Page 31 of Her Ruse with the Wicked Duke
“We have people for that already. Just relax.”
“He is just anxious to see Miss Snow.” Cain laughed.
“Oh, really?” Xander grinned suddenly, and Rowan rolled his eyes, scoffing.
“No, not really. This is not the scandal you two think it is. I invited her for an evening of socializing, which you two insisted on.”
“So, you are trying to tell me that you will not be flirting with her tonight? Because if that is the case…” Cain winked, and Rowan nudged him.
“She is planning to marry the Earl of Eaton. None of us will get in the way of that or confuse her feelings. Understood?” Rowan stared at Cain, who laughed but nodded. “Stay away from her, Ryder. Or else.”
“She is all yours, my friend.” Cain held his hands up in surrender. “Unless she comes to me.”
“She will not,” Rowan replied. He would make sure of that.
* * *
“Welcome to the Yarros family estate, My Lady. Would you like me to accompany you inside?”
Alice peered out the small window as several people exited their carriages, assisted by footmen. One approached her door and grasped her hand, helping her out of the vehicle.
“That will not be necessary.” Alice turned her head to see the Duke approaching, looking suave as ever in a pitch-black suit and his usual untamable head of raven hair.
The footman nodded and excused himself to help someone else.
“Miss Snow, you look absolutely ravishing.”
“Your Grace, I simply cannot accept this as my repayment. For being so brilliant with money, you seem to keep adding more debt onto my already impossible bill.” She shook her head, smiling. “When did you even have time to get this? I had gowns to wear.”
“Is it not funny that I knew this would be the first thing you would say to me?” The Duke cocked his head to the side, and she looked down. “I disclosed in my letter that your protests were not part of my deal. You will enjoy the evening, Miss Snow. I will hear nothing more of it.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” She finally looked back to his sparkling eyes, a small smile sweeping across her face.
“I must warn you before we enter,” Rowan said suddenly as they walked to the large entrance doors. He pulled her to the side of the large stone steps, next to the railing. “My friends are not engaged with the ton and their usual dramatics. So, I want to warn you that you will likely be shown off like some glittering prize.”
“Oh, I am nothing to show off.” She laughed. “I hope they won’t be disappointed.”
“You are plenty to show off, Miss Snow. Why do you think I wanted you on my arm?” He smirked. Her smile was replaced by a heated blush. “You are blushing again.”
“Let’s just go inside.” She sighed, annoyed that he had caught her blushing once again.
He simply chuckled and led her into the castle, which was glowing with light and smelled of the most delicious foods. They followed a couple carrying instrument cases, who turned to greet Rowan.
“Your Grace! It has been a long time.” The older man grinned, shaking his hand. “And this is?”
“Miss Alice Snow,” Rowan replied. “She is accompanying me to the ton’s events to make them slightly less unbearable.”
“What a catch,” the man replied, bowing to Alice. “It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is William Scot, and this is my wife, Marianne.”
Alice curtsied with a polite smile and walked silently through the halls, gazing at the incredible architecture and portraits on the walls.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that everyone is here now,” a voice echoed through the hall. There was a man standing in front of the lit fireplace. He was tall, and the light from the flames cast shadows on his face, but Alice could tell from across the room that he had large scars running across his cheeks. “Everyone knows each other, but we have a guest this evening who deserves a warm welcome.”
“Your Grace, you have finally brought a companion to one of our soirees. She must be special,” a man with a bushy mustache said, sipping on a glass of dark brandy.
“Indeed, she is the Season’s Diamond,” another man said from behind her, making her jump. A blonde gentleman scooted into the room from behind her, a boyish grin on his face. “I did not mean to frighten you, Miss Snow. The name’s Cain Ryder, the Duke of Rutland, though I am sure my friend has told you all about me.”
“The desperation is palpable, Ryder. How about you pour yourself a drink,” Rowan muttered, and Alice could have sworn he pulled her ever so slightly closer.
