Page 29 of A Bride for the Icy Duke
“You have my word as an honorable man.” Mr. Godwin gave the duke a salute and a wink, and the duke turned away. Yet before he did, Lydia thought she caught a glimpse of a reluctant smile.
“Are you not also attending?” she asked after Mr. Godwin left. That would be an excellent excuse for her to tick another of her items off her list, and she wasn’t sure how many more opportunities she would have.
His brows creased as he looked at her. “Would you like it if I attended?”
“I thought it might be fun?” She phrased the statement as a question, then doubted herself. “I expect you wish to see Eliza and Mr. Godwin pretending their engagement is real just as much as I do.”
His gaze jumped to hers, then away. “I think I have a reasonably accurate reading of the situation. Besides, I have other matters to attend to, so I think I will give this particular evening a miss.” He hesitated before adding, “I know Miss Eliza is a close friend, and I would not wish you to be deprived of her friendship.”
Lydia’s mouth opened, but before she could say anything—pointing out that he was the one who threatened to deprive her of it, or even thanking him for the sentiment—he strode away.
“I am exceedingly glad you could make it this evening!” Eliza chimed gleefully, hooking her arm through Lydia’s the first moment the two ladies were alone. “The duke wasn’t inclined to attend?”
“He said he had urgent business at home. But,” Lydia whispered, something compelling her to be fair, “hedidexpress his wish that I not be deprived of this friendship.”
“Well, that’s something, at least.” Eliza dived into the fray and emerged with Marie following a little further behind. “Now that I have you both together, I can tell you my news. Before you say anything, let me be clear that this arrangement isstrictlybusiness.”
“I doubt it,” Lydia murmured.
Eliza’s mouth dropped open. “He told you, didn’t he?”
“Darling,” Marie said kindly, “thisisan engagement dinner.”
“Yes, but I thought you would assume it was genuine.”
“I think,” Marie added, a twinkle in her eye, “you will end up married.”
“Before the year is out,” Lydia finished.
Eliza tossed her head. “Tohim? I would rather suffer the plague, I assure you.”
“He wants nothing more than to marry you,” Marie noted. “Even now, he is watching you.”
All three women leaned out to find Mr. Godwin watching them, a light in his eyes as though he knew precisely what they were discussing and what Eliza had to say on the subject. And, not for the first time, Lydia reflected that he looked very much like a man in love. Something she would have loved to have—a man who adored her so desperately.
If only Eliza could see it the same way.
“He is watchingus,” Eliza insisted. “Because he knows I am telling you the truth, and he is wary of it reaching his mother’s ears. She is very keen on the match, you know. I shall almost be sorry when I’m obliged to throw him over.” She giggled. “But mark my words, I will.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Marie turned to Lydia. “Eliza told me about the list. Have you attempted anything of it?”
Lydia thought of the way she had sat on the duke’s lap, and her face flushed.
Eliza cackled. “I knew it! Tell us everything.”
“There is nothing much to say,” Lydia said instantly, defensive, though she hardly knew why. “I merely perched on his lap. Well,” she amended, “Ifell.”
Eliza’s eyes turned round, and Marie gave a little knowing smile. “And?” she prompted. “How did he respond?”
“How? As any man might, I presume. He told me to get off.”
But, Lydia could recall, not for some time. She had been sitting on his lap perfectly comfortably, and he had let her remain there for a few seconds—several seconds—before finally bidding her to move. In fact, she had been so comfortable, she had almost felt as though she had rather not move at all.
“Did he becomeexcited?” Marie asked, wiggling her brows.
“Excited?” Lydia frowned, thinking back. “I don’t think so. He seemed a little—shocked.”
Eliza giggled, one hand over her mouth. “Marie! Are you suggesting what I think you are?”
