Page 58 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
He led her deeper into the garden, still careful to remain in full view of everyone in the parlor. “May I give you a word of advice, Lady Aurora?”
She did not look pleased. “I have received enough lectures from my parents.”
“I hope you do not take my words as a lecture, but merely as guidance from one who has gained a bit of experience. You are awfully young to be locked in your ways. Marriage is not only about security but also about happiness. If this duke is worthy, you are more likely to gain his proposal through thoughtful gestures and concern for him rather than through attempts to make him jealous.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. Have you thought of your own life after you marry him? It does not simply come to an end. What are you hoping it will be? An endless round of parties and toady friends? Or do you hope to find a man who will always keep you cherished in his thoughts and want to build a life with you? Wish to protect you and make you happy? This duke of yours will find it hard to care for you if you show him no care in return.”
She said nothing for the longest while, merely stood with her head bowed and staring down at the rose beds. “May we go back inside now?”
“Yes, of course. The dinner bell will sound at any moment.”
“Lord Ardley, are you certain you will not consider taking up residence in London?”
“Quite certain of it, Lady Aurora.”
“A pity. You aren’t half bad. But a duke is a duke, and I wish to be a duchess. You shall be first on my mind if I have a change of heart.”
“I am honored to be second-best. No more than a duke’s leavings. It is what every man strives for.”
“You are being sarcastic again.”
“Yes.” He walked her back toward the house. “I like that you have opinions and goals. Convictions, even if quite a bit misguided. Just keep an open mind about what life has to offer you. The path to your happiness may lead you to someone other than this duke.”
They were now on the terrace and about to enter the house.
She held him back a moment and smiled prettily. “No, I am quite certain I must have the duke. How else am I ever to become a duchess?”
He arched an eyebrow and watched her as she hurried inside.
Gabriel joined him as he stood on the terrace. “What happened? I cannot tell if you look annoyed or relieved.”
“Relief, for certain. She wants a duke.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. If anyone is to be pitied it is the duke she will soon trap. For both their sakes, I hope she grows to like him. But I’m sure they will have beautiful children, even if they never speak to each other again after her breeding days are over.”
“Ouch. That sounds harsh.”
“Let’s go inside. Have Lady Alicia and Lady Charlotte come down yet?”
“Yes, they are in the parlor.”
“What do you think of them, Gabriel?”
“Don’t ask me. You’re the one who has to like them.”
Lady Alicia was a tall, stunning brunette with vivid blue eyes and a throaty laugh tinged with sexual awareness. She eyed him up and down, her gaze lingering on his attributes as he approached to greet her. “A pleasure to meet you, my lord.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he said, bowing over her hand.
She licked her tongue slowly along her lips and smiled at him.
Bollocks.
He was going to lock his door tonight.
