeed a pleasure to be in your company once more, albeit after such a brief interlude."

Polly turned to meet Ciarán's gaze, her lips curving into a playful smile. "It seems like only yesterday we were introduced, Lord McIntyre. Did you find yourself missing my company so soon?"

The duke's lips twitched into a smirk, catching the teasing note in her voice. "Indeed, for your presence is as refreshing as a breeze on a stifling summer's day."

Polly chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Such flattery! I wonder what the other ladies would say if they overheard such bold compliments from you."

Ciarán's smirk widened, and a glint of mischief appeared in his eyes. "Ah, but my dear Lady Langdon, it is but the beginning of our acquaintance, and already you show signs of possessiveness. Had I known you desired my attention so keenly, I might have been even bolder in my admiration."

Polly chuckled softly, her delicate fingers lifting the crystal glass to her lips. "You speak with the audacity of a true libertine, Eldridge."

Lord McIntyre's lips curled into a knowing smile as he brought his own glass to his lips. "My libertine tendencies emerge only in the company of a true coquette," he quipped, his gaze lingering on Polly's features. "Would you care to accompany me on a moonlit stroll tonight?"

A shiver of apprehension ran down Polly's spine, momentarily stiffening her smile. "That proposal is bold, sir, and quite impro—"

"I never took you for a conventional nor stuck-up lady, my dear," Ciarán interjected, a mischievous gleam dancing in his eyes. "It appears to me we are kindred spirits indeed, eager to trade quips and flirtations, and your cleverness leaves me quite disarmed, I must say."

Polly's expression hardened, her gaze sharpening. With a slight tilt of her head, she replied, "Your disregard for propriety does not escape notice, sir. Let us not stray beyond the bounds of decorum. We should adhere to our designated places, though I acknowledge your compliment."

"My place is wherever proximity to you permits," he retorted, a smile lingering on his lips. "Do you truly believe anyone is interested in our comings or goings? Allow me to divulge a secret to you – we're but old relics among the ton. Our prime years are behind us, and I'm certain nobody would cry out 'scandal' seeing us together on an innocent stroll, day or night. The choice, madam, lies with you – nine o'clock at the entrance."

With those words, he executed a graceful bow and departed, leaving her momentarily speechless. Polly, with brisk determination, approached Mina and Roy, who appeared to be engaged in yet another silent competition of wills.

"Have you concluded your discourse at last? Then let us proceed to inspect our designated chambers," she declared, leading the way with an air of stern authority, the two companions exchanging brief glances at her sudden seriousness.

Lady Langdon felt the need to steal a moment of rest, her mind swirling with the libertine's audacious words and the tantalizing invitation he had extended. While she knew his words were not entirely sincere, there was a kernel of truth in them. Time was not on their side; they were no longer in the flush of youth. Why waste it on frivolous diversions like charades and idle chatter when a clandestine rendezvous in his chamber, or perhaps a secluded alcove, held the promise of something far more exhilarating...?

But she quickly silenced such thoughts. Cease at once! she scolded herself. I must not be ensnared by his charming words and reckless advances. He is merely casting his net, hoping to capture an unsuspecting prey. I must tread carefully and not fall into his trap at the first sign of temptation!

Therefore, she resolved to be more observant of whom Lord Eldridge bestowed his attention upon, noting which ladies seemed to hold an interest in him. Polly then intended to base her decisions upon her very observations, for she certainly wasn't interested in entertaining someone's fleeting sentiments.

As Polly joined the other guests in the grand dining hall, she scarcely spared a glance for Roy, let alone noticed Mina's absence from the evening repast. The seating arrangement, with elders separated from the younger attendees, contributed to her oversight. Fortunately, Polly found herself seated only three places away from Ciarán at the head of the table, affording her a prime position to discreetly overhear his conversations.

"Your event is off to a promising start, Eldridge," Mr. Carmichael remarked. "After the initial activities, there are already whispers of budding affections among several of the young folk."

"I'm pleased to hear it, sir," Ciarán replied with a genteel smile. "But pray, spare us the names for now. If we manage to arrange engagements within the first two days, what will we do for the remainder of the stay?"

His playful remark drew chuckles from those gathered around the table. Lady Lansing, the aunt of Kate, leaned in toward Carmichael.

"But do share those names with me, sir!" she whispered. "Otherwise, you risk that a lady of my age may find herself unable to sleep tonight!"

"Very well, as you wish, my dear Lady Lansing, for I shan't bear the blame for your lack of repose come morning," the gentleman replied, inclining his head before leaning in to share a whispered exchange with the dame.

Lady Lansing withdrew with a soft laugh, delicately covering her mouth as she cast a playful glance towards Polly.

"Oh, dear Lady Langdon, it appears your son has also captured someone's attention! It seems the young gentleman is making quite the impression!" she remarked with a teasing smile.

Polly raised a quizzical brow and inquired with a blend of curiosity and subtle sarcasm, "Indeed? And who might be the whispered object of his affections?"

The elder lady let out a soft chuckle and discreetly covered her mouth with her hand, preventing Eldridge from discerning her words as she announced, "Miss Whitcombe."

Polly blinked in surprise and glanced at her son, who was engrossed in a lively conversation with none other than Eleanor herself. Foolish boy, she thought, be cautious lest you cause harm.

"You do not appear overly enthused by the prospect, Lady Langdon," Ciarán teased, to which she offered a feigned, amused smile.

"It is merely a whisper – we have ample days ahead to see if this whisper materializes into something more substantial."

"Indeed," the duke replied, and Polly could detect that mischievous glint in his eyes once again.

The remainder of the repast passed in a lively manner, with playful banter mostly exchanged between Eldridge and Carmichael. Polly noticed no indications that the Duke exhibited similar attentiveness to any other lady as he had to her. Nor did she detect any subtle remarks or glances exchanged between the ladies and the gentleman. As night descended upon the estate, she indulged in a glass of wine to steady her nerves, then adorned herself in her greatcoat, hoping to avoid encountering anyone as she made her way through the corridors.

To her relief, Lady Langdon emerged at the entrance unnoticed—or so she thought—where the Duke stood, consulting his pocket watch.

"Am I fashionably late?" Polly teased, her voice light as she approached.

The Duke smirked, tucking the small timepiece back into his waistcoat. "Not at all, my dear. You're perfectly punctual, which speaks volumes about your interest," Ciarán replied, his tone playful as he adjusted his own greatcoat.

Polly chuckled lightly and replied, "An interest in observing the night sky, indeed, Lord Eldridge."

The Duke graciously offered her his arm, and together they embarked on their nightly stroll. The full moon cast its gentle glow upon the landscape, illuminating their path as they walked. Lady Langdon felt as though she were traversing through a wondrous realm adorned with celestial jewels, the stars twinkling above in breathtaking splendour.

"Are you chilled, my dear?" Eldridge inquired with genuine concern, to which she softly shook her head.

"Nay, it is merely... it has been quite some time since I last wandered beneath the stars. It feels akin to a delightful reverie."

A genteel smile graced his features, his lips poised to respond, when she pre-empted him: "I cannot help but wonder, Lord Eldridge, why me? Surely there are other ladies possessing greater wit and beauty."

"It is indeed your wit, your beauty, and your soothing presence that have captivated me from our very first encounter. You cannot convince me that the same sense of tranquillity could be found with just anyone."

Polly regarded him with a brief, thoughtful glance but maintained her silence. They strolled along a path scarcely touched by grass, the soft earth crumbling beneath their steps as they ventured into the open field.

"You've been quiet," Ciarán remarked, his gaze fixed on Polly's profile. "I gather you either doubt my sincerity or my character entirely. Yet your willingness to engage with me suggests a glimmer of trust."

She chuckled softly. "I'm merely cautious, sir. I held a deep affection for my late husband."

"I, too, loved my late wife," he replied earnestly. "But her passing did not condemn me to a life devoid of pleasure or the possibility of new affections."

Their eyes met as they paused their walk.

"Likewise, though I did not actively seek such," Polly confessed softly.

Ciarán maintained his warm smile and gently inquired, "Isn't it preferable when such connections occur naturally?"

"Indeed, but it has been quite some time for myself, Eldridge," she remarked with a hint of wistfulness. "At this stage of life, one begins to ponder whether disturbing the tranquillity of one's thoughts is worth the risk."

He sighed softly, casting a playful glance her way before his arm, which had been supporting Polly's hand, deftly encircled her waist, causing her to gasp in surprise. With a teasing gleam in his eyes, Ciarán leaned in as if to capture her lips, only to veer at the last moment and press a gentle kiss to the side of her neck, inhaling her delicate scent with subtle reverence.

"You parted your lips, Leopoldine, suggesting there's a spirited woman beneath that composed exterior. But as it's your debut evening here, I shan't make it too effortless for you."

With a roguish grin gracing his features, he extended his arm once more. "Shall we prolong our genteel promenade?"

She chuckled with amusement over his daring audacity. "Indeed. And it's Polly, if you please."

"Ciarán," he responded as they continued their leisurely stroll.

"So, Ciarán, how should I interpret this bold move of yours? Are we advancing our game or slowing it down?" she inquired, a playful smile gracing her lips.

"It all hinges on whether you prefer to take the lead or follow, my dear Polly. I have a wine cellar stocked with the finest vintages of the region, and a chamber that promises comfort for both of us. While elsewhere we might risk being caught like impetuous youths, I am willing to wager my reputation for your sake," he explained, his tone tinged with humour.

Polly's smirk mirrored his own as she responded in kind: "I shall deliberate carefully before making my choice. After all, it is my debut evening, as you so aptly pointed out, and I would not wish to make rash decisions."

His reply was a hearty laugh, signalling his amusement at their playful banter.