Page 74 of Never Dare a Duke
And try not to watch him with calf’s eyes, revealing the sentiments that would never be returned.
Christopher didn’t come to breakfast, and Abigail’s frustration warred with her relief. She was sitting alone, absently eating a piece of toast, hoping she wouldn’t soon be ordered to pack, when Lady May and Lady Theodosia, carrying full plates, sat down on either side of her. They never arose this early.
Abigail looked between them thoughtfully. “Good morning.”
“Good morning!” they both said, almost in unison.
They exchanged a laugh, as if they’d somehow become friends. Well, of course, since they opposed the duke’s interest in Abigail, that put them on the same team: Abigail’s opponents.
“It is a lovely day,” Lady May almost chirped.
Abigail arched a brow. “It rained early this morning, so I imagine it’s still a bit damp.”
“Ah, it rained hard enough to awaken you?” Lady Theodosia asked in her quiet tones.
“I didn’t sleep well,” Abigail admitted.
“Then what you need is an invigorating walk,” Lady May said.
Lady Theodosia smiled. “You can come with us. We planned to walk the woods on the western edge of Madingley Court.”
Abigail almost refused, but the thought of lounging about the house, dreading Christopher’s appearance and her own reaction to it, was suddenly not so appealing. “Very well, thank you for the invitation. I’ll join you.”
The two ladies shared a grin, then turned to finish eating.
Abigail glanced between them, and her curiosity came to life. “I’m sure Lady Gwendolin will awaken soon.”
“Oh, we do not have time to wait,” Lady May cut in quickly. “We have plans later in the morning. I do believe several of the gentlemen are going to fence. How exciting!”
Abigail simply nodded, feeling suspicious about why they just wanted it to be the three of them.
And an hour later, she knew why. Somehow, when she’d been admiring a lovely patch of violet columbine, they’d abandoned her, their skirts not even making a sound against the undergrowth. And for a woman with intelligence and an excellent education, Abigail had an appalling sense of direction.
She was soon lost, as they’d obviously meant her to be.
Christopher had been in his study since before dawn, trying to use hard work to make him forget Abigail. It wasn’t working.
He, who prided himself on his ability to resist temptation, to make the correct choices, had been unable to resist his overpowering desire for a woman who’d come to his home planning to betray him. He’d gone to bed last night with her on his mind, and while he’d lain awake, the scent of her, the feel of her soft skin, had woven through his mind, wiping away every rational thought. And then he’d gone to her.
How was he supposed to resist the sight of Abigail by moonlight? She’d looked at him so solemnly, knowing why he was there, and accepting it. And that was all his traitorous body had needed.
He’d told himself she was just another lover he’d taken for a night’s pleasure.
But she’d been a virgin, and he hadn’t even kissed her. Had it been lovemaking? Or some kind of punishment? Oh, he’d given her pleasure, but he’d barely spoken to her afterward.
And although a tiny voice inside him still protested that she deserved no better treatment, most of him was ashamed. He’d been raised not to treat a lady so abominably.
But she wasn’t a lady.
He leaned back in his chair and gave a low groan. What was he supposed to do now? He couldn’t send her away, not until he was convinced she would not write an article. Then again, another article was already being written, he thought cynically.
Or perhaps he was only lying to himself. She had to stay, because already the night was calling to him, and he wanted her again. Whether it was his anger with her or not, the sex had been…intense, overwhelming, satisfying in a way that had shaken him to the core.
How was he supposed to pretend nothing had happened between them when next they met? He had avoided breakfast like a coward, and only when a footman interrupted to tell him about the men planning a fencing display did he realize he had to confront his confusion directly.
As he passed by the morning room, he heard his mother call his name.
He stepped just inside, leaning against the doorframe as he smiled at her. She was sitting at her desk, menus spread out before her.
