Nicholas Rochford was not sure whether or not he was relieved that the dinner had finally come to a glorious conclusion. For one thing, there was this topic that Bennett and Lord Abbott had fondly discussed at length during the whole evening. Surely it was not just one of the cases where his alleged father was being charming to the duke. Seeing Bennett act so enthusiastic made him nervous and miserably curious. His senses told him that the two men had some tricks up their sleeves that they were happy to test out, and that Nicholas was among the chosen test subjects. He would have slapped his forehead and groaned had he not been escorting Claire Abbott. 

On the other hand, he was glad to be rid of Ms. Claire Abbott – finally. She was, without a doubt, a smart and a beautiful lady, but she had the aura of the utterly noble, which reeked of arrogance and self-importance. Without her saying it, he felt as if she was looking down at him with her nose high in the air and her eyes straining to see his terribly handsome face, because he was not high-born like her. Well, she was correct and that was among the many reason he disliked, and therefore had to pretend to like, the society where the likes of Ms. Abbott thrived.

But then red-haired Ms. Turner passed by, smiling. She was a daughter of a retired military officer, who was granted land by her majesty, and a brother of a member of the parliament. Other than her connections, her position in the government was not important, but it was undeniably strategic. “I would like to have a word with you, Mr. Rochford, about the latest trend in the textile industry. Perhaps, we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement?” She held out her gloved hand to him. Nick politely held it and the gently brushed his lips on her knuckles. 

“It would be my pleasure to discuss business, Ms. Turner,” he answered, looking up at her over his brows before he straightened up, smiling at her, and then let go of her hand.

“I will have my messenger send you a note, then,” she said, then walked slowly away with a knowing smile playing on her lips and Nick had once again forgotten the reason he disliked the upper class. There were just some women that he could not resist. Beautiful red heads were among them.

“Father.”

The voice of Claire, who had went on without him, hauled him back to what was happening. He was standing a few paces from her, Lord Abbott looked cheerful as he stood in front of Claire and Bennett was also there, fixing him with a look laced with mild disappointment.“I believe it is time for us to leave as well, the hour is late and the night is getting deep, so --”

“Nonsense! Nonsense, Ms. Abbott,” interrupted Bennett, laughing as he clapped the duke in the back. At that moment, the host of the house, Mr. Farley joined the two men as Bennett continued, “The night is young and your father and I have matters to discuss. Important matters. But I understand my lady’s need to have a restful night.” He turned to his supposedly son. “My dear boy, Nick, be a gentleman and do escort the lady to their estate.”

Nicholas cleared his throat and answered as he crossed the short distance to Claire’s side, “Of course, father. If Ms. Abbott would permit me, I shall see that she is safely home by midnight.” He offered his arm to her, politely giving her the pleasure of declining for both their peace of mind.