Page 49 of Seduced By the Rakish Duke

His smile took on a mischievous edge, as if he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Oh yes. I saw you at Lady Staunton’s ball last month, and then again at the garden party. Unfortunately, each time I tried to approach you, you were either indisposed or with the Duke of Marlow.”

Jenny sat up at the mention of David’s name.

The Duke of Dovegrove sat forward on his chair. “I must ask, Miss Bennett. Is there anything between you and the Duke of Marlow? I would not want to interfere in any arrangement.”

Jenny’s stomach churned at the word ‘arrangement.’

She shook her head most vehemently. “No, there is nothing between the Duke of Marlow and myself other than a friendly rapport.”

She forced herself to smile and feel something at his obvious relief at her admission. But the numbness that settled over her when she was outside persisted.

“Friendly rapport?” The Duke of Dovegrove laughed. “I don’t know many who would use those particular words when describing the Duke of Marlow.”

Jenny’s throat went dry. She took a sip of tea to help ease the tension building in her body. “You know the Duke of Marlow well?” Her voice was strained.

Every mention of David made more pieces of her heart shatter.

Dovegrove lifted his chin and sniffed. “I wouldn’t say well. But stories of his dalliances do get around.”

He made no apologies for the disdain he obviously felt towards David.

Jenny smoothed out her dress. “Well, we mustn’t listen to every word that flies around the ton. Gossip cannot be trusted now, can it?”

“Men like Marlow can’t be trusted,” Dovegrove snipped.

Jenny was getting really tired of people speaking freely of David’s character, especially when they had it all wrong.

“I admit he is a bit abrasive, but he is honest and isn’t afraid to mince his words with anyone. If anything, there should be more people like him.”

Dovegrove tugged at his lapels. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think there was something going on between the two of you.”

Jenny chewed on her inner cheek as the familiar sadness settled in her bones. “No, Your Grace. There is nothing between us. This is simply me standing up for a man who was nothing but respectful and kind to me.”

Her words cut up the remaining pieces of her heart. David was kind to her in his own way—a way that tore her up inside.

Dovegrove was unimpressed. “You should consider yourself lucky, Miss Bennett. Many others were not shown such respect.”

His ominous words sent a shiver down her spine.

What could David have possibly done to warrant such strong reactions from people?

Jenny dipped her head. “I assure you, Your Grace, I am as free as the robins that fly outside.”

“I’m glad to hear it, Miss Bennett.”

Simmons opened the door and ushered in Mary, one of the kitchen maids, who pushed in a tea cart.

“Thank you, Mary. Would you like some tea, Your Grace?” Jenny asked, thankful for the interruption.

The Duke of Dovegrove smiled and accepted the teacup and saucer from Mary. “Thank you.”

Both sat in silence while they sipped their tea. It wasunbearable.

“How are you enjoying your Season? I saw you had danced with Lord Banefield.” He raised an eyebrow and looked her over. “You walked in here just fine, so you must have fared better than other ladies of the ton.”

Jenny was not in the mood for banter, and after the way their conversation started, she definitely didn’t want to talk about other suitors.

She forced a smile. If she was going to forget David, she would have to actively try to move on from him. She figured now was as good a time as any to use his tips.

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