Page 47 of The Duke's Vice

“T’was a pity. I had a question for you about your book recommendation.”

Curious, Beatrice lifted her eyes to his. “Oh?”

Graham nodded and looked over towards her sisters. “Perhaps we should call Her Grace to offer her opinion, since it is from one of her favorite books.”

He lifted his hand as if to motion to her. Without thinking Beatrice raised her hand and pulled his down. “No!”

If her sisters heard her loud whisper they didn’t respond.

“Just ask your question.” She pleaded.

Graham licked his lips and her body heated.

“I read the book in question.”

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. “I thought you forgot the name of the book.”

Graham rolled his lips before a wide, innocent smile broke free as he shrugged.

“While the book itself was interesting, I paid close attention to the opera scene and I must ask, is that really what you want to do?”

A blush bloomed across Beatrice’s cheeks as the warm heat that started moments ago blossomed into an inferno within herveins. The cool breeze did nothing to cool the radiating heat from her body.

Her mouth dried as she once again recalled the scene in her mind. The idea of the Duke kissing her, touching her, massaging her in the way her book described had her knees threatening to give out.

She didn’t trust her voice so she simply nodded.

Graham nodded once. “Very well. Next item we’ll cross off will be the opera scene.”

He bowed his head as he turned to walk back into the parlor.

Beatrice turned to face the garden. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths as she tried desperately to calm her raging nerves and hormones.

“Beatrice?”

She yelped at her sister’s call

Beatrice turned to see Sarah and Eleanor watching her carefully.

“What were you two talking about that has you so unnerved?” Eleanor asked.

Sarah flashed a wicked grin. “Continuing your conversation about my books?”

An eye brow of Eleanor’s quirked up in question. “Your books? You read romance…” Eleanor’s eyes widened as they flew to her youngest sister. “Beatrice! Were you talking about romance novels with the Duke of Graham?”

Beatrice winced. There was no use in lying to her sisters. Not only were they able to tell immediately if she were lying, she valued their friendship and advice more than her propriety.

“At Lady Joynor’s ball we got into a discussion about books and yes, I mentioned a few of Sarah’s books that piqued my interest even though I am not a fan of the genre myself.”

Beatrice chose her words carefully. While she didn’t want to lie to her sister’s, she didn’t want them finding out about her list and the Duke’s involvement with completing it.

Eleanor worried her bottom lip. “I know Mama and Sarah spoke with you regarding Graham, but I must add my concern. While he is highly respectable amongst the peerage, I caution you when spending time with him. People are beginning to talk, Beatrice, and I’m not sure it is wise to attach yourself to him that manner.”

Beatrice cocked her head to the side and played innocent. “And what manner is that, dear sister?” She blinked her eyes quickly to further emphasize her mock naiveté.

“Don’t play coy with me, Beatrice. Mama may think you’re still naive, but we all know you know more than someone of your status should know.” Eleanor’s motherly tone came out and once again, Beatrice recalled a time when her oldest sister sounded like a sister and not a mother.

“I already have a mother, Eleanor, and you and I both know our mother is enough. I don’t need another one.”

---