Page 26 of Saved By the Rakish Duke

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “To be honest, that’s because itiseasier. It is much preferable to lie and shield the ones we love than having to rebuild them once we’ve allowed the truth to shatter them.”

She felt her expression soften upon hearing this.

Naturally, she completely disagreed with his twisted rationale. But Penelope also realized that he did not develop such a distorted view overnight.

“I understand, Your Grace,” she simply replied, before adding, “You may be a bizarre and rakish gentleman, but you’re certainly a good son to her.”

“You’re too kind,” he sarcastically retorted, before adding—in a more sincere tone, “But thank you, Lady Pen. Your mother is fortunate to have you as well. I mean, the fact that you’re adamant about finding a husband who would agree to take her in too, that’s rather admirable as well.”

The two stood across from each other in comfortable silence. Penelope mused whether this was the first time they had complimented each other without any traces of irony or passive aggression.

“I’m glad we found at least one common ground to stand on, Your Grace.” She flashed him a smile.

“Grief and tragedy have an odd way of doing that sometimes.” He returned her smile, but weakly, and wearing an expression that she had never seen on him before.

“Are you all right, Your Grace?” She hesitantly reached out to touch his arm.

His expression lit up as he winked. “As long as I’m with you, of course.”

“Ugh!” She rolled her eyes exasperatedly. “It’s utterly impossible to have a serious conversation with you.”

“What makes you so sure that I’m not serious about my remark?” he asked, both palms facing upwards.

But she didn’t answer, folding her arms to show her irritation.

“Better yet,” he folded his arms in return, “let me ask you this, why is it impossible to have a playful conversation with you?”

Penelope furrowed her eyebrows. “What are you talking about? I’m notimpossibleto-”

He clicked his tongue. “I didn't mean any offense, Lady Pen. After all, no one’s perfect. You should be grateful that Providence gave you a flaw that can be easily overlooked.”

Penelope raised an eyebrow. “What was it that you said earlier? Oh yes, ‘let’s agree to disagree on that point’.”

Retrieving the documents from the center table, he offered them to her before pulling his hand back once more. Removing a single sheet, he folded it and inserted it into his pocket.

“Dear me, I almost accidentally gave you the main three names,” he tutted, handing her the remaining sheets of paper. “Get some rest and study well. I shall test you on your knowledge when I return from my errands tomorrow.”

She accepted them from him with a nod. “Thank you and good night, Your Grace.”

He handed her one of the lamps so she could make her way back upstairs. However, once she stepped out into the darkened hallway, her feet felt as heavy as stone.

He cleared his throat, “Lady Pen, are you... afraid of the dark?”

“No!” she hissed. “I was just considering whether to stretch my legs for a bit before retiring to my room for the night.”

“Is that so?” He raised an eyebrow. “Very well, then. I’m sure you don’t want me staring at you as you try to decide, so I’m just going to close the door now and-”

“Wait!” she exclaimed, before remembering to lower her voice. “What time are you going to bed?” she asked over her shoulder. “Perhaps I shall wait until you’re done working and then escort you upstairs.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary, fair lady,” he answered with a mischievous grin. “I’m quite used to working late into the night by myself, so please do go ahead without me. Good night!”

He began to close the door again.

“Your Grace!” she called out once more.

The duke partially reopened the door. “Yes?” he asked, clearly enjoying torturing her.

“You were right,” she mumbled.

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