Free Fate Is A Stranger: Regency Romance by Gloria Gay Page A

party that is to last several days."
    "That's not what I have heard—"
    "Without a hostess," interrupted the duke, "few ladies of the ton would agree to attend, no matter that it is at Cynweir Castle. You know that as well as I, however you may pretend not to. My need for a hostess who has a high standing in society is merely for that reason and nothing more. I, as well as many of my bachelor peers, can hold as many balls in as many castles in the kingdom; however, they will turn into bachelor soirees if there is not a respectable hostess to lend them their name."
    "I’m glad you men have some need for us ladies," answered Arabella.
    Besides, thought Hawk. He was certain Lord Kelly and his family would not attend a party without a society hostess.
    Brigg came in to announce dinner, so the duke and his sister removed themselves to the massive dining room that was candlelit in one area and dark in the rest.
    Exquisite pheasant soup, venison, vegetable endicot and lobster patties must be seriously dealt with before any more meaningful conversation took place. The duke and his sister, comfortable in each other's presence since birth, delved with a healthy appetite and without self-consciousness into the grand meal before they took again the string of their conversation.
    "Well, Arabella, is it a deal then?"
    "Souten can attend with his guest, Lady de Compte?"
    "I believe that is your unflinching condition, so let it be. I just hope he stays out of my way. I can’t abide him, as you well know. And Lady de Compte has one thing in common with you, Arabella, she is in debt to her ears. You two should get along famously."
    "I am not a friend of Lady de Compte, nor do I approve of her, Hawk," said the marchioness quickly. "I invite her only because Cade has taken a liking to her. I believe she’s a scheming female and not a good influence on Cade."
    Hawk burst out laughing at this.
    " Now I have heard everything! You believe Lady de Compte is a bad influence on Souten? Souten would be a bad influence on Satan himself, my dear. I can’t believe the blinders you use when it comes to him. Galleon, my horse has more sense than you do when it comes to people. He neighed in protest the other day at Hyde Park when Souten passed us in that new carriage of his. I’m quite certain he obtained it with illicit funds, or else he wheedled the money out of you. Did he?"
    "Hawk, do I ask you to give me a rendering of your expenditures?"
    "That’s an answer in itself, I believe," said Hawk with a short laugh. "Perhaps Deckworth should worry more about Souten then your gambling, Arabella."
    "I believe you have exhausted a subject that holds no interest for me, Hawk." Arabella turned away from him nervously and gazed distractedly out to the green below. Hawk did not miss this, as he did not miss anything about the actions of those who interested him.
    "Yes, I imagine it would hold no interest," remarked Hawk, with a smirk."
    Arabella frowned in disapproval. "I don't believe you will have a problem with running into either Cade or Lady de Compte, Hawk, as Cade is quite aware of your unfounded dislike of him. He has told me oftentimes how he regrets the unfortunate assumptions you have of him. He ardently desires to become your friend."
    "Souten has honed his hypocrisy on you, my dear, but please kindly refrain from passing such hogwash on to me. The only things Cade has ever loved in his life are the impressions on gold coins.
    "And since we are on the subject of Cade, however unpleasant it may be for me," the duke continued, "I must point out my suspicions to you. I believe him to be a conniving piece of work and I suspect he had something to do with the death of his cousin. The estate fell too neatly into his hands. Seldom do things in life go so well."
    "Please, Hawk, if you want me to make a success of your house party, refrain from such false accusations that do not give you credit." An extremely worried look appeared in Arabella's eyes.
    And