Page 40 of A Duchess Bound
“I hope it was pleasing, Your Grace.”
“As if I would ever share anything displeasing about you,” Leedway said. “We were discussing your devotion to Bridget.”
“Oh.”
“It is wholly admirable,” Gerard said.
“Thank you,” Lady Dorothy said.
“Ah, I must speak to Trevalyn,” Leedway said, giving his sister a final glance. “If you have need of me?—”
“I will find you,” she said.
“Layton,” Leedway said, giving Gerard a curt nod.
As the man departed, Gerard seized the opportunity that he had been given. “Good evening, my lady,” he purred, drawing a little closer to Lady Dorothy.
Her face flushed with color. “Do not speak to me too much in public, or people will gossip about us.”
“But you owe me an answer,” he said, keeping his voice low and sultry. “It is Saturday. Or have you forgotten what I am owed?”
“I have not,” she said, her eyes darting about her.
The poor woman looked as though she suspected the entire tonof treachery. To be fair, Gerard was not certain that her fears were unfounded. He had a reputation, and if he lingered by her side for much longer, he imagined that people would wonder what he might be doing or saying.
“And I will give you that answer,” she murmured. “But not here. Not now.”
Gerard smiled. “I see. Are you familiar with this house?”
“No.”
He tilted his head. “Do you see that doorway?”
“Yes.”
“I will leave through it in just a moment,” he said. “Wait an appropriate amount of time, so as not to arouse suspicion. Then, leave through that doorway yourself. I will be waiting for you in the third room on the left.”
“I see.”
“Do not keep me waiting for too long, my lady. If you do, I shall be most displeased.”
Lady Dorothy nodded. She gazed at him with wide eyes and slightly parted lips. The impulse to seize her by the hips and kissthose luscious lips rose within him. He buried his desires deep and winked roguishly at her. Then, he departed. As he passed her, Gerard offered a polite nod to Lady Bridget. She did not seem to notice him.
Gerard’s pulse thundered as he crossed the room. He did not want to appear too eager to leave. Lady Everleigh brought him up short. Gerard halted, staring at her in something like disbelief.
“My lady.”
She smiled. “My lord. What a coincidence that I should see you here.”
“It does not feel like a coincidence,” he said.
Lady Everleigh fanned herself. The gesture did not seem as though it was meant to be seductive. Gerard found himself wondering at her motivations, though. She had declined social invitations all Season, only to appear at a ball directly following his visit.
“I am not here for you,” she said. “But I thought I would be cordial. I noticed you speaking to Lady Dorothy.”
“She was standing beside Leedway,” he said dismissively.
“Indeed.” Lady Everleigh did not look as though she really believed him. “Do be careful, though. The Duke of Reeds seemsto be the protective sort, so if youwerethinking of pursuing his sister…”
