Page 30 of His Forsaken Duchess
She hurried to keep up, her voice light but insistent. “No, truly. What have I taken?”
He shook his head, not meeting her gaze. “Forget I said anything.”
The rest of the walk was silent, though Audrey seemed undeterred, glancing at him occasionally as if waiting for him to elaborate. When they reached the castle, Cedric handed the rabbits to Potts with a brusque word of thanks. Without another glance at Audrey, he turned and strode toward his chambers.
His chest ached as he climbed up the stairs, the scent of roses still lingering in his nostrils. He shouldn’t have left her like that, but he needed the distance. She was already far too close, already breaking the walls he had so carefully built.
Cedric entered his chambers and shut the door firmly behind him, leaning against it as he exhaled.
She needs to stay away.And if intimidation is the only way to ensure that, then so be it.
Nine
Audrey paused at the entrance, smoothing the skirts of her dress. She took in the table, set for two. Her gaze lingered on the silver place settings and polished crystal glasses, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Foolish.He won’t come. Not after the way he stormed off earlier, muttering something unintelligible about solitude and peace.
Still, her feet carried her forward.
“Your Grace,” Potts said, appearing as though summoned by her thoughts.
He moved to pull out her chair, but just as his hands touched the back of the chair, a low, rich voice cut through the room.
“I believe that is my duty, Potts.”
Audrey’s head snapped up, her heart leaping as though it had been startled into motion.
The butler froze, his cheeks coloring faintly, and then he quickly stepped back with a murmured, “Of course, Your Grace.”
Audrey turned toward the source of the voice and felt a rush of heat creep up her neck. The Duke stood in the doorway, dressed impeccably in a dark green coat that accentuated his striking brown eyes. His wavy dark hair was still damp from a bath.
He strode forward, his movements smooth and commanding, and for the briefest moment, her breath caught. She braced herself as he approached, her hands clasped together in front of her for balance. When he pulled her chair out with ease, she felt the warmth of his proximity and smelled the faint scent of cedar and soap.
“You’re joining me?” she asked, her voice lighter than she had intended, betraying her surprise.
“It would seem so,” he replied, his tone neutral, though the faint twitch in his lips betrayed his amusement.
Audrey hesitated, then inclined her head with the grace she had perfected over the years. “Then I am honored.”
The words earned her a fleeting look of surprise, but he said nothing, merely gesturing for her to sit.
As she settled into the chair, his hands brushed lightly against the back of it, and the subtle contact sent a ripple of awareness down her spine.
Ridiculous. He’s just being polite.
Once he was sitting across from her, Potts reappeared to serve the first course—a delicate consommé that shimmered golden in the porcelain bowls.
Audrey smiled warmly at the butler. “Do give Cook my compliments,” she said. “This looks delightful.”
Potts nodded, his posture straightening at the praise. “Of course, Your Grace,” he replied before stepping away.
As Audrey lifted her spoon, she caught the Duke staring at her. The intensity of his gaze made her fingers falter for the briefest moment before she regained her composure. She lowered her eyes to her bowl, determined to ignore his scrutiny.
The consommé was rich yet impossibly light, a perfect blend of flavors that tickled her palate.
“Exquisite,” she murmured, more to herself than to him.
“I see you enjoy your soup,” he said, his voice cutting through the quiet.
