Page 9 of The Duke of Desire
“I think I’ll return to the library.”
“You’re welcome to go upstairs if you like. I’ll go up after I’m finished.”
Ivy nodded, appreciating the freedom Lady Dunn allowed. Her last employer would’ve required Ivy to sit in the hall so that she could provide assistance if necessary.
She made her way to the library, intent on finding something comedic to read. Surprisingly, the room was empty. Ivy would’ve thought at least one other person would’ve come here for escape. But maybe not. Ivy was, after all, an aberration. Most people enjoyed being in the midst of a convivial event. Once upon a time, Ivy had too. But those were distant memories she chose to forget.
She perused a shelf and shot a glance toward the doorway to the hall, half expecting to see that Clare had followed her. A strange coolness crept up her spine, and she belatedly recognized the sensation as disappointment.
Scoffing, she studied the spines more intently and finally found what she was looking for—She Stoops to Conquer. It was her favorite play. She’d read it so many times that she could recite long passages.
She turned toward the alcove to read but decided she’d be prey for Clare if he came looking for her. Better to retreat upstairs. Returning to the hall, she made her way to the stairs. On the way, she caught Lady Dunn’s eye. The viscountess inclined her head, and Ivy went up to their chamber.
As she rounded the corner into the sitting room, she nearly tripped. Seated in a chair, his legs stretched out nonchalantly in front of him, was the Duke of Clare.
“Were you waiting for me?” Her voice was high, almost shrill. Good God, she sounded like her mother. Another icy sensation shot up her spine, but this time she immediately knew what it was—self-loathing.
Clare smiled up at her. “Another book, I see? Oh, a play. That’s one of my favorites.”
Of course it was, damn him. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear.” She glanced around, nervous that someone would find them alone up here.
“Don’t fret. That room is occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Travill, and they will be among the last to find their beds. And that room”—he pointed to the third and final chamber that opened off the sitting room—“belongs to Lord and Lady Kirkland and their daughter, Viola. They will not be returning anytime soon. Lord Kirkland is likely already down twenty quid at the tables, which he will spend all night trying to win back, while Lady Kirkland is obsessively trying to get the young bucks to dance with Viola.”
Ivy blinked at him. “How do you know all that?”
He shrugged. “I pay attention.”
Suddenly Ivy’s observation skills seemed lackluster. She felt deflated. Damn him again. “None of it matters, because my wishes haven’t changed.”
He smiled at her, looking almost gleeful. “I don’t think you’ve given me ample opportunity to change them.”
Frustration gathered in her chest, and she had to quash the urge to throw the book at his head. “Because I don’t want you to.”
He rose, gracefully, like a cat. Then he prowled toward her. She held the book to her breast as if it were a shield.
“Miss Breckenridge, I think there is something amiss with you. Despite your protestations, you are frightened. Right now, I see nothing but fear in your eyes.”
She took a step back. “Because you’re stalking me.”
“I have a suspicion—and I don’t think I’m wrong—that you are a woman who doesn’t allow herself any indulgences. You work hard, and you adhere to a strict code.”
“You say those things as if they’re bad.”
“They are bad when they’re all you have.” He inclined his head. “I’ll grant that working hard is an admirable trait. Tell me, how do you amuse yourself?”
She briefly waved the book toward him. “She Stoops to Conqueris amusing.”
“Reading is your only amusement?”
“No. I am involved in several charitable endeavors.”
“Oh, that must be incredibly diverting. Again, it’s admirable, but does it bring you joy?”
Righteous anger unfurled inside her. “Yes, it does, and that you even have to ask that reveals your character. Or lack thereof.”
He winced. “Of course it brings you joy. I should’ve asked if it fulfills you. At the end of the day, do you feel completely satisfied?”
Something about the way he said those last two words sent a shiver along her neck. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
