Page 44 of A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
Introductions were made. Millie endured Franklin grasping her fingers and pressing a kiss against her knuckles. She would need to thank Penny for insisting she wore gloves. And the quiet growl of Drake behind her, the way he placed his hand on the small of her back, deftly moving her away from Franklin, was quite lovely.
The group of six returned to the house where they were saved from awkward small talk as the rest of the guests returned from their tour of the grounds.
Philippa, looking regal in a deep-plum day dress trimmed with black lace, swept over to Millie. ‘Your betrothed has an excellent greenhouse. During our tour of the estate, I found the exact hue of roses I wish to plant in the gardens at Belgrave Square. Let me show you.’ She didn’t even glance at the other guests before walking out of the drawing room where everyone had gathered.
‘Ahh, the perks of being a duchess.’ Drake leaned close and whispered in Millie’s ear. Shivers tickled down her spine as cloves and leather once more invaded her senses. ‘Best follow her. I only wish I could join you.’ Then, as if he realised his actions, he pulled back, his shoulders stiffening.
Millie couldn’t stop the smile curling her lips, but it froze when she saw Nora manoeuvring for a closer position to Drake. The sneaky woman was batting her lashes at him, no doubt flashing an invitation with her bluer-than-a-bluebell eyes. And why shouldn’t she? Millie’s marriage was one of convenience, not affection. Of course other women would show interest in Drake. It was really none of Millie’s concern and one more reason why she couldn’t allow Drake’s moments of charm to woo her. It would only end in heart ache.
She resigned herself to the fact she couldn’t escape her marriage, but to continue her training with Philippa, she would need to establish a distant union. While she had no interest in pursuing a paramour, she was certain Drake would continue to find his pleasures in whatever way he currently found them. But the jealous rage filling her chest and making it impossible to breathe made her realise a distant marriage may not be to her liking.
Millie was in another pickle.
‘I would like to speak with you privately about an important matter, perhaps later this evening?’ Millie placed a hand on Drake’s arm, partly to reassure herself with his solid mass and partly to stake her claim. She glanced at Nora and narrowed her eyes, widening her lips in a vicious smile.
Back off, or you shall see how accurate I can be at throwing a knife.
Her hidden blades pressed against her skin, and she resisted the urge to tuck her fingers in the slit of her skirt and finger theknife on her thigh. It would be worth it just to wipe that smug expression from Nora’s face.
Drake shifted so his wide back blocked Nora from her view. ‘As would I. There are questions still burning in my mind, madame. Questions that demand answers. Though, I must admit, I’m all aquiver with curiosity as to what you wish to discuss.’ His sarcasm was softened by the warmth in his pale eyes.
Bugger. Speaking with Drake privately means I shall have to be very careful to evade his questions.
She would start the conversation first. Perhaps after she spoke her piece, he would forget all about her behaviour with Patricia.
‘Shall we meet before dinner? While everyone is getting ready?’
‘I’ll come to your rooms. I am beginning to enjoy playing your lady’s maid.’ His broken eyebrow rose as his lips twitched.
‘Scandalous, sir.’
‘I certainly hope so.’
Millie pinched his arm softly and turned before she convinced herself not to follow the duchess at all. Indeed, sparring with Drake was becoming one of her most favourite things.
11
Millie hurried out to the greenhouse and took a moment to marvel at the structure. Made from wood and glass, its domed roof was magnificent and shone like a jewel in the wintry gardens. Opening the door, she immediately discarded her coat in the warmer, humid air. Wandering down the gravelled path, she found Philippa standing next to a tri-coloured rose bush. The blooms had petals beginning with sunny yellow at the heart of the rose, then shifting to pink, and finally red. Striking and fragrant. She could understand why Philippa would want the same roses in her garden.
‘I wondered if you got lost.’ Philippa didn’t look up at Millie as she stroked a petal. ‘This greenhouse is a marvel. I will speak with the major general about who designed this so I can erect one at Belgrave Square. Until then, perhaps his groundskeeper will give me a cutting of this in the spring. Divine, aren’t they?’
Millie slowed her pace as she approached Philippa. Before she could reply, Philippa spun, a dagger in her hand. She threw it at Millie, who turned sideways and smacked the weapon out of the air. Deftly releasing the blade on her wrist, she noted howthe heft weighed pleasantly in her palm. One flick and it would hurtle through the air, aimed for Philippa’s heart.
Philippa’s perfectly arched brows rose. ‘Well done. Just because we can’t train as we normally would is no excuse to let your skills slip. We must stay alert, Millicent.’
Millie tried to calm her heart from the surprise attack. ‘A warning would have been nice.’
‘You won’t get a warning from Franklin St George. Though I am glad your wounds aren’t hindering you.’
‘I told you, it helped to have the pain. Allowed me to sharpen my focus.’
‘And how are you progressing with Major General Drake? Have you spoken with him about the parameters of your marriage?’
Millie hesitated. ‘I’m not sure exactly. I mean, I’m wondering if… would it be so terrible if he knew about us? Mayhap he would approve, and I could train with you while still living with Beau.’
Philippa snorted, her blue eyes flashing. ‘I’d never guess you for a fool, Millicent. No man would allow his wife to engage in the kind of dangerous activities we must perform for the Queen. Especially not a man likeBeau.’ Her lips pressed together as if his name tasted sour on her tongue.
Millie shook her head. It was a crazy idea. She was being foolish, allowing her attraction for Drake to sweep her away. Stupid to think about a close marriage when he was sure to forbid her behaviour if he knew. ‘You’re right. Of course you are. We are going to speak tonight. I will impress upon him my desire for distance. I’m sure he wants the same.’ But she couldn’t forget the possession in his gaze when Franklin St George pressed a kiss against her gloved hand. Or the ache he inspired between her thighs every time his hand touched the small of her back. But it didn’t matter. Desire must be sacrificed for freedom.
