Page 10 of A Beauty for a Duke

He looked like Christmas personified, which he would hate her saying, so of course she did.

“It’s a tartan. It’s not a Christmas blanket.”

“Well, it looks cozy.” She had to say it. She had to irk him. It was far too enjoyable to predict whether or not he would respond with an attempt at a scathing retort or just a large sigh. She chuckled remembering his attempt to scare her last night. How could he think she would be afraid of him after he came to her rescue a mere hours earlier?

“In.”

“Hold this, please.”

Sofie handed a large basket to Egan, which he held in one hand as he offered the other for first Fia, then Sofie to jump into the carriage. The two women sat on the back seat while the men sat across from them. George across from her. There was plenty of room for her and Fia to fit, but she could see that George and Egan were squished. She paid it no mind as the carriage started off on their journey.

“I dare say Sofie, you don’t mind me calling you Sofie do you? Since we’ll be in such close quarters it only makes sense that we would use our Christian names.”

“Yes, that’s alright. George.” The name stuck to her tongue a bit awkwardly.

“Would you mind swapping places, Sofie? I forgot that I get a bit of motion sickness riding this way.”

“Of course, I don’t mind.”

George rose to his full length, which in the carriage was hunched over, and Sofie stood to make the transition.

At that moment, the carriage teetered a bit to the side and she lost her balance. She could see herself falling into the window.

A pair of steady hands grabbed her waist, “George, ye bampot! Couldn’t you have waited for a stop?”

Sofie saw the sheepish look in George’s eyes.

“It’s quite alright. I couldn’t have gone anywhere.”

“No, you didn’t because I grabbed you.”

“Speaking of which, you’re still holding me.”

Sofie saw Egan’s eyes darken.

“I’m holding you so you don’t fall into or out of the window.”

“Then thank you. I believe I have found my footing.”

She thought she heard Egan mutter something like, “Ye jobby fudd,” but it was impossible to make out the unfamiliar words.

Sofie sat down next to Egan, where there was significantly less space for her body. When she sat, she felt the heat emanating from Egan’s thigh. And his exposed knee. His skin was touching her gown. The thought sent a shiver up her spine.

“Are you cold?” Fia asked with a sly smile that brought her back to reality. They were on the way to the convention to learn. That was the goal for the day. That was essentially the goal for every day, but never had it felt so tangible and accessible than it did today.

“No. I’m fine.”

“Are you cold, Fia?” George asked.

“I’m a bit cold.”

“Here, stand up and take this blanket.” He lifted the seat and took out a blanket stowed underneath.

“I find myself a touch chilly as well. You don’t mind to share, do you?” George unnecessarily rubbed his hands together and blew air into them.

“Of course not. Not with the perfect gentleman.”

George spread the blanket over both of their laps and the two continued their conversation.

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