Page 6 of Look at Her Duke
“Alistair, thank Christ ye came!”
It was apparently a vain hope.
Amelia’s heart started to beat double-time before she evensawKipling; just his delicious-sounding voice could do that to her.
But as her brother’s lips curled into a wry grin—he was tall enough to see over the heads of everyone around them—Amelia turned to see a distinctly hunted-looking Kipling slide through the crowds.
“Quick, pretend I’m saying something fascinating,” the new Duke of Bestingbum commanded, stationing himself with his back to the room. “So nae one interrupts us.”
“Not enjoying yourself, Your Grace?” Olivia asked, laughter not far from her tone.
Kipling groaned and tipped his head back to stare at the ceiling. “No’ ye too! I needsomeonehere who willnae suck up to me.”
“I dinnae…suck,” croaked Alistair, who looked as if he was trying not to laugh as well.
“Well, no’ in a long time.” Kipling winked. “Do ye remember the time ye bought that barrel of ale, and we couldnae fit it through the window? But we had the tubing—”
Alistair shook his head. “That was ye.”
Amelia couldn’t help smiling, for several reasons:
Despite his raspy voice, it was obvious her brother was delighted to be reunited with his best friend. After all, that was the only reason he’d agreed to attend this ball tonight, in order to support Kipling.
She’d heard there would be chocolate for dessert.
Becky had laid another perfect egg only that afternoon.
Kipling Mancheste was standing in front of her, looking divine, sounding divine, and yes, even smelling divine.
And he was sneaking peeks at her. Peeks! At her!
Whywouldn’tshe be smiling?
“So,Kip,” Olivia teased, “Youarehiding? There’s some nice curtains over there.”
“I cannae hide in the curtains. My mother and Lady Stallings planned this whole thing so I can be seen, which I dinnae love.”
“Liar,” croaked Alistair.
