Page 56 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
No doubt it would be the work of some unknown artist. And no doubt he would be expected to win the bidding.
He really did not like these sorts of public displays of giving. He preferred private donations to causes he deemed worthy.
Nevertheless he trailed the group making its way back to the house.
A shadow caught his attention. A person off to the side of the path, at the edge of the light.
His throat dried in an instant. He had no trouble recognising the woman. By her shape? By her scent? He wasn’t sure.
He moved to confront her. ‘Good evening, Countess.’
‘Duke. I heard you had arrived and had made your way down here.’
She had intentionally come to find him? His heart picked up speed. ‘I gather our host requests our presencein the ballroom.’
‘You go. It is too hot in there. I want to look at the stars and cool off.’
Did she never do anything in a normal civilised way?
‘Please go,’ she said. ‘I am perfectly content by myself.’
He wasn’t perfectly content to leave her alone in the dark.
‘I will walk with you.’
‘If you must.’
Hardly welcoming. He took her arm and walked her down the slope.
The little boats that had been out on the water were now tied neatly to the empty dock.
The Thames drifted by slowly on its way to the city, gently lapping against the bank.
She sat on one of the benches and looked up at the sky. ‘Too many trees to see the stars,’ she said.
He sat beside her and looked up. Only the moon was visible between the branches. ‘You would likely get a better view out on the river.’
She glanced at the boats. ‘Yes. You are right. If I knew how to row…’
‘Would you like to…’
They spoke at the same time. They laughed. It sounded awkward.
‘I can be your oarsman,’ he said. ‘If you wish.’
Like some sort of eager youth, he held his breath.
Chapter Nine
When someone mentioned that the Duke had been seen arriving at the party, a little spurt of excitement had left Barbara feeling breathless.
There was no doubt about the attraction between them. Their kiss beneath the tree in the park had been ample proof. But he was so controlled, so aloof, she wasn’t sure he wanted to acknowledge it.
There was only one way to find out.
So she had followed the path down to the water.
And now he was offering to take her for a boat ride.
