Page 4 of A Duchess Bound
When he straightened, he met Lady Dorothy’s curious eyes. She was a spinster and older than most gentlemen would like, but Gerard had found that women—no matter their age—held charms. Hers were generous. Dorothy’s eyes were blue, and her hair was as golden as sunlight. She was also in possessionof a rather generous pair of breasts, which were made more prominent by the cut of her pale pink gown.
“Good evening,” Lady Dorothy said.
But it was quite apparent to everyone that Lady Dorothy had no interest in pursuing romance, which made an amorous congress with her rather unlikely.
“It is good to see you again,” he said. “It has been some time.”
Her steady gaze faltered. “Indeed.”
Gerard’s lips curved into a small smile. It had been years since he had spoken to Lady Dorothy, and from her expression, he surmised that she had quite forgotten who he was.
Perhaps, a small breach of propriety could be forgiven in those circumstances.
He smiled at the young woman, who stood beside Lady Dorothy. “I imagine that you are Lady Bridget,” he said, inclining his head. “I am the Duke of Greenway.”
“Oh!” she exclaimed, her cheeks pinkening.
Lady Dorothy took a deep inhale of air. Recognition flared in her eyes. Her expression sharpened.
“I would like to dance with you, my lady,” Gerard said, his eyes snapping to Lady Bridget’s fair face.
“That is most unfortunate,” Lady Dorothy said.
Gerard smothered a prickle of irritation. “Why is that?”
“Yes, why?” Lady Bridget asked innocently.
Lady Dorothy rolled back her shoulders and straightened his spine. She looked at him as though he was the devil incarnate, Mephistopheles, come to tempt her sister to damnation.
“Because my sister is tired,” Lady Dorothy said.
“I am not—” Lady Bridget cut off abruptly, doubtlessly quelled by her sister’s stern look.
“She will sit for now,” Lady Bridget continued, undeterred.
“Forgive me, but Lady Bridget does not seem tired,” Gerard said.
“Sheis,” Lady Dorothy insisted hotly.
“If I am not mistaken, you have just arrived,” Gerard said. “While I am certain that the journey here was arduous, I find it difficult to believe that one so young would be so exhausted already.”
“And yet she is,” Lady Dorothy said. “It is kind of you to offer, Your Grace, but my sister respectfully declines.”
“I imagine that your sister is capable of telling me herself if she declines,” Gerard said. “I am quite certain that you do not need to speak for her.”
Lady Dorothy smiled tightly. “I think it best that you leave the matter, Your Grace.”
How brazen!
“Do you?” Gerard asked. “Why should I, my lady? I am only asking for a dance, a request which I am certain that you will not deny other men.”
“You are wrong,” Lady Dorothy said. “I intend to deny such a requestalwaysif it is coming from rakes such as yourself. My sister is a respectable, young miss with a reputation to uphold, Your Grace, and I do not doubt that you would see it torn to tatters.”
“What a cruel thing to say!” Gerard exclaimed.
An inkling of admiration stirred in his chest. While many women knew of his reputation, few of them dared to admit it to his face. Who would have ever guessed that the Duke of Reeds’s spinster sister might have such fire?
“Is it cruel to speak the truth?” Lady Dorothy asked. “It is known among ladies that you are a notorious rake, and I will not have you sullying my sister’s first ball.”
