Page 10 of Good Duke Gone Rogue

“Oh my God. Why am I doing this?” he muttered. But then he saw the glitter of amusement in Detta’s eyes, and really, wasn’t that worth it? Especially on such a lackluster day. “One twirl,” he clarified.

“Make it a good one,” Kat demanded.

He twirled. Detta swooped in to grab his hand, extending the twirl. The twirl turned into a teeter, a totter, and a tumble. The two toppled to the ground, her resting on top of him, landing in a heap of laughter.

A smirk broke him out of his reverie.

It was an odd memory. It had certainly made them all chuckle, but despite it, he had a niggling feeling of something. She had called him a boy, when he wanted to be more than that. Even at such a young age, he had wanted her to see him as more. Older. Mature.

But since that had never happened, he had resigned himself to playing the fool. In so many ways…

He let the memory go back to find its place in his mind, and checked himself in the mirror one more time in preparation for the evening. He had played the fool too often. He wasn’t sure if he would play it tonight at the ball.

Chapter 5

BERNADETTE COULD NOT STOP her toe from tapping, her fists from clenching, or her jaw from tightening. It was pulling her lips in a tight line. Completely unflattering. And that was saying something considering the exquisite ball gown she was in. Its shimmery wisps of fabric floated around her like a cloud. She was a sight to behold. So her son, the lady’s maid, and the Countess of Winchester had told her. But the one opinion that mattered to her was yet to be voiced. Likely, he was waiting in the foyer. But could she get there in any amount of peace? Probably not. She had to get there anyway, though.

With a shawl draped around her shoulders, she made her way to him. To Reggie. The man. God, her heart fluttered. What would he say? How would he look?

He had been avoiding her all day, so she suspected. Assuming he remembered. She was praying fervently that he did notremember. Or maybe she was praying that he did remember and that he was lost in it all too? Or maybe she was praying that he knew what the two of them should do now? Since she had no clue.

And then there he was, at the foot of the stairs. His gaze met hers. She froze. The intensity of his stare reduced her to mist. A hot, steamy, cloud. She couldn’t move her feet down the stairs. She had no feet.

In a thrice the gaze dissipated. And so did the mist. Her feet were back, and it was as if nothing had happened. Neither in this moment, nor the previous night. And she knew he didn’t remember. Her heart felt flat. Like it was just lying prostrate in her ribcage somewhere.

It was probably better this way. She inhaled, in hopes of inflating her heart. It didn’t work. She took the steps down anyway, head held high.

“Hello Reggie,” her voice was huskier than she intended.

“Hi Detta,” he gave her a smirk. Not even a full smile. “Good to see you again. What has it been?” The pause confirmed her assumptions.

“A few years at least,” she supplied.

“Yes…at least that.” He offered his arm. “Shall we? Mother has decided at the last minute not to attend. My father has taken a bit of a turn, and she wants to stay home with him.”

Her eyes widened, despite her best attempts to control those pesky things called eyelids. Alone with Reggie…all evening…and for two carriage rides.

She could do this. He didn’t remember anything. And if he didn’t remember, then neither should she.

“Let’s,” she said as she placed her hand on his arm. His strong, corded forearm. Her grip tightened, while her other hand clenched into a fist. As if the small pocket of air between her fingers could provide any support.

He helped her up into the carriage and then sat opposite her.

“How have you been, Detta?”

Was that a coy look in his eyes? “I’ve been well. All things considered. How are you, Reggie?”

“Grand.” He patted his thighs.

His strong, thick thighs.

“Just grand,” he repeated.

“That’s wonderful.” What else could she say? Where was her mind? “What of your sisters? How are they?”

“Married. And getting there.”

“Where’s Charlotte tonight?”

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