Page 7 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

He had been utterly impressed with how Lady Priscilla managed to control her emotions, even though it was clear to him that she had hoped for more.

“So, nothing like your third mistress then.” Benedict chuckled.

Samuel glowered. “Certainly nothing like that. It was a mistake to bed her. I should’ve realized that, considering she sought me out.”

Benedict laughed. “Even the most shrewd men have been known to make mistakes. I suppose you’re no exception, no matter how infallible you appear.”

“Perhaps. Still, it shouldn’t have taken me until the fifth night to notice my mistake.”

“What was it again? She showed up at your home unannounced?” Benedict asked.

“That and she watched me on days when I didn’t send for her. She approached me during balls to request dances, never relenting, no matter how much I chastised her. I’ve never known anyone to be so possessive.”

“Her marriage must have been of great relief to you, then. It’s always surprised me how she suddenly fell in love and stopped pursuing you.”

Samuel rubbed his chin. “And with a man who loves her no less. I suppose it shouldn’t be so shocking, considering how actively he pursued her.”

He chuckled suddenly. “She does still glare at me every time she sees me.”

Benedict laughed. “A small price to pay.” He scratched his chin.

“I do not know why they expect more when you are usually so clear with them about the rules. I suppose I cannot blame them. You make them feel special.” ,” Benedict said, scratching his chin.

Samuel remained silent, taking a sip of his drink.

CHAPTER THREE

Nora sipped a cup of tea, her mind filled with thoughts of the ball. Her mother was beside her, speaking quietly with a guest. The host of the ball had graciously extended an invite for them to stay back and enjoy some extra activities before they had to return back home.

Some had declined, choosing to go home to their families. However, there were many who had chosen to remain. Nora and her family were part of those who stayed behind, a decision she dreaded but could do nothing about.

She knew this was her stepfather’s way of getting her to socialize in hopes that she would find a husband, now that there were no eyes on her as there usually were at the balls they attended.

It was the second day. Most had left this morning, halving the number of people who stayed behind. There were those who had chosen to remain in a bid to have more time for romance with those they were interested in, and others who stayed because they were hoping to begin a courtship themselves.

Nora had done as he bid on the first day, taking walks in the gardens and by the lake at the side of the house. There had been a few men, mostly older men who cared not for her virtue and simply wished to marry a younger wife who would keep them company or bear them children in their old age.

Nora had quickly retired back to her room, done with respecting her stepfather’s wishes. The only reason she had agreed to do any of this was because her stepfather’s threat remained fresh in her mind. She did not want to be sent away to live with his sister, not when there was still work to be done.

However, the thought of being married off to an old man who would treat her like she was only a trophy to be won was enough to send her retreating to her room, not caring whether her stepfather would see her or not. She had done as he wanted, and that would, hopefully, be enough to keep him off her for a moment.

Nora allowed herself to be pulled into the gossip with the ladies at tea. Although she hadn’t spoken with any of the ladies present, there had so far been no whispers or eyes staring in her direction.

She turned when she saw a blur from the corner of her eye. Nora’s cheeks burned, turning a shade of red as she remembered the night before and the performance he had put on for her. She retrieved her fan, hiding her face behind it as she followed his huge frame with her eyes. He moved with a confidence that couldn’t be rivaled, like he wasn’t merely a guest but instead the host of the ball.

Nora was pulled out of her thoughts as murmurs swept across the room. She turned in confusion when she saw the ladies blushing like she had been only moments ago.

“Oh, how handsome the Duke looks.” Lady Mildred giggled, fanning herself with her hand as she watched with desire in her eyes.

“Yes. He is so handsome and confident. I only wish I could speak with him once,” the blond beside her, whose name Nora did not know, added.

“Oh, but he is quite scary,” Lady Betsy said, shivering slightly.

“Yes, he is,” Lady Mildred agreed, swooning still as she watched him speak to another man. “But a man should be a little scary, shouldn’t he?”

The ladies giggled, and Nora joined in, although she did not see what was so amusing about what had been said.

“I hear he has such a good head for business. Whoever he marries will not have to worry about ever going into debt or needing to cut down on trips to the seamstress,” a beautiful brunette said, her eyes fixed on him as she spoke.

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