Page 19 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
Frederick’s eyes widened. “Did you not sleep?”
“This seemed more important.” She shrugged.
“And these are non-negotiable?” He glanced down at the papers in his hand.What have I gotten myself into?
“For the most part.” She furrowed her brow as though she were trying to remember exactly what she had written.
There was a moment of silence as he read through more of her proposed terms of engagement. A part of him was tempted to point out the humorous nature of the title, but he suspected it would not be well received.
“I was looking forward to coming up with a pet name for you. Perhaps something like my little Angel cake.” He grinned at her, waiting for her predictable sigh of irritation.
“No.” She replied flatly. “That will only lead to trouble.”
“You are no fun.” He laughed.
“This is not supposed to be fun. We are simply helping each other out.” She sighed. “This is a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
“Oh, be still my beating heart. And they say romance is dead.” Frederick shook his head, giving her a mock severe look.
“Please be serious for once. We are talking about the rest of our lives.” Lady Andrea gestured to the paper in his hands. “We cannot afford to get this wrong.”
“Very well. Though I do think we can stand to have a little fun at least. Being serious for the rest of our lives sounds rather tiresome.” He winked at her.
She ground her teeth. “I am only asking you to be serious for this carriage ride. If you think you can manage such a thing.”
“For you? I suppose I shall try.” He read through the two sheets of paper. “Living apart makes sense, though I think for the sake of scandal it would be best if we had two weeks of honeymoon. If we move straight into separate houses that will set many tongues wagging.”
She looked as though she were about to argue, but then she nodded. “Very well. And where would you like to do that?”
“My estate. It gives us a chance to get out of London and gain some modicum of privacy. And you have already been there. So you will not need me to guide you around.” He made a vague gesture with his hand. “Caverton is big enough that we will not constantly be under one another’s feet.”
“That is true. I suppose it reduces the chances of us wanting to kill each other.” She tapped a finger against her lips thoughtfully.
“Was that a joke, Lady Andrea?” He laughed.
“Perhaps. I am capable of humour on occasion.” Her tone was dry.
“I would rather you indulge in humour than murder, that’s true.” Frederick read on. “And what is this bit about rings? No surprise rings? What does that even mean?”
“It means that you will get me the ring of my choosing in Mosley’s and not decide to surprise me with another, more extravagant one.” She pointed to the clause in question.
“Very well. What if I want to surprise myself with an engagement ring?” He canted his head towards her.
She threw up her hands in frustration. “You promised to be serious, remember.”
“Fine. No surprise engagement rings and I will be serious as the grave whilst we negotiate.” He squinted at the rest of Lady Andrea’s proposals, a prickle of irritation running through him.Who is she to tell me what to do?
Hastily, he pushed it away, not wanting it to show on his face. He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair, trying to pick his words carefully. “There is one thing I would like to add.”
“Just one?” Lady Andrea tilted her head towards him.
“I am not a very demanding man.” He shrugged.
“Are you implying that I am?” Her eyes narrowed.
He grinned. “I would never imply that you were a man.”
“Oh haha.” Her cheeks coloured slightly and she added, “Well, what is your addition?”
