Page 49 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“It must have been nice.” Andrea’s tone came out more wistful than she had intended. “I did not have many friends growing up. I think I have some cousins on my mother’s side, but well, we did not see much of them. My father found being around my mother’s family difficult.”
Frederick put the biscuit tin down, but did not get off the counter to come towards her. “That must have been hard for you.”
“In ways. I am not sure it would have made much difference; I found it hard to relate to people. It was as if they had all read a book telling them what to do and how to act, and no one thought to give me the copy.” She wiped milk away from her top lip, not quite able to meet Frederick’s eyes.
“I would say you are rather good at relating to people. At least from what I have seen. Dorson and his wife think most highly of you. Grandmother adores you. You managed to charm Elington in only a matter of minutes.” A look flashed across his face, his hands clenching slightly before the smile reappeared.
Andrea rubbed the back of her neck. “I think I have simply been lucky to find people who do not care that I have not read the instructions. In my experience they are few and far between. Though perhaps it is better to have fewer, deeper connections than many surface ones.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw Frederick stiffen but when she looked at him properly, his face was in shadow.
“I suppose there can be something to be said for that.” His voice held an edge that she could not quite place.
Longing?That made no sense. She shook her head, trying to understand it as her eyes traced the lines of Frederick’s face. His fingers drummed gently against the workbench, his face still hidden from her.
When he leaned forwards, he was smiling again, though it did not quite touch his eyes. “Though some of us opt for quantity over quality.”
It was clear he meant it as a joke, but something about the way he said it tugged at the back of Andrea’s mind. She opened her mouth trying to put her thoughts into words, but her eyes met his and she snapped it shut again.
“Not all of us have that option.” Andrea swallowed.
Something about the Duke’s words tugged at her mind and she turned them over in her thoughts. Her stomach let out a small gurgle and she flushed with embarrassment, hastily turning away from Frederick.
“It would seem you are hungry as well.” His voice was amused.
“Apparently so.” Andrea reached a hand towards Frederick. “Are you going to give me a biscuit?”
“I would, if there were any left.” He gave her a sheepish look and held out the empty tin to her.
Her jaw dropped. “You ate all of them? In the time we have been talking?”
“I was hungry.”
“Clearly.” She laughed. “Well, I suppose I will just have to find something for myself then.”
She looked around the kitchen, squinting into the darkness. She spotted a plate of scones that had been hidden behind a small pot on one of the highest shelves.
The effort to hide the food made her smile as she imagined the exasperated cook going to great lengths to keep things secret from the ever-peckish Duke. She moved towards the shelf, and reached towards the plate of scones.
“You are not going to be able to reach that.” Frederick leapt off the workbench and strode towards her. “Allow me, it is the least I can do.”
“So you can finish these like you did the biscuits? I think not, sir.” Andrea gently pushed him away without thinking.
Her fingers brushed against the exposed skin of his chest, and she jerked away as though burned. His eyes widened, and he pulled his dressing gown around him. She traced a thumb over the tips of her fingers without thinking.
Frederick was running a hand over his chest, and Andrea noticed a flush of colour on his cheeks. He glanced from her to the shelves but did not come closer.
“I can do it myself.” Andrea’s voice shook slightly, but she ignored it as she lifted a stool and placed it beside the counter.
Carefully, she climbed onto it and reached for the scones. Her fingers brushed the platter. The stool wobbled and she let out a startled yelp, losing her balance.
She windmilled her arms, but it was no good. She slipped. Strong arms wrapped themselves around her. The warmth of Fredrick spread through her, sending goosebumps across her skin.
Her breath caught as he gently set her back on her feet. “You do not have to do everything yourself. You are allowed to ask for help, you know.”
The smell of amber overwhelmed her senses. The feel of his hands against the small of her back sent shivers across her body. He reached across her and grabbed the plate of scones, giving her a triumphant smile as he held them before her.
“Who is in my kitchen?” an angry voice boomed out from behind them. “Just you wait until I get my hands on you!”
