Page 100 of The Duke's Mysterious Lover
Kit and her cousin had visited Danielle’s old modiste earlier in the week, and tonight the women were upstairs putting the last touches on the gowns. Or making certain their tits were straight, or whatever it was that they did.
“It wasnae that generous. Some new gowns,” he mumbled, waving away his cousin’s words.
The other man snorted softly. “Some. Ye ken verra well Ellie ordered a dozen for yer lady, and another three for herself. I told her ye had more money than Midas and could afford to treat her.”
It wasn’t a question; instead, Fawkes’s gazedaredThorne to object to the high-handed claim. Thorne merely grinned.
“Idohave more money than I ken what to do with, and I’m happy to have Danielle spend it on Kit and herself.” He knew Fawkes spent every penny that Hangcok Hill earned on the property and tenants. And wee Merida’s education. And the occasional treat for his mother. “I’m glad I could help. Are ye going to take yer shot?”
“I’ve taken all my shots, and yearedistracted if ye havenae noticed ye’re winning,” Fawkes grumbled. “Yellows are cursed on this table.”
As Thorne gripped his cue stick and moved into position to pot a red ball, his cousin continued. “Ellie doesnaeneedfancy dresses anymore. We’re no’ in Society any longer, hiding up in Scotland as we are. Unlikeyerlady, who is just stepping into it, whether she’s ready or no’.”
Unfortunately, Fawkes had said that just as Thorne was lining up his shot, and the words sent a jolt down his arm thatcompletelyfooked up his hit.
That had been the second time his cousin had called Kithis lady.And he loved the sound of it.His lady. She was. Shewas.
And she’dnever be, not forever, if he couldn’t work up the ballocks to tell her what he’d done. What he’d read.
Thorne had lain awake too long last night, struggling with the knowledge. This…this burden, he would never have chosen it. It was his own fault, his own curiosity, and he would not burden Kit with it. Not yet. Not when she had so much still to face.
But he couldn’t wait forever.
Chuckling darkly, his cousin stepped into position, likely pleased he’d distracted Thorne into missing his shot. Well, two could play at that game.
The game of distraction, that was, not the game of billiards. Although two could play that game too. As they were.
Ye’re rambling.
Aye, well, he was just preparing.
Thorne waited until Fawkes was lining up his shot, then nonchalantly offered, “I asked her to marry me.”
He was delighted to see his cousin’s ball skip erratically across the green baize. Fawkes turned to frown at him.
Thorne shrugged, as if he hadn’t done it on purpose. “If I can convince Kit to marry me, I have nae doubt she’ll charm Society in nae time.”
Fawkes scowled. “She’s brash and bold and a bastard.”
Grinning at his cousin’s wry tone, Thorne eyed the lay of the remaining red balls. “And talented and witty and fun to be around. They’ll see that soon enough.”
“Another charmer.” Fawkes snorted, stepping out of the way.“Ifye can convince her to marry ye? Ye really did ask?”
“I really did,” Thorne sighed. “She laughed.”
“Shelaughed?”
Scowling, he pretended great interest in the table. “I surprised her. I ken I want her to be my wife, aye? I love her.”
“And…she doesnae love ye?”
A pit, rather empty, formed in Thorne’s stomach. “I…I dinnae ken. She hasnae said so.”
“But she turned down yer proposal.”
There was no way he could expect to make this shot, but it was easier than looking at his cousin when Thorne admitted, “She said nay. Because of how we met. Because of who she is.”
“Blackrose’s daughter?”
