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Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

Chapter 4

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Mabel tied the bandage. "That sounds less like a talent and more like a management problem."Lucien studied her. "You're not impressed by titles."Mabel looked at his boots. "I am impressed by well-made boots."Lucien looked down at his boots. They were excellent boots. Mabel nodded at them.Lucien looked up. "And?""The stitching is good."The Duke had received compliments on his eyes, his shoulders, his estate, and once on the tragic line of his mouth. He found himself unable to decide whether he had been praised.Mabel finished rewrapping the pony's hoof. "There. It will not win a race tomorrow, but it will stop limping."Lucien watched her hands. "You are a practical woman."Mabel brushed off her gloves. "I am a hungry woman who has been trapped at a musicale."Lucien tilted his head. "Those are not mutually exclusive."Mabel stood. "They are usually connected."Lucien smiled. This time, Mabel noticed."You have a very sudden face."Lucien blinked. "I beg your pardon?"Mabel pointed at him. "You look severe until you smile. Then you look as if you have stolen something and hope nobody has noticed."Lucien straightened. "I have stolen nothing."Mabel smiled slightly. "Not yet."The orchestra began a waltz inside. Lady Honoria's laugh floated through the open doors.Mabel turned toward the house. "I should find my aunt."Lucien offered his arm. "May I walk with you?"Mabel glanced at him. "If you know where she is."Lucien nodded. "I do."Mabel waved him forward. "Then you may walk ahead."Lucien did. He had never been so thoroughly dismissed by a woman who had been sitting on a stable step with a muddy glove. He was delighted.The next morning, London learned that the Duke of Caldermir had danced twice with Lady Mabel Quint. This was untrue: he had danced once with Lady Caroline while looking at Mabel; he had walked beside Mabel for half a corridor. Society had never allowed facts to interfere with a useful rumor.By noon, six invitations arrived at Caldermir House. By 1:00, four ladies had sent flowers. By 2:00, Lady Honoria had written a poem about loyalty that contained the word destiny seven times. At 3:00, Lucien's aunt placed the poem in the fire.The Marchioness pointed at the burning paper. "You're responsible for this."Lucien was reading a report about a collapsed bridge on the northern estate. "For the poem?"The Marchioness folded her arms. "For the rumor."Lucien turned a page. "I did not start it."
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Every Lady Wanted the Duke — But He Chose the Chubby Girl Who Didn’t Even Notice Him

29 Part