Page 32 of Never Dare a Duke
Christopher slipped back into the alley, having seen enough. His curiosity about the woman was turning into an obsession. Maybe she simply knew Mr. Yates, or had heard of him. But if it were that simple, why not tell someone where she was going, or ask for a groom to accompany her?
He debated returning to Madingley Court, but it would be more difficult to question her surrounded by family and guests. And he didn’t want to make her defensive by confronting her in the village. So he walked back the way they’d both come and waited past a rise in the road, where she would not see him until it was too late.
Not half an hour later, he saw the tip of her frilly parasol first. He quickly straightened up from the tree he’d been leaning against and walked toward her, as if he’d been out for a casual stroll.
When she saw him, she came up short, her expression surprised and wary, until she smoothed it away. His first thought was vindication; she was hiding something from him. And then came anger, although he nodded pleasantly. They met beneath the shade of a small copse of trees, by the bank of the stream that gurgled musically. He was in no mood to appreciate it.
Pleasantly, he said, “Miss Shaw, what a surprise.”
“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” She smiled at him as if nothing were wrong. “Out for a walk? I assumed dukes rode mighty horses to survey their property.”
And now she was trying to put him on the defensive, as if he wasn’t supposed to be here. The sheer arrogance of it was almost admirable.
“This duke enjoys an occasional invigorating stroll,” he said. “And what were you about today?”
“I was meeting Gwen and Mr. Wesley at the parish church. He offered a tour.” She blinked at him with innocent sweetness.
While inside his darker emotions churned. Now she was baldly lying to him. Even if she’d gone to the church after he’d seen her, she would have had at most a minute or two, not long enough for a tour.
What was she up to?
No one knew her but Lady Gwen, and how could he know if he could trust Lady Gwen’s word after this? He longed to demand the truth, but that would only succeed in scaring Miss Shaw off. She had a purpose for everything she did here, and he was going to find out what it was.
“I hope you were impressed by the church,” he said at last.
“Oh, I was, Your Grace.”
This time she didn’t quite meet his eyes.
“Where are Lady Gwen and Mr. Wesley?” he continued. “They left you to walk all alone?”
“They wished to take the carriage on the main road, but I wanted to walk on such a beautiful day.”
He stepped closer, though he hadn’t meant to. She had to look up even more to see him. Her bonnet shaded her eyes, and he could see the vague glint of gold in their dark depths.
“I am not certain it is so safe for you to be wandering alone,” he said in a low voice. “Surely Mr. Wesley would have mentioned as much.”
“He did,” she answered without hesitation.
She could almost be an actress.
“But I did not see the harm during the day,” she added. “Do you not keep us all safe?”
“But who keeps you safe from me?”
Her eyes widened, and her pink lips parted in shock. “Y—Your Grace?” she said uncertainly.
He took another step toward her, towering over her, but she did not back away, only lifted her chin. And desire swirled into his anger, making a dangerous mix.
“You’re alone with me, aren’t you? You don’t even seem to be concerned about what could happen.”
“Happen?” she echoed. “You would not threaten me.”
“No, I would not.” His gaze wandered down her face, lingering on plump lips that did not show a sign of trembling. The high-necked gown hid her well today, but the sight of the deep valley between her breasts still burned in his brain. “But others could be a threat. What if we are seen like this, as if we had gone off alone? You don’t even seem concerned.”
“I—I did not intend to meet you.”
“Will anyone care? No.” His voice was too stern, leaking the anger. “They would attempt to marry us off if they found us like this. Is that your intent?”
