Page 16 of The Duke of Desire
“He was considering coming on the walk, but Lady Wendover was quick to remind him of the whist tournament going on at the house.”
“That was all?”
“Not quite. After that, Lady Kirkland said she might want to stay too, but their daughter desperately wanted to come along. Lady Pelham offered to act as chaperone—and she’s doing a fine job, isn’t she?” He chuckled. “Anyway, with that settled, Lady Kirkland looked pleased in the way that one looks when one has stolen the last sweet from the tray. And Lady Wendover’s slight frown revealed her irritation—at least to me.”
He was terrifyingly observant. “I shall forever think of my actions when I am in your presence. I’m frightened to think what you might discern.”
“I don’t think you need to worry. I haven’t deciphered you in the slightest.” There was a bemusement to his tone that warmed Ivy. She liked that she confounded him, because so far, he confused the hell out of her. She ought to be ignoring him, but instead, she couldn’t seem to move away. All because of that stupid apology note. And maybe, just maybe, she’d liked the things he’d said to her yesterday.
Never say that.
A drop of rain hit the edge of her bonnet, thankfully interrupting her troubling thoughts.
“I guess it’s going to rain after all,” Clare said. He tipped his head back to stare up at the sky. Ivy gave his profile a lengthy perusal. He turned his neck and their gazes connected. Ivy tripped.
He reached out and caught her, his hands clasping her arms to steady her. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes seemed to ask if she was fine. She gave a single nod and straightened, planting her feet firmly on the path.
His brows arched slightly as he let her go. Then he nodded once, and it was as if they’d shared a silent communication. She’d pulled away from him every other time they’d come into contact with each other. This time, she hadn’t.
Before she could dissect that thought, Lord Wendover turned around and addressed the group. “We’ll need to turn back as it’s started to rain. Since we’re going downhill, I suggest moving more quickly so we don’t get drenched.”
He started down the hill, and everyone waited for him to move to the front of the pack again. Lady Pelham quickened her gait to keep up with him.
That left Ivy with Clare at the back, along with Miss Kirkland and the other gentleman who’d been walking with her.
Clare didn’t immediately start down.
“What are you waiting for?” Ivy asked.
He looked up toward the top of the hill and frowned. “I was really looking forward to that view.”
Ivy had been too. “Are you going to continue?”
He put his hands on his hips and exhaled. “I’d like to.”
Her chest pulled. “Oh, to be a man.”
His gaze settled on her. “Why?”
“Because you can decide if you’d like to continue to the top of the hill or not.”
“You could go if you wanted.”
“With you?” She shook her head. “Even you can surely comprehend how that would look.”
“Yes. I’m afraid I didn’t think that through. I see what you mean about being a man.”
Miss Kirkland had passed them while they were talking. Her gentleman companion had hurried ahead as the raindrops had begun to fall more steadily.
Ivy glanced toward the darkening sky. “I don’t think this is going to be a light shower.”
Clare looked up again. “I think you’re correct. I suppose I’ll have to finish the walk another day.”
A shriek drew them to turn downhill. Miss Kirkland was on the ground.
Clare rushed down to her, and Ivy followed as quickly as she could. The ground was already growing slick. Miss Kirkland must have slipped.
When she reached the fallen young woman, Clare was kneeling beside her. “Let me help you up.” He took her arm and put his hand against her back.
