Page 17 of A Duchess in Ten Days
Andrew's expression hardened slightly, but his tone remained calm. "I am being realistic, Lavinia. I know what hope does to people."
"I know," she said. "I also know that I am desperate, so I can't really pick and choose. I just don't want to end up settling for someone because it's what's expected of me. I want to feel like I'm choosing him. Not just...falling into it because I have no other option."
"You will have that choice," he said to her. "That's why I'm here. To give you options."
Lavinia smiled, a small but genuine curve of her lips. She didn't know why, but something in his words made her feel confident. He looked certain, so she felt certain.
As they continued to dance, her steps grew less hesitant, more fluid, like her body was starting to trust him more. Lavinia's gaze met his and she didn't look away. It had stopped being awkward.
CHAPTER SIX
Days Later...
"So, how are the lessons going?"
Andrew leaned back in his chair, one boot resting casually over his knee as David sorted through his hunting gear, preparing for the outing they had planned with some other gentlemen.
Andrew exhaled slowly, his thoughts drifting to Lavinia following David's question. She wasn't what he'd expected, not that he knew exactly what he'd expected. But he hadn't anticipated someone so unassuming, so earnest, or so...refreshing. They bickered a lot, and it was surprising because Lavinia didn't strike him as someone who liked to talk.
"She's doing well enough," Andrew replied. "She's adapting, learning quickly, though there are some things that are hard to teach." He ran a hand through his hair. "But she is pushing herself and she's getting noticed as we wanted."
"Thank you for doing this," David said. "She spoke about a suitor yesterday after the tea party at Lord Gavin's estate. Says Viscount Grove mentioned proposing to her soon. He seems quite interested. He even spoke to me a few times, telling me how he thinks she's smart. It was...astounding to say the least. I don't know what you did, but you did well."
“A proposal?" Andrew echoed, his brow arching in genuine surprise as he tilted his head to the side. "She didn't say anything to me about a proposal."
"It happened last night. He mentioned it to her in passing. But you know Lavinia, she's been talking about it all day."
"That's odd..." Andrew mumbled. "It's all happening too quickly, don't you think?"
David shrugged, clearly unbothered by the rapid development. Andrew, however, wasn't so easily convinced. The situation felt premature, hasty even, and it sat uneasily with him.
He straightened, his mind already weighing options. Observing Lord Grove more closely seemed necessary. After all, a proposal wasn't just about compatibility, it was about trust, stability, and character. And until Andrew was certain of those qualities in Grove, he needed Lavinia to keep all her options open. It seemed as though she had made up her mind on her match.
When David was done packing up a bag, they made their way out of the study. As they walked, Andrew paused mid-step when he caught sight of Lavinia walking down in the hallway. Heinstinctively let out a sigh of relief, knowing that he needed to speak to her.
"Your Grace," Lavinia beamed as she approached him, her steps light and full of energy.
Andrew studied her face. "You seem to be in a good mood."
"I am," she admitted, clasping her hands in front of her. "During the tea party yesterday, Lord Grove mentioned a proposal. I believe he intends to make it official very soon."
"Why are you so excited about that?" he asked. "Surely you cannot think that he will be the only suitor that will show any interest in you?"
Lavinia's smile slowly waned. "Your Grace, why does it seem like you don't want this to succeed? I'm starting to like Lord Grove and I think he is a gentleman. He is serious. At the ball the other day, he only danced with me, and at the tea party yesterday, he wouldn't leave my side. We talked and talked, and it was nice. This is what I want."
"You are putting all your eggs in one basket," Andrew insisted.
"I want to do that," she answered. "I don't have time, Your Grace. If Lord Grove is serious, then I want to pursue only him."
"Ifhe is," Andrew echoed. "Don't you think it is rather hasty? It's been eight days. I think you should consider other people."
"There are no other people," she retorted.
"Let me handle that." Andrew massaged his head. "What do you know about him beyond his charm, Lavinia? A man can appear perfect on the surface but have layers beneath that are far less appealing."
Lavinia crossed her arms, her excitement faltering. "Well, I know he's generous. He's spoken about his plans to improve his estate, expanding the tenant homes, investing in new farming techniques. And he's always been so considerate in our conversations."
Andrew's eyes narrowed subtly. "Has he shared much about his past? His family? Friends?"
