Page 14 of The Duke's Goddess

“And riding.” He smirked. “And you probably spend your days reading.”

He wasn’t wrong. Again. The man was a nuisance.

“You obviously harbor resentment toward yourmother, and my Mama always said that you could tell the character of a man by how he treats his mother.”

James's ocean blue eyes turned stormy, “Only a controlling and self-serving woman would say that.”

“I’d ask you not to speak ill of the dead.” Joan had stepped right in front of James, only a half of a foot between them. She was infuriated now.

But then James closed his mouth. She expected another retort. When he still said nothing, she supposed even a rake knew when to keep his mouth shut.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. But it wasn’t the words that spoke to her. It was his hand. His fingers had somehow found hers and were sweeping side to side over her knuckles. It was wildlyinappropriate, but she couldn’t pull away. It was a tender gesture. Even his eyes had calmed.

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not—”

“Let’s just discuss Sally and Jacob.”

“Fine.” And Joan wasn’t sure if he said the word in jest or not.

Joan took command of the conversation. “When the dance is done, we should greet them and explain how I needed a drink.” James nodded along, obviously placating her now. “And then we can suggest that Jacob pay her a call tomorrow. Perhaps go for a carriage ride.”

“Wait. What if she tries to wrangle me into a dance again?”

“She won’t.” The arrogance of this man. To think that Sally would act so contrary to societal norms and ask him for a dance. Again.

“But what if she does?”

“She won’t.” Joan said with vehemence. Really, the man needed to be knocked down a few pegs.

“How can you be so sure?”

“She just danced with a man completely besotted with her. Surely she felt something. I can’t see her being audacious enough to try again. Especially in front of Jacob.” Joan knew Sally. She was quiet. Shy. Of course she would fall for Jacob, she just needed to be placed in his arms for a dance.

“But she might…”

“She won’t.”

But then she did.

Chapter 6

“Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if you stand alone.”–Joan of Arc

WELL, THIS WAS ABOUT to get ridiculous. Joan watched as the supposed-to-be-in-love couple approached, and she could see the coy look in Sally’s eye. Directed exclusively atJames. Joan wanted to groan. And roll her eyes. And stamp her foot. And maybe just cart Sally away from the rake altogether. But of course that was not possible.

She thought her pre-dance advice had been sage and accepted. Apparently not.

“I could use a refreshment after that dance,” Sally demured. It was almost comical how she dipped her chin, fluttered her lashes, and peeked up at James while she said it. Joan challenged herself to keep her groans to herself.

Jacob didn’t notice a thing, the poor besotted fool. “I’ll go grab us some drinks.”

“Thank you, Jacob,” Sally said while eyeing James. Once Jacob was out of earshot, Sally did not relent. “Oh, is that another dance?”

Why yes, that is another dance. During a ball. That tends to happen.

“Are we all lacking a partner?” Sally asked without concern for her reputation or her future.

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