“He is indeed. Come here to give his opinion on the Duke’s horses.” Mrs. Winston gave a stifled snort. “Let’s hope he doesn’t want to give his opinion on you as well!”
“Mama!” Madelina was shocked.
“You’re to keep out of his way, do you hear?” Mrs. Winston warned. “I know his sort. Man about town. The Duke has told me all.”
“Man about town?” wondered Madelina. “What do you mean by that, Stepmama?”
“It means he whispers sweet nothings to any pretty girl that takes his fancy. It means cards and the races and expensive gentlemen’s Clubs.”
Madelina lowered her head. This might be all too true, but hurt her to the quick.
But she meant to give Mr. de Burge the benefit of the doubt. She would surely have the opportunity to get to know him a little if he stayed at Belmont for a few days.
Un
