Page 106 of A Duke in the Rough

He simply wouldn’t.

The tiny, wicked voice in her head taunted her.

He’s not the boy you once knew.

Hadn’t he, himself, admitted to being hardened by his time in the military?

No. She couldn’t accept he’d changed that much. Sincerity shone in his eyes when he admitted he needed her to choose him of her own free will. He wouldn’t say that if he only meant to use her.

But what of Anne? Was the kiss in keeping with what Anne might expect?

Gah!

“Forgive me for intruding.”

Honoria spun toward the library’s open door. “Lady Montgomery.” She forced a smile and fought to find a valid reason for excusing herself. The answer was at her fingertips. She plucked a book from the shelves, not caring what it was. “I just came in to retrieve a book.”

“Call me Bea, Honoria. I’d like to think of us as friends.” Bea stepped forward, peering down at the book in Honoria’s hands, a sly smile breaking across her lips. “Plato’sSymposium.An excellent choice. Particularly the section by Aristophanes. But I find that Plato’s objection to two split halves has merit.”

What?

No doubt sensing Honoria’s confusion, Bea clarified. “The theory of soulmates. Fascinating reading, and apropos, considering my reason for seeking you out.”

“You came specifically for me?”

Bea nodded. “To explain. I believe you witnessed my husband and me on the terrace not long ago and may have mistaken us for Mr. Merrick and Miss Weatherby.”

“How . . .?”

“Laurence and I were on the terrace when Mr. Merrick, Miss Weatherby, and my sister-in-law, Priscilla, came up the steps from the garden below. I’m afraid they, too, may have caught us stealing a kiss.Laurence does get carried away at times.” Bea’s smile indicated she didn’t mind her husband’s lack of control in the least.

“But why have you sought me out?”

“When we rejoined the assembly, Burwood mentioned you were upset and said something about an embrace. Mr. Merrick was quite concerned and wished to speak with you. But I thought you would be more open to hearing the explanation from me.”

“Oh.” Tears welled in her eyes again, but this time, they were from happiness.

“Now,” Bea said, “I think the fireworks are about to begin. Shall we join our gentlemen?”

Ourgentlemen? Could Drake be hers soon? Stunned from Bea’s revelation, Honoria simply nodded and stepped out of the room.

Bea wrapped her arm around Honoria’s waist, giving it a squeeze. “Take heart, Honoria. From my own experience, I’ve learned that sometimes the darkest of times offer the greatest hope.”

As they exited the house and joined the other guests already gathered on the front lawn, Lord Montgomery met them at the front door and pulled Bea aside.

Honoria turned to express her thanks, but Bea and Laurence were already deep in conversation. The brief gusts of wind earlier on the terrace had subsided, and the air stilled around her, settling as if in anticipation of what was to come.

Murmurs rose from the crowd clustered in small groups and interspersed along the front of the house and spilling onto the front lawn.

Miranda appeared beside her. “Where have you been? Your parents were almost apoplectic until they noticed Mr. Merrick conversing with my brother.”

“My father, you mean.” From her conversation with her mother, Honoria doubted she would be as distraught. “Where are they?”

“To your left.”

When she caught her father’s eye, she raised her hand and offered him a reasonable facsimile of a smile. In the dim light of the brazier torches, she hoped it appeared genuine enough to assuage his worry.He gave a sharp nod, then bent toward her mother, pointing his chin in Honoria’s direction.

A girlish giggle erupted to Honoria’s right, and she expected to see Anne giggling with Drake, but instead found Lydia Whyte flirting shamelessly with Victor Pratt.

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