Page 40 of The Dreaming Beauty
Tansy’s stomach sank to the marble floor.
“Nonsense.” The duke dismissed his mother with the single word. “Cancel whatever plans you think you are arranging for me, Mama. I am enjoying these lessons far too much and am in no hurry to end them.”
Tansy inched forward, eager to run from the contentious air. “I was just on my way out, so I will let you and your son reunite in privacy.” She curtsied again to the duke but did so quickly this time, scurrying past his mother toward the freedom on the other side of the door.
At the threshold, she turned back to see if Betsy was following her when her body slammed into a wall. Tansy stumbled back, her arms grasping for something to steady herself. Her eyes connected with Marcus’s. He was no wall, but the impact against his chest had stolen her balance.
He grabbed her arms to steady her, and Tansy clung to him in return. Immediately she felt safer than she had all morning. Safe from his brother’s flirtations and safe from their lofty mother, even though both stood just behind her.
“Miss Tansy, are you hurt?” Marcus’s voice filled with concern.
Tansy forced her grip to release his waistcoat, and she stepped out of his arms. “Forgive me. I did not see you.”
“Nor I you. How is your head? Do you need to sit down?”
Besides being a bit dazed, her head was well enough. “No, I should be going.” She glanced behind her at his mother, and understanding flashed in Marcus’s eyes.
“Let me see you out.” He took her arm and led her outside and down the steps. Two footmen had just unloaded a trunk from a carriage with the same lion crest on its door as the one in the entrance hall. “My mother’s carriage is already prepared and will get you home faster so you can rest.”
“No, thank you, I can walk.” Lady Melbourne had disliked Tansy instantly; she could tell. Riding in the woman’s carriage would not help that impression.
“Your head hit my chest like a ram. I must insist.”
She opened her mouth, but he cut her off by bringing a finger up to her mouth. Her heart thudded in response.
“Before you disagree, save your breath. A mile ride is not at all out of my way. Let me do this to reassure myself that you are well.”
She let him guide her to the carriage, and he did not release her arm until she was safely loaded inside, followed by Betsy. She could have pulled away sooner, but his touch and presence were exactly what she needed. He surprised her further when he stepped inside and sat across from her and her maid.
The carriage lurched forward, making any argument truly pointless. She gave him a small smile of gratitude, and he returned it. It had been a week since their brief encounter in the library and the upset over Richard’s portrait, and there was no denying she had missed him. And now that his mother was back, surely it would be harder to see him. The thought disappointed her.
“Would you mind informing your brother that I wish to put a pause on our lessons?” she asked. The duke might insist upon them, but she would not. “With your mother home, you both should spend time with her, and I do not wish to impose.”
Marcus nodded, his demeanor serious. “I think a break would be good.”
He did? Tansy blinked. Had he heard what his mother had said? She did not think he had, nor did she expect him to readily agree with her—not after the efforts he had made to make her and her aunts feel welcome. Even so, what his mother said made sense. Tansy and her family were so far beneath them, but it stung to be reminded of it. At least this would allow the duke time to realize how ludicrous it was for him to flirt with her. But what of Marcus? He hadn’t made a point to see her today, so would he even think on her at all in her absence?
“Is something the matter?” Marcus leaned forward, examining her as if she were an injured animal.
“A small headache is all.” Or was it a small heartache? How had she let this handsome man in front of her become such a prominent subject of her thoughts?
He frowned, the skin around his honey-brown eyes crinkling. “I should have been more careful when I came through the door.”
No, she was the one who should have been more careful. Had she not learned anything from Mr. Robinson? One look from Marcus and she was smitten. Could his concern for her be any more alluring?
She put her hand to her head, stopping just short of smacking herself. She dropped it quickly. “There. All better.”
Tilting his head, he studied her. She quickly changed the subject before he could worry about her for another minute. “You were not at the house earlier. Were you visiting a tenant again?”
“No, I met with a colleague in town. I assume your lesson went well in my absence though?”
“It went tolerably well.” The beginning had, yes, but not the ending. “Your brother never brings me scones, so it cannot quite compare to that first lesson.” She did her best to add a teasing lilt to her voice so Marcus would not worry about her health anymore.
He laughed, but there was still uneasiness in his eyes. “I dare not tell him about them either. They would not be good for a bribe or a reward if you were given them all the time.”
The carriage slowed as they rolled up the lane to Rose Cottage. “What need would you have to bribe or reward me?”
He raised a brow. “I haven’t decided yet, but I am quite sure they will come in handy.” He helped her down and paused with his hand still on her arm. “Rest awhile for me.”
