Page 14 of Never Dare a Duke
But when he looked into her eyes again from his great height, she felt a little catch in her breathing that didn’t have anything to do with her nervousness over her investigation. It was the same feeling as this afternoon all over again, and she’d thought she would be better able to control it a second time. But no. She had to be honest with herself: He was a stunning man, so exotic in his features, so composed—too composed?
“Lady Gwendolin, it is pleasant to see you again,” he said.
Even his voice set off delicious little shivers inside Abigail. There was nothing to indicate that he was not British through and through, but his very differentness intrigued her.
“It was so kind of your mother to invite me,” Gwen said, smiling up at him.
He nodded to Abigail. “Miss Shaw.”
Abigail curtsied again. “How do you do this evening, Your Grace?”
“Fine, thank you,” he said in a clipped manner.
“Really?” she found herself saying. “I would not have thought so this afternoon, when you first entered the drawing room and saw all of us.”
Instead of repairing the damage from the afternoon, she waded in deeper. Gwen was almost gaping at her. Behind her, she heard a lady’s gasp and the sound of a cup rattling in its saucer. But Abigail didn’t turn away from the duke to see whom she’d offended. At leasthewasn’t offended, if his interested expression was any proof. And maybe that was something she could like about him.
The duke arched a brow as his eyes, so dark and hidden, delved into hers. “Miss Shaw, you have no problem saying whatever comes to mind, do you? I also prefer honesty.”
“But you are not willing to say if you knew about this party given by your mother.”
At last he gave a faint smile, and the devastating effect of those white teeth in his dark face could not be underestimated. Her heart didn’t seem to know its correct beat anymore.
“You’re setting me up against my mother, Miss Shaw,” he said. “Stark honesty does not always work best in such a relationship.”
Abigail tilted her head, smiling in return. “Does she agree with you?”
At last, the duke freed her from the capture of his gaze and glanced at Gwen.
“Lady Gwendolin, I do believe that your friend is accusing the duchess of manipulation.”
Gwen only laughed and patted the duke’s forearm. “Your Grace, every mother is entitled to do what she must to see to her children’s happiness. And I think your mother believes you would be happiest spending time with all of us.”
The duke glanced back at Abigail, as if including her. “I can hardly deny that her methods work, not without appearing the cad.”
“Or appearing as if you are too set against her plan,” Abigail added.
He bowed. “This has been an enlightening conversation, ladies.”
He meant to leave them, Abigail knew. But before he could, his sister rose to her feet.
“Excuse me!” Lady Elizabeth called.
Her face was even more flushed with excitement, and Abigail saw Mr. Tilden regarding her with unabashed awe.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am ready to tell you about the special theme I’ve chosen for our house party. It will give us all a chance for merriment together, but it is nothing too strenuous. In fact, you may participate as much or as little as you wish—”
“Can you not tell us?” Lady May interrupted plaintively. “I cannot bear the suspense!”
Everyone chuckled.
“Very well,” Lady Elizabeth said. “I am glad you are as excited as I am! Madingley Court is an ancient house, and like so many others, it has a reputation for being haunted.” She clasped her hands together. “So we are going to hunt for the ghost!”
People leaned together to laugh or talk, but Abigail thought there was a general air of curiosity, regardless of the silliness of the task.
When she glanced at the duke, she saw a frown flicker in his eyes, then quickly masked. He was obviously accustomed to hiding whatever he was thinking.
“There have been sightings of a ghost for at least two hundred years,” Lady Elizabeth continued, “although I myself have never been so fortunate as to witness it.” She shared a smile with her mother. “But Madingley Court is over two hundred and fifty years old, and the castle ruins on the grounds are even older. Both might be full of fascinating ancestors who could have decided to linger in the afterlife. Whoever discovers the most stories about the ghost will win a prize.”
