Page 40 of The Duke's Mysterious Lover
Yes, the opera had been magnificent, and brought back so many happy memories. But it had been the opportunity to share it withThornewhich had made it so incredibly special.
And now?
Now they were heading someplace to dance, Kit’s heartthumping wildly in anticipation, her palms itching.
Perhaps Thorne felt the same way; his knee was bouncing up and down. But at her question, he stilled, then made a little noise of exasperation. “Och, have ye been sitting over there, worrying? My apologies, Kit. We’re going to a music hall near Drury Lane. I thought ye wouldnae mind the company of theater folk tonight, after that performance?”
She chuckled, and used the momentum of the carriage to disguise the way she shifted closer to him. “I’m just excited to be out.”With you. “Seeing Patti perform was a dream come true, and I appreciated not having to sit with Society.”
He clucked his tongue, and—assured of their privacy—reached for her hand. “Ye dinnae want to come face to face with yer father?”
So she shrugged. “I want to observe him, but on my terms. Frankly, there’s not much chance he’d recognize me dressed like this.”
“As a valet?” Thorne hummed. “If ye ever want to borrow a fancy suit—”
This time her laughter was louder, and she nudged him with her elbow. “I’m yourvalet. You can’t lend me clothes! I’m the one that cares for them, remember?”
His laughter sounded rueful. “Aye, apologies. I suppose ye’re far too small for my clothing. Och, well, Bull is brilliant at pulling what ye need from his arse, and even better when it comes to fashion, so we can ask him—”
“I don’t think I need anything from Bull’s arse, but thank you.” At his snort of laughter, Kit leaned her shoulder against his. “I’m delighted to be going to a music hall, Thorne, especially in the theater district, and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to attend the opera. With you.”
When he rubbed his thumb against the back of her hand, she realized neither of them were wearing gloves. That should’ve been a sign that they weren’t going anywhere fancy;that, and the fact that Thorne was dressed in a simple suit no finer than the one she wore.
Just two friends, on their way to listen to some music.
But…friends didn’t clutch each other as if Thorne’s hand were a lifeline. Friends didn’t rest their temples against Thorne’s shoulder. Friends didn’t dream of climbing atop Thorne’s lap and kissing him again.
She’d touched herself last night, thinking of him, gasping for him, and it hadn’t been enough.
Whatwasit about this man? Despite having seen every inch of him in the last weeks, she didn’t know him, did she?
“How did your meeting with your cousin—and Bull—go?” she asked over-loud, to drown out her doubts.
“It was good to see them.” Thorne lifted her hand, placing it on his thigh so he could caress each of her fingers. “They…saw some things I hadnae seen.”
They’d been speaking of things Kit didn’t understand—a black rose and a poisoner and a trap. “I find it hard to believe that there were thingsyouhadn’t seen.”
His chuckle sounded forced. “Och, believe me, I can be dense sometimes. They claimed I’m wooing ye.”
Kit froze.
The wild thumping of her heart seemed loud in the sudden silence brought on by her lack of breath.
“Are you?” she managed.
“I dinnae ken. I suppose it would depend on how open ye are to being wooed.”
“I’m—Thorne, you can’t woo me likethis.” She sat upright, but couldn’t bear to pull her hand from his. “I’m…”You think I’m a man.
“Believe me, it’s no’ how I imagined my wooing going either. I thought I’d marry, father children, continue on the line…” He gave a sad little huff which might’ve been a laugh. “I’ve had a lot to think about today.”
She swallowed. “I…can’t marry you, Thorne.” She was a nobody; the illegitimate offspring of an illegitimate relationship. Also, supposedly, a male. “But strictly out of curiosity, how does this wooing work?”
This time, his snort of laughter seemed more natural. “Well, I suppose we’d start by learning more about one another. I ken ye have secrets—yer father’s name, for instance—but so do I.” His thumb continued to skim over her skin. “So we just sort of agree to avoid those topics. Tell me about yer mother. Tell me of yer adventures together.”
It was a safe subject, and a joyful one, at that.
Kit spent the remainder of the journey to Drury Lane reminiscing about performances and people she’d known. Not quite to her surprise, Thorne was an engaged audience, asking knowledgeable questions, offering insights and jokes. He knew some of the same people she did—at least tangentially—and they had fun swapping stories.
