Page 5 of A Duchess Bound
Gerard smiled sharply. Lady Dorothy had just become significantly more interesting. Perhaps he had unfairly overlooked her over the years. Perhaps everyone had.
“You believe the word of gossips?” he asked.
“I do,” Lady Dorothy said. “I can think of no reason for why so many ladies should lie about you, so if they claim that you are a rake, you must be.”
“I see.”
“I am glad.”
“That does not mean that I disagree with your assessment,” Gerard said. “But let us say that I do, for argument’s sake.”
“Yes.”
“Rake or not, do you think it is wise to insult a duke?” Gerard asked, lowering his voice. “Some might say that you are ill-tempered, and it would be most unfortunate if such individuals were to assume that your sister also has a poor temperament.”
Lady Dorothy’s nostrils flared. “They would not assume that.”
“Theywould.” Gerard grinned. “Of course, there is also the matter of your own brother, who is known for his rakish ways.”
The lady’s eyes darted to the right. Gerard did not follow her gaze, but he suspected that she was seeking out her brother.
“You will appear to be a family of ill-tempered hypocrites,” Gerard continued. “How do you imagine that a lady from such a family would do on the marriage mart?”
“Well enough.” Lady Dorothy’s response was sharp and quick, but he saw the indecision in her eyes.
“I am only asking for a dance,” Gerard said, softening his voice. “You act as if I am requesting that your sister engage in some disreputable deed with me, but that is not the case at all.”
“I will dance with you,” Lady Bridget said suddenly, looking at her sister. “It is only a single dance, Dory.”
“A dance that people will see,” Lady Dorothy said.
“A single dance will not draw anyone’s notice,” Gerard countered.
In truth, he had already lost most interest in Lady Bridget. She was a rare flower, certainly, but his thoughts—fickle as they were—had already turned to the elder sister.
Who was this woman who felt like she could deny aduke? His palm ached. Gerard’s earlier fantasies of Lady Bridget soon took new shape. He imagined pinning Lady Dorothy against the wall in some empty bedchamber. The lady would gasp in scandalized self-righteousness as he lifted her skirts inch by agonizing inch.
“I will dance with you!” Lady Bridget exclaimed, glancing at her sister. “There is no need to continue arguing over the matter.”
He forced a smile. In a way, this was the most satisfying outcome. Lady Dorothy would be angry. Already, he saw the fierce blush spreading over her fine cheekbones.
Throughout the dance,hereyes would be on Lady Bridget and him. He would consume her thoughts. How thrilling!
“That is kind of you,” Gerard said, offering his hand.
His eyes remained fixed on Lady Dorothy’s face.
“One dance,” she said, displeasure evident in every syllable.
“Of course,” he said, feigning the most innocuous tone he could.
Gerard wondered what she would look like bent over the desk in his study, her breasts crushed against the unforgiving wooden surface and her skirts pulled up past her waist. He imagined her arguing with him and the punishment that he would, of course, dutifully administer. It was only proper for a man to punish a disobedient lover.
Lady Bridget placed her hand in his, shattering his thoughts. “As it happens, a new dance is just beginning, Your Grace.”
“So it is.”
He led Lady Bridget to the dancefloor, his spirits jubilant. Was Lady Dorothyjealous? He doubted it, but that would be delightful. Gerardwantedthe spinster to burn when she thought of him. Even if she was determined to be a spinster, Gerard suspected that she still had passions.
