Page 78 of The Duke's Vice

She expected to find defeat, or perhaps frustration but instead she found triumph and acceptance.

“It’s fine. In fact, it doesn’t bother me in the least.”

Beatrice looked at him for a moment. “Oh. Is this because of Lady Catharine? Are you here only because of my mother?”

Amos quirked his head to the side. “Lady Catharine?”

Beatrice shook her head. “Yes. Mama said you have been seen with Lady Catharine a lot and that perhaps you would match with her.”

Amos shook his head slowly. “Gossip affects us all, I’m afraid.”

Beatrice offered a weak smile. While she enjoyed his company she had enough of this day and longed for her room and the quiet.

“You didn’t answer my question.” He continued.

“I did not.”

“Why not?” He asked with a tilt to his head.

“Because I don’t want to lie to you. I feel that we could be great friends and I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.” Beatrice bit her lip and dropped her eyes to the ground as they continued to walk.

“I appreciate your honesty.” He said with an easy smile. “So let me reciprocate. Both of us know your mother’s intentions of asking me here. And while I would be honored otherwise to throw my hat into the ring, so to speak, I must be honest with you.”

Beatrice tilted her head to meet Amos’s eyes.

“If we were to wed it wouldn’t be a conventional marriage.”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “How do you mean?”

Amos’s head wavered back and forth. “I won’t be able to offer you romantic love both in feelings and in, uh, the physical sense.”

Beatrice considered his words. “My parents relationship started without romantic feelings. According to Mama, those feelings didn’t fully develop until after their wedding.”

Amos offered her his easy smile again as he rubbed her hand. “I fear that would be impossible. You’re not quite my type.”

Beatrice’s footsteps stuttered. “I’m not a hideous monster.” She wasn’t too proud to admit she felt slighted at his comment

Amos reacted with a laugh. “No, no, no, you misunderstand me. Trust me, you are a very beautiful woman, one of which I get along with, which is a positive. I think we’d get along smashingly as married partners. However, when I say you are not my type, I mean you are not my type. My eyes lie elsewhere.” He drew out his last word hoping Beatrice would catch his meaning.

She stared at him in confusion before his meaning dawned on her. She wasn’t his type because his type was not female.

Beatrice recalled several same sex couple engaging in sensual situations at the party Graham took her to.

“I see.” It was all Beatrice could think to offer.

“However, in its place I could offer you protection and friendship. You would have the freedom and funds to live how you wished. We would need to be careful for the sake of society, but all in all, you could technically be a married spinster.”

Beatrice’s mind whirled with the possibilities. Having the protection of the Earl’s name was not something to turn down without thought. This changed how she viewed this entire interaction.

“May I take some time to think on it?” She questioned.

Amos’s smile widened. “Absolutely, Lady Beatrice. Your mother knows where to find me.”

Beatrice giggled. “I’ll try to keep her away from your tailor.”

Amos dipped his head. “I would appreciate that greatly.”

CHAPTER 21

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