Page 54 of Her Duke's Second Chance

Robert reached for the bell. “Bring us two hot toddies please,” he said to Sinclair as soon as the butler appeared.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Robert leaned confidingly towards Georgiana, swaying slightly from inebriation. “I am not one for hot toddies, but I will certainly join you.”

“I thank you for that, Your Grace. One never likes to drink alone.”

“Mmm. And who usually shares your nightcaps then, hmm?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She blinked at them in fascination.

“I must say, you have the most luxuriant eyebrows and eyelashes that I have ever seen,” she said staring intently at them.

He laughed, feeling abashed and self-conscious. “Why thank you. That is a unique compliment.”

“It is merely an observation.” She nonchalantly shrugged her shoulder.

“Do not think I have forgotten my question. Who has shared your London nightcaps for the past year?”

“That wasnotmy choice.”

“Indeed. But itwasyour situation…” he smiled suggestively and silently entreated her to look at him, “Why do you refuse to answer my question? Is there another paramour I should know about?”

She laughed. “Of course not. I only share drinks with Selina. We sometimes stay late in each other’s homes and occasionally stay overnight. But I fear that you will be disappointed with me because I have been spending most of my evenings curled up with Robert Burns and Charlotte Smith.”

Robert’s face lit up when he heard the names. “Poets! You are an enjoyer of poetry?”

It was her turn to look surprised. “I do.”

“What is it about poetry that speaks to you?”

“Well, sometimes, the world we live in does not make sense to me.” She shook her head, pursing her lips, “When I read a piece of work and recognize thatthe writertook notice of a similar thing, thought, or sight and saw the poetry in it, the words help me make sense of the insensible.”

Robert grinned, a playful gleam lighting up his eyes. “You know, if I am being honest, I think you would be trouble if I ever allowed you to come too close.”

Georgiana’s lips parted slightly in surprise, and she glanced down at her lap, her fingers nervously smoothing the fabric of her gown.

“Trouble?” she murmured, her voice teasingly soft. “I am certain I do not know what you mean.”

He leaned closer to her, his voice low. “Oh, I think you do. You have that look. The one that says you possess the power to make any man forget his sense and his caution.”

Georgiana’s cheeks flushed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “I… I was unaware I left that impression.”

“I am still at a safe distance,” he teased with a sly grin, his gaze lingering on her. “But I suspect you could.”

She lowered her eyes, her lashes fluttering just enough to distract him from seeing the flush creeping up her neck.

“I do not think I am as dangerous as you believe me to be.”

“Ah, but therein lies the very danger, does it not?” he murmured, moving a step closer. “The quiet ones are always the wiliest.”

Georgiana looked up at him, her smile soft but her eyes steady. “I do hope you are not letting your imagination run away with you.”

He grinned, clearly amused. “Perhaps I am, but I do enjoy a bit of risk now and then.”

Just then, the door opened, and Sinclair entered, carrying their tray of hot toddies.

CHAPTER 19

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