Page 15 of A Virgin for the Duke of Thorns

“What book?”

Oh, he was enjoying teasing her so, so much. He could not recall ever having so much fun in a long time.

Alice looked as if she was going to stomp her foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum. “La Philosophie dans Le Boudoir—or the English translation of it.” She fumed.

“Of course. As long as you read it here in my private library,” he affirmed with a wide smile. “And in my presence, so I might assist you.”

She rolled her eyes. “I do not know why you think I would need assistance, when I can read very well on my own.”

“And you will help my sister with her debut.”

“I do not see how a near-spinster without prospects can boost her popularity, but I shall do my very best.”

“And you are to tell no one about what you saw here—including the paint.”

“I do not see how divulging the fact that I was in your estate unchaperoned would be good for my reputation,” she retorted sarcastically, and then belatedly added, “Your Grace.”

He smiled slowly at that. “Call me Colin,” he told her. “I am going to be your betrothed very soon. It would be very awkward if you insist on addressing me by my title.”

“Colin, then.”

“Alice. Little lamb.”

Her hand was so small in his much larger one, more delicately boned. A single rough twist and he could break it.

But there was strength in her grip and the steely glint in her eyes.

“If that is all, Your Grace—Colin—then I shall be taking my leave,” she declared, making a move as if to turn around.

“Wait.”

She turned around with a look of confusion. “Is there something else you want to say?”

He made a move to grab his coat. “As your betrothed, I should at least provide you with a carriage to take you back home.”

“Oh, do not worry about that.” She laughed. “I can manage well enough on my own. I made it here on my own, did I not?”

“Then I shall personally see you to your carriage,” he insisted. “Just to ensure the safety of my beloved betrothed, of course.”

Fortunately, she did not quibble anymore with him, and she even allowed him to graciously help her board her carriage. Just before she stepped inside, however, she leaned over to the coachman.

“Thank you very much, Thomas,” he heard her say. “I shall put in a good word for you with Jane if you keep this a secret.”

“Thank you so much, M’Lady!” The coachman beamed gratefully at her.

Colin could only snort at this exchange. Lady Alice Barkley, it would seem, was not above using bribery to achieve her aims.

He kissed the back of her hand, much to her consternation, and bowed theatrically to her before closing the door to her visible displeasure.

Already, he was looking forward to seeing her again.

CHAPTER 6

“Well, well, well! If it is not my good friend risen from the dead!”

Colin grinned wryly as he stepped into the familiar study in Sinclair Park. Ethan had always had a flair for the dramatic, much to his and their friends’ chagrin.

“It is a good thing to know some things never change,” he remarked as he sat on one of the velvet upholstered chairs. He raised an eyebrow as he regarded Ethan’s unabashed smile. “Although, I could do without your regular ‘gifts.’”

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