Page 41 of A Duke But No Gentleman
Imogene accepted the key.She was gripping it so tightly, the key would likely leave an impression on the palm of her hand.“Thank you.I will not abuse the privilege.”
“I place no conditions on its use,” he said, offering her a crooked smile.“Though I would prefer to be waiting for you on the other side of the door.”
“I would like that very much, Your Grace,” she admitted, shyness creeping into her expression.
“Tristan,” he corrected.He kissed her on the nose.“I enjoy hearing you say my name, and you do not use it often enough.”
Her heart felt so light, she could almost believe she could fly.“I will endeavor to mend my ways.”
“Excellent.”He escorted her to the front door.“I look forward to instructing you in all things,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver.He cupped her backside and gave her buttock a playful squeeze.“Now get inside before I lose my head and kidnap you.I rather liked having you in my bed.”
He sighed with regret and stepped away.Imogene turned away to hide her smile.Tristan had not uttered the words she longed to hear, but the key he had given her was a measure of his feelings for her.
In time, he would declare himself to her and her family.
Imogene entered the house, feeling as if her feet were barely touching the ground, secure in the knowledge that she could lay claim to the duke’s affection.
Chapter Twelve
Lord Norgrave’s boorish behavior at the tea gardens and her very personal decision to become Tristan’s lover had resulted in her avoiding the marquess for eight days before he realized that if he wanted to catch her alone, it would require a little trickery.
The moment arrived when Imogene had been invited to join Lady Ludsthorpe in her private box.Blackbern had made his apologies to her in advance because he had other plans for the evening.He did, however, warn her that his aunt would most likely question her since the news had reached her ears that her nephew was courting the Duke of Trevett’s daughter.
In between the play acts, she had expertly dodged the countess’s not-so-very-subtle inquiries about the duke and the other gentlemen who subjected themselves to her mother’s relentless scrutiny.Eventually, the older woman gave up and switched the conversation to the various snippets of gossip that she had overheard in the card room the previous evening.
It had been an usher who had approached her with the request that she follow him.She had initially thought Tristan had been able to join her and his aunt after all, so she apologized to Lady Ludsthorpe and followed the servant to the private sitting room.
Instead of Blackbern, Lord Norgrave was waiting for her.
Swallowing her disappointment she entered the small room to properly greet the marquess.“Good evening, my lord.”Imogene curtsied.“I was unaware that you were attending the play.Perhaps you would join me and Lady Ludsthorpe?”She took a breath and gave him an excuse to decline her invitation.“Unless you have other plans.”
“You appear disappointed, Imogene.”Norgrave took her hand and guided her to the narrow sofa.He sat down next to her.“Were you expecting Blackbern?”
“Since I am sitting in his aunt’s private box, it was a natural assumption,” she said, still feeling guilty that she had allowed Tristan to whisk her away from Ranelagh Gardens.“I thought the duke might be with you?”
The marquess offered her a sympathetic smile.“I regret I do not know his plans this evening.The man can be secretive at times.This usually occurs when he is besotted with a new mistress.”
Lord Norgrave’s aim was wickedly accurate when it came to mischief.The sharp stab to her heart was bloodless, and it took her a minute to remind herself that if the duke was secretive about a new mistress, it was because she was the lady in question.
“If you are correct, then I will have one less suitor to worry about,” Imogene said, slipping her hand free from his.
His brows furrowed in puzzlement.“You surprise me.I was concerned the news would be upsetting.”
“In many ways, it is a relief,” she confided.“My father is disappointed in my progress, and has threatened several times to pick a husband for me if I do not reduce my choices to several possible candidates.”
“It is a difficult decision.”Norgrave placed his hand over hers in a comforting gesture.His fingers tightened over hers.“When you present your candidates to your father, I would be honored if I was one of your final candidates.”
“Lord Norgrave.”Imogene blinked, unaware that he had harbored any real feelings beyond friendship for her.He had displayed more passion when it came to his rivalry with Blackbern.“Forgive me.I was told that you had little interest in marriage.”
His grip tightened painfully over hers.“Who told you that?”he demanded.“Your father?”Norgrave calmed at her quick nod.“My lovely lady, most fathers would discourage their daughters from seeking my affection.It is understandable.Blackbern and I have not always been discreet, I fear.”
She preferred not to discuss the duke’s former mistresses with Lord Norgrave.
“I have tarried too long.I should return to Lady Ludsthrope,” Imogene said, pulling her hand free as she stood.“I am not prepared to make a decision, but I will thoughtfully consider your offer.”
“I am not inviting you to dance, Imogene,” Norgrave said, not hiding his frustration.“I am asking you to be my countess.”
“I know,” she said, her thoughts drifting to Lady Charlotte.“I need more time.”
