Page 23 of The Spinster and Her Rakish Duke
“Your Grace,” a servant’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Shall I serve dessert now?”
The spell shattered. Samantha jerked back in her chair, her cheeks flaming as reality crashed over her. The duke’s expression shuttered, returning to its usual composed mask.
“That won’t be necessary,” she said quickly, rising from her chair so abruptly that it scraped against the floor. “I find myself quite tired from the journey. If you’ll excuse me.”
She didn’t wait for his response, didn’t dare look at him again. Instead, she fled from the dining room, her silk skirts rustling as she made her escape.
But even as she climbed the stairs to her chambers, she could still feel the weight of his gaze on her back, could still hear the promise in his voice:
Not for very long, my tigress.
And the most terrifying part was that she was beginning to fear he just might be right.
CHAPTER 6
“Good morning, Your Grace.”
Samantha froze in the doorway of the breakfast room, her heart sinking. She had risen before dawn specifically to avoid this—to avoidhim. Yet there he sat at the head of the table, looking infuriatingly composed as he sipped his coffee and perused what appeared to be correspondence.
“Good morning,” she replied stiffly, moving toward the sideboard with as much dignity as she could muster.
“I trust you slept well?” His voice held that same dangerous undertone from the night before, though his expression remained perfectly polite.
“Quite well, thank you.” She selected a piece of toast and some jam, acutely aware of his eyes following her every movement. “And you?”
“Adequately.” He set down his cup. “Though I confess, I found myself wondering if you were comfortable. The chambers can be rather… drafty.”
Heat crept up her neck. Was he referring to the connecting door between their rooms? She had indeed checked the lock twice before retiring, and then again when she’d heard movement from his side of the wall.
“I found the accommodations perfectly suitable,” she said, sitting back in her chair… as far from him as possible.
“I’m pleased to hear it.” The slight curve of his lips suggested he was anything but fooled by her formal tone. “I’ve asked Mrs. Blackwood to prepare a tour of the estate for you today. I thought you might wish to familiarize yourself with your new home.”
“That’s very thoughtful.” She spread jam on her toast with more concentration than the task required. “I’m sure it will be educational.”
“Indeed. There are several centuries of family history within these walls.” His tone grew cooler. “Some more pleasant than others.”
Before she could ask what he meant, the door opened to admit a woman Samantha didn’t recognize. Where Mrs. Blackwood had been severe but efficient, this woman possessed a warmth that immediately put her at ease.
“Your Grace,” the woman said, curtsying to Samantha. “I am Mrs. Thatcher, the second housekeeper. Mrs. Blackwood sends her regrets. She’s been called away on urgent business. I’ll be conducting your tour today, if that suits?”
“Of course.” Samantha nearly jumped from her chair in her eagerness to escape the suffocating tension of the breakfast room. “Shall we begin now?”
The duke’s low chuckle made her cheeks burn. “So eager to explore, my dear?”
“I simply believe in making good use of one’s time,” she replied primly, though she couldn’t meet his eyes.
“Admirable.” He rose from his chair with fluid grace. “I shall be visiting the tenant farms today. Perhaps we might dine together this evening? I have some matters I’d like to discuss with you.”
The way he said‘matters’sent a shiver down her spine. “I… yes, of course, Your Grace.”
“Excellent.” He moved toward the door, pausing beside her chair.
For a moment, she thought he might touch her; his hand hovered near her shoulder, but then he seemed to think better of it.
“Enjoy your tour, Samantha.”
The use of her given name in front of the housekeeper made her pulse quicken traitorously. She waited until his footsteps faded before letting out a deep breath that had done absolutely nothing to calm her racing heart.
