Page 63 of A Duke But No Gentleman
With everyone separating and heading to their bedchambers, Tristan found himself standing just outside Imogene’s bedchamber.He had learned from the lady’s father that the duchess was watching over her daughter.She would not welcome visitors at this late hour.Still, he could not resist a quick peek to assure himself that she was safe.
Tristan quietly twisted the doorknob and slipped inside the bedchamber.A single oil lamp lit a corner of the room.His gaze immediately sought out the Duchess of Trevett, and to his amusement the dragon was asleep.Her head bowed, the older woman sat near the lamp with an embroidery basket at her feet.The book she had been reading was still open on her lap.
With admirable stealth, he crept past the duchess.Her soft snores gurgling in her throat assured him that she was sound asleep.He moved toward the bed.As her father had predicted, Imogene was not awake.Tristan knelt at the side of her bed and studied her serene expression.She looked younger, and the shadows concealed the bruise on her cheek.He laced his fingers with hers and brought her hand to his lips.
“You own my heart,” he whispered, kissing her hand.Tristan bowed his head and silently prayed for her recovery to be swift.“Sleep well, my love.”
Imogene’s fingers squeezed his hand, and he lifted his head to find her staring at him.Her eyelids drooped as she fought not to fall asleep.
“You came back,” she said softly.
“Hush, you will awaken the dragon,” he teased, though he was careful to keep his voice low.“I promised I would, did I not?”
Imogene blinked rapidly, and then squinted at Tristan.“Your face.You and Norgrave fought.”
She reached out, and he leaned closer so she could stroke his cheek.“It was inevitable.I could not stand idle and permit his crimes to go unchallenged.”
“You fought him in a duel?”She tried to sit up.
He glanced at the sleeping duchess as he gently pressed Imogene’s shoulders back against the pillows.“Why use a sword or pistol when my fists were sufficient?”
“Did you kill him?”
“No,” he said, striving to lighten his tone.“You and my aunt would not have approved.Nevertheless, I have conveyed a clear message to Norgrave.He is aware that I will challenge and kill him if he troubles you again.I have also cut all ties with him.He is dead to me.”
“I am sorry, Tristan.”
“Don’t be,” he whispered back, his eyes eloquent in their sorrow.“My only regret is that I had not ended our friendship sooner.”
Norgrave would have left you alone if not for me.
“You loved him.”
Tristan shook his head.“I do not think I truly loved anyone but myself, until I met you.I love you, Imogene.When you are ready, I want us to marry.”
She glanced away, and he felt her silent retreat as if it was a blow to his heart.“I am getting ahead of myself.We will discuss this again when you are stronger.”
“I love you, too.”
“Aye, I know,” he said, her declaration giving him hope.Tristan caressed her face.“I would sleep at your feet like a faithful hound, but I doubt the dragon would approve.”
Imogene rewarded him with a smile.“You have to stop referring to my mother as a dragon.”
“Why?”He stifled the urge to groan as he wearily stood.“It’s meant as a compliment.”
He fully expected the duchess to breathe fire when she learned of his intentions to marry Imogene, but it was a battle best reserved for another day.
“Go back to sleep.”Tristan kissed her fingers.“You have not seen the last of me, my lady.”
“Mmm…”
He released her hand when she nodded and dutifully closed her eyes.
As he retraced his steps, he was too distracted to notice that the duchess was no longer snoring.It was only when he shut the door that the lady opened her eyes and stared at the door in quiet contemplation.
Chapter Nineteen
Imogene sat on the edge of the large marble fountain her mother had installed in the back garden a year earlier.The duchess had purchased it from an old medieval ruin, and thought the artifact was essential to herjardin d’amouror “garden of love.”For a fortnight, it was her favorite place for contemplation as her bruises healed and the passing days put distance between her and Norgrave’s betrayal.
