Page 36 of Her Infuriating Duke

Christopher chuckled. “I think it is rather clear that you seem to be overthinking this and quite a bit at that. All we need to do is get caught alone. We just need to pick a place and pretend to be an illicit couple.”

“How!?”

“I think you know how. We just need to make sure they see us alone in close quarters. Let them think we’re whispering sweet nothings to each other or something like that. It may be hard for us to pretend, but it won’t be hard for them to believe.”

Amber’s face felt hot, and she looked away, clearing her throat. She wanted to step back, put more physical distance between them, but she couldn’t let him see her as weak or hesitant. “I don’t understand. You make it sound so easy.”

“That is because it is easy. We just need to do it.”

“Just do it, is that right?”

“It is. The longer you put it off, the harder you make it. The more you build it up in your head, the more impossible it feels. It’s like jumping into ice water. The best thing to do is just jump and get it over with.”

She grimaced, shivering at the thought. “I wouldn’t know. I can’t say I have much experience with the subject.”

“Have you never been swimming in the fall or spring before the water is quite warm enough?”

“I can’t say I have ever been swimming at all.”

“Why ever not?”

“I don’t believe I have ever had the opportunity.”

“Truly?”

“Truly.” Amber rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe most ladies have. Has Felicity?”

“Of course. My father and I taught her when she was six years old.” He smiled fondly at the memory. “She was not a natural.”

“No? Really? I have to say, that surprises me a bit. It seems like something she would excel at.”

“Not in the slightest. In fact, she never finished learning. She gave up after only a few weeks.”

Amber laughed, some of the tension leaving her body, at least for the moment. “That part doesn’t surprise me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I offered to help her with her embroidery. She told me that she lacked the patience and gave up. I imagine it must be hard for her to pick up new skills.”

“Don’t let her fool you. She is quick as a whip when she wants to be. Her attention is just… selective. You should see her when she senses someone has a secret she wants to sniff out. She’s like a prized truffle pig.”

“That’s so rude! You shouldn’t talk about your sister like that!”

“Why what’s wrong?”

“You compared your sister to a pig. That’s insulting.”

“Why? Pigs are incredibly intelligent and rather cute. If anything, it should be a compliment.”

“Would she take it as one if she heard you say it?”

He crossed his arms. “I don’t see how that’s relevant.”

“Sounds like I have my answer.”

He scowled. “We’re getting distracted. We can’t afford to hide out here all day.”

“I know,” she took a deep breath. “I know. So what do we do now?”

---