Page 68 of Rakes & Reticules
She nodded. “I appreciate it. You are all the company I can handle.”
“Have I not put you at ease?” he asked, arching an eyebrow as his expression turned to one of concern.
“You have,” she rushed to assure him. “Well, as much as it is possible. You are quite daunting, you know.”
“So I have been told. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I promise you, I do not bite.” He smiled wryly as he took in her appearance. “Most young ladies fuss and flutter when they are around me. They try too hard to gain my notice.”
“Dear heaven, you need have no worry on that score. That is not me, at all. I close up tighter than a clam and try to disappear. My aunt often despairs because all I wish to do is hide away until this ordeal of my come-out is over and done.”
“Then I shall enjoy taking you under my wing and not having to worry about your motives.”
“Please be assured, I have no motives other than to get through this weekend without embarrassing you or my aunt.”
“You won’t, Amelia,” he said gently, his gaze resting on her a moment longer.
He truly had beautiful eyes, a mix of soft blue and light gray that matched the quarry slate found not far from her Devonshire home.
Dangerous eyes, she realized, also noting the glint of steel behind them.
Was it a mistake for her to wander off alone with him?
Well, there were servants and guests roaming everywhere.
She saw clearly he was a gentleman to be trusted.
He said he would not bite, meaning it only as a jest. And yet, he truly overwhelmed her senses. If she wasn’t careful, this duke could take a very large bite of her heart.
How was she to avoid it?
CHAPTERTWO
“My medieval ancestors acquired most of this collection,” Callum said, stifling a grin upon noting Amelia’s expression of wonder as he led her through this private room just off his study. “Mygrandfather, father, and I have since added pieces to it.”
“This is incredible.” Her voice was a soft, breathless whisper and her eyes lit up like sparkling stars as she slowly walked from one glass display case to another. This room was the family’s private museum and filled with treasures. For this reason he kept it under lock and key at all times.
Only a privileged few were ever permitted inside. These relics were priceless and not to be handled by just anyone, certainly not the silly geese everyone consideredtondiamonds.
Amelia was another matter entirely, quite the perfect blend of beauty and brains.
Any man courting her would be fortunate if she looked at him with the same glorious sparkle as she now looked upon his thousand-year-old relics.
It was as though her heart simply opened up.
She radiated wonder and awe.
“Most of these pieces date back to the time of the Crusades,” she remarked, bending forward to peer closely at the objects in one of his exhibit cases. “Some even earlier.”
“Yes. Several of my ancestors were knights who followed King Richard to Jerusalem.”
“Outstanding.” She was still bent over, her nicely shaped derriere wiggling slightly as she moved around the display case.
“Yes, I think so.” Of course, he was referring to her.
She moved to the next case to study the ancient manuscripts enclosed within it, and pressed her nose to the glass. “Magnificent.”
“I heartily agree.” Lord, he had to stop tossing these stupid, rakish comments. They went completely over her head and he found her obliviousness endearing. He also tried not to stare at her delicious derriere, but how could he resist? She was far prettier than she gave herself credit for.
No man could overlook any of her attributes.
