Page 5 of Best Duke Ever

A tray—the very tray from the very footman of whom they were speaking—appeared before her.

Without a word, she took a treat and plopped it in her mouth.

“That was not a coincidence, Lenora.”The way Edward whispered into her ear felt like he was sharing more of a dark secret than it was.

She scrunched her shoulders up toward her neck.“Doesn’t matter.I have other things to do right now, so if you’ll excuse me.”Then she turned to leave.

“Actually,” a light finger tapped the small of her back and a spark shot through her, “I have a proposition for you.”

“A what?”A proposition?That sounded salacious.She craned her neck back to see his profile in an attempt to read his expression, which of course was nonexistent.But he couldn’t be suggesting something with him.A proposition was not a proposal.Though the two words sounded similar.Inwardly, she shook her head at the odd thoughts.

“You’re looking for a husband.”

“A dance at the least.Preferably two followed by a courtship.”

“I’ll get you a dance—”

“We already—”

“Not with me.”He cleared his throat.“With someone else.”She watched him scratch the back of his head and then rake his hands through his hair.If she didn’t know better, she’d say he looked a touch nervous.

“With who?”

“Who do you want to dance with?”

“Edward, what are you doing?”

“I’m helping you.You want a husb—dance.And I’d rather you find a good one.”

Something warm filled her chest.And then her cheeks felt heated.Edward was the last one to voice his emotions, which was a huge reason why he made a good, reliable, stable friend for her.There was no drama between them.She brought it all, and he calmed her down.It was the perfect match.As friends.

“That’s very kind of you to say, Edward.”

As his eyes scanned the room, he asked, “Right.Well, what are you looking for in a man?”

Oh.

Hmm.

That was a good question.One that she had answered many times to herself, but never aloud to a man.And certainly not Edward.

But…what harm could it do?He wanted to help her, and she knew she could trust him.So, she went for it.

“It’s really quite simple.He must be daring.I want to feel a thrill when he looks at me.Holds me.I want to know in my heart that he’s for me.”

Edward shifted in his stance, tugged at his cravat, and then stuffed his hands in his pockets.“Anything else?”

“Not much.Do you think you can manage that?”

“I’ll try.”

Chapter 4

Tryhedid.Butafter four dances, Lenora was rethinking Edward’s help.True to his word and eerily close to her own, he had set her up with some daring gentleman.One was engaged in some political reformation.One was pursuing a career in art.One had traveled extensively to exotic locations.And one was experimental in the sciences.All of which were whispered in her ear by Edward moments before the dance invitation was extended.

Oddly enough, those whispers were more thrilling than the dances.

After the fourth dance finished, Lenora sought a small reprieve, but just as she left the main room and headed down the hallway, a hand reached out and snatched her, dragging her into a side room.

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