Page 24 of The Duke's Vice

Beatrice eyes darted to Graham, who only shook his head. “Now, now, look back up into the tree, little mouse. We don’t want people to think we’re talking about anything uncouth.”

Beatrice did as she was told. Her eyes tried to focus on the bird even though she felt as if the ground had upended her.

“What do you mean?” Her whisper shook with curiosity.

He leaned in closer so his breath tickled her neck. She could smell the familiar scent of sweet smoke that had her mouth running dry. The cool breeze did nothing to calm her racing heart, and heating body.

“Tell me, Lady Beatrice, have you ever touched yourself?” His decadent voice had her eyes fluttering shut. “Eyes open, mouse.”

Beatrice’s eyes flew open at the command. She blinked a few times to clear her vision. Did he just say what she thought he said?

She licked her lips. “I’m not sure what you mean.” At least she didn’t think she knew. She’s heard a few married women gossiping about it, but she didn’t think it was something people actually did.

Graham turned his head so his lips grazed her ear. “The way you’re breathing tells me you do.”

Beatrice felt faint. This conversation could not be actually happening.

“Do me a favor, little mouse. Prove to me you’re ready for parties thrown on the ‘wild side of London.’”

Beatrice swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “And… and how do I do that?” She focused on taking several deep breaths to regulate her breathing lest she fall right here in front of her mother and the cardinal.

“Touch yourself tonight.”

His words stopped the birds from singing, the world from spinning, the breath from filling her lungs.

She bobbled within his grip and with a chuckle he held her up. “Do you think that is something you could do for me?” He purred in her ear.

Words failed her, she could only shake her head in little nods.

“Good.” He looked around before he added. “One more favor, think of me when you do. Ah. Your Grace, your daughter and I were just admiring the nest of cardinals up there. They say that cardinals are messengers from passed loved ones.”

Her mother was now standing beside her. Beatrice’s face flushed as she looked up to Graham in complete shock. How was it possible for him to say such vile things to her in the same breath he addressed her mother? What sorcery did he possess?

“What a lovely sentiment, Your Grace.” Her mother looked up into the tree. “Oh look, there are several of them.” She slid her arm around Beatrice’s shoulders. “It’s as if it’s your father looking down on us.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened at the thought of her father being privy to the conversation she just had. Graham rolled his lips to stop a laugh. “Well isn’t that a lovely thought, Lady Beatrice?”

If she had any control over death it would take her now.

Graham dipped at the waist. “I must take my leave of you. I hope you both have a wonderful day and an enjoyable evening.” He winked at Beatrice before turning and leaving.

“He seems like a nice man.” Charlotte said after he left.

Beatrice’s mind was still reeling from her conversation with him as her mother led her down the pathway and back to their home.

Her mother chattered on about birds and balls while Beatrice contemplated if she really needed to check off the items on her list. Perhaps she should look into going to a convent instead.

CHAPTER 7

“You and the Duke of Graham seemed to be getting along well, Beatrice.” Charlotte took the cup of tea Elizabeth offered her before giving Beatrice an all knowing smile.

Beatrice sat back in her chair. “Don’t give me that look, Mama. I have not set my intentions on His Grace, nor have I changed my mind on my future.”

Beatrice took a sip of her own tea, relishing in the calming effect tea had on her. After this morning’s excursion she needed all the help in settling her nerves.

Charlotte laughed. ‘While I am not happy to hear you have not changed your mind, I am glad you are not going after Graham.”

Beatrice cocked her head to the side. “Really? Then why did you all but push me towards him at the park? At the ball?”

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