Page 46 of Married to the Forbidden Duke
“No,” he said at last. “I don’t believe so. When I was a young man, still at university, I fancied myself in love with a very charming young woman, but it ended before it could really begin, and since then, I have not held atendrefor anyone I can recall.”
Her heart beat faster, though she didn’t know why. “I see.”
“So tell me, Alice.” He leaned forward, elbows on his thighs now, and in the swinging light of the lantern, she could see the way the material stretched over the muscles in his upper legs. Her head spun and her mouth felt dry. “Remind me why I should intervene for Helena?”
“Well, once I meet the man in question and ascertain if I think he would be good to her…” She licked her lips. “He is a younger son and due to join the army. She believes he will distinguish himself, but it is obviously a risk, and one I presume Lord Denshire would prefer not to engage in. But marrying a gentleman one loves—that is a cruel fate indeed.”
“Is it?” His eyes were hypnotic, holding her captive. “And you, I suppose, would know?”
She drew herself up. “You know I never desired our marriage.”
“I do.” He leaned back again, taking up his former position as though he had leveled every ounce of intensity he possessed at her in the space of a heartbeat. “What will you give me in exchange?”
“In exchange?”
“I will do all I can to make your life comfortable, but I never agreed to intercede in others’ lives. That is not at all my way. Tell me then—for what reason should I speak up for her? She has atongue in her head; she can confront her own brother. I see no need for my intervention.”
“But youwouldif I offered you something in return?”
“Perhaps. If the man in question is worthy.”
She rubbed her damp palms on her skirt. “I asked for him to be invited tonight so I could ascertain his character, as far as I can.”
“I see. A good beginning.”
“And if I think he is attached to her and would make her happy, I wish to encourage the match as far as possible. And you, as my husband and a Duke to boot, may have influence here I do not.”
He inclined his head, eyes still on hers. “I expect so. But the question still remains, my dear. What will you give me for this?”
“You will speak with Lord Denshire?”
“I will exert all my considerable influence to make this happen.” He cocked a brow at her. “Well?”
“What would you like?”
“That’s not for me to ask.”
Odious man. She scowled at him, and thought she saw the corner of a smile in return before he tucked it away. No doubt he was enjoying teasing her.
Unbidden, her mind returned to the kiss they had shared after he had gifted her the mare. Was he hoping for something of that nature again?
If she gave him that, she risked losing herself to him. But what did she have to offer aside from her time, attention, and those demonstrations of affection he so clearly desired from her?
“You may… massage my leg,” she finally said, and his eyes widened in surprise. “And help me walk. In short, you may aid in the recovery of that which you damaged in substitute of the physician. Do you accept?”
His eyes narrowed. “Every day?”
“That would be convenient, yes. Before any evening engagements so I don’t take over too much of your time.”
“Ah, you mistake me, Alice,” he replied with a frankly devastating smile. “That is not my concern in the slightest.”
“So… you accept?” she narrowed her eyes.
“I do.” He held up a finger. “On the condition that, having spoken with this gentleman, I also believe he is of good character.”
She almost scoffed at the idea ofhimjudging character, but upon reflection, she decided it might be useful to have a male opinion. After all, there were many things about men that were still a mystery to her.
“Very well,” she accepted, holding out her hand to shake—which he did so with another twitch of his lips into a smile. “We have a deal.”
