Page 29 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“At one another’s throats.” Olivia looked at him as though he were being deliberately obtuse.
“I suppose we could try for a little cordiality. Especially if you insist on this ridiculous pursuit of my cousin.” Nigel could not help himself as the barb escaped his lips.
Olivia’s expression was hard to read beneath the mask, but the tone of her voice was quietly amused. “Is that your approximation of civility?”
Nigel laughed. “Very well. From this moment, I shall be… Well, I shall be more cordial to you.”
“I should like that.” Olivia smiled. “Perhaps we could even be friends. Whatever you think of me and your cousin, I would hope that you would wish us happiness.”
“I…” Nigel opened his mouth, unsure what he was going to say.
His heart hammered in his chest, and he felt a mix of panic and sadness run through him. His hands started to shake. For a moment, the room around him seemed to spin. He almost lost his footing as the music stopped. He caught himself, carefully avoiding Olivia’s eye.
He bowed low, alternately clenching and unclenching his fist. He could not afford for anyone to see him if the palsy was beginning to spread.
“Thank you, for the dance, My Lady.” He turned and left, suddenly desperate to be as far from the ball as he could get.
As he walked onto the veranda, the cool night air washed over his face. His heart seemed to be tumbling around his chest. His hands were shaking as were his legs. Carefully, he sat down.It is the curse.
“What are you doing, Maxton.” Nigel shook his head. “You are a doomed man. You need a wife of convenience, and Olivia… Lady Olivia…”
She would be far more than tolerable, but I could not do that to her. She does not deserve that.Sighing, he leaned against the balustrade, glancing up at the night sky. The sound of footsteps made him look up, and he saw his cousin walking towards him.
“Are you quite well, cousin?” Lord Briston’s eyes were wide with concern. “You left rather abruptly. I was worried.”
Nigel smiled, trying to hide his shaking hands. “It is nothing. I just… I wanted to take in some of the night air.”
Lord Briston removed his mask and glanced at his cousin. “Is it?”
“I am not sure.” Nigel bit his lip. “Did you… Have you spoken to…”
Lord Briston shook his head. “He is abroad, but as soon as he returns, I will speak with him. I am sure he will know of something that will help you.”
“Thank you, cousin.” Nigel gripped Lord Briston’s arm and pulled himself to his feet. “I am sorry to have pulled you from the dance.”
“It is of little matter. Some minor noble asked the lovely Lady Olivia to dance, and as no one else has really caught my eye, I thought I would come check on you.” Lord Briston shrugged.
“You intend to pursue her then?” Nigel tried to keep his voice level and cool to convey an unaffectedness.
“Of course. She is a most delightful young woman. Utterly radiant.” Lord Briston smiled.
“You think you are well suited then?” Nigel did not quite manage to keep the incredulity from his voice.
“Why would we not be?” Lord Briston bristled. “Just because you are a duke does not make you more worthy than me.”
“I never said it did. Besides, I am not courting her.”And I have no plans to.Nigel scowled and looked into the garden. “I was simply wondering if a match between you would be a good one.”
“And I was asking why it wouldn’t be. I have rather a lot to offer a young woman, you know.”
“Of course, you do.” Nigel felt the tiny, unpleasantness in him slip from his grasp, making his words overly sarcastic. “What woman could possibly resist your charms?”
“I’ll have you know, plenty of women are drawn to me. I may not have your title, but I have other things.”
“Women are not drawn to me solely for my title.” Nigel shook his head.
“Of course, they aren’t.” Lord Briston’s tone was mocking. “They’re drawn to your good looks and wonderous personality.”
“Well, at least women are drawn to me,” Nigel shot back, irked.
