Page 71 of The Duke of Desire
He guided her off the path, beneath a tree and partially behind the wide trunk. He turned so that her back was a few inches from the tree, and he stood in front of her. “He’s the man from your past.”
Ivy hoped the color hadn’t drained from her face, but she felt nearly as dizzy as she had last night during their waltz. “Why would you think that?” No, she didn’t want the answer to that question. She didn’t want to discuss this at all. “Lord Bothwick is not the man from my past.” That was somewhat true. He hadn’t been Lord Bothwick then.
West’s eyes narrowed, and he advanced on her so that she pressed her back against the rough bark of the tree trunk. “Devil take it, Ivy. I care about you.” His face came too close to hers, and she could feel the heat and frustration radiating from him. “When will you let down your guard with me?”
He looked at her and spoke to her as if he had a claim, and he didn’t. “Never.” She threw the word at him like a knife, hoping to frighten him away, if not wound him. “I don’t have your protections, yourprivilege. All I have is the wall I’ve constructed to keep myself safe from further harm. And I will not letyouor any other man breach it.”
“Ivy—”
She cut him off, unwilling and uncaring to hear anything he wanted to say. “I’m weary of being a curiosity to you. I didn’t invite you to Bath. I would be pleased if you would leave me alone.” Her heart twisted as she said the words. She wanted something else…some intangible feeling of security that she couldn’t even name.
He stared into her eyes. “That would not please me.” He threaded his fingers through hers.
For a moment, she basked in his touch. Until she reminded herself that none of this was real. It was a waking dream that would surely end, and probably badly. She jerked her hand from his and slid away from the tree.
He moved with her but didn’t come close again. “I’ll walk you back to Lady Dunn.”
“And then you’ll go?”
“Yes.” The word came out slow and halting, as if it took him effort. “For now.”
She shook her head. “Forever. We cannot continue.”
“There’s the workhouse.”
“You can make the arrangements with Mr. Alves, I’m sure. There’s no reason for us to continue our association whatsoever.” She could see that he wasn’t ready to capitulate. “West, if you care about me, as you say, you’ll leave me alone. That is what I want.”
“I’m at number twelve in The Paragon for at least a few weeks. If you change your mind…”
“I won’t. Farewell.” She turned and stalked away from him on legs that threatened to give way and send her sprawling to the earth. But she didn’t because she was strong, and she’d survived far worse than this.
She held her head up, as she always did, and didn’t look back.
West watched her go in abject frustration. He clenched his hands at his sides and swore under his breath. That had gone as poorly as he could’ve imagined. She truly wanted him out of her life.
He ought to return to Stour’s Edge. And yet he couldn’t. Things felt too unfinished, even if she wished they weren’t. No, he’d stay and see about repairing the workhouse—and hopefully have occasion to see her again.
Then there was Bothwick. She hadn’t admitted that he was the man who’d ruined her, but West didn’t need her to. He’d seen her reaction, felt the tremor catapult through her frame. He knew it was Bothwick, and he would find a way to punish the man.
Perhaps he should write to Axbridge and ask for his assistance. He could be West’s second. Wait, was he really considering calling the man out?
West shook his head and exhaled some of the agitation from his body. He took the path and strode back the way he’d come. Lady Dunn was still on the bench with her friend, and Ivy stood off to the side. She didn’t look at him. In fact, he couldn’t tell if she was even aware of his presence.
He couldn’t seem to tear his gaze from her as he willed her to look in his direction. So intent was he, that he nearly walked straight into Lady Lamberton.
Her soft laugh whispered over him. “My goodness, Clare. Are you in a hurry?”
Not really, but he’d seize the excuse to avoid a prolonged encounter. “Yes.”
She introduced her friend, and West paid no attention. He looked over toward Ivy. Now she was looking at him. Her lips had nearly vanished into a thin, disapproving line. She abruptly turned her head in a swift and vicious dismissal.
West realized Lady Lamberton was touching his arm.Damn it all to hell.He took a step back.
“Walk with us, Clare,” Lady Lamberton urged. She curled her arm around his. “Whatever you’re rushing off to can wait, can’t it?”
West saw Lady Dunn stand up, and Ivy hurried to her side. They turned and made their way toward the hotel.
“Yes, I suppose it can,” he murmured.
