Page 35 of The Duke of Seduction
Sarah’s words came back to her. Perhaps she would be lucky enough to find the man of her dreams amidst the chaos. With Northam’s help.
Why was it that when she thought about finding a husband, Northam had begun to spring to mind?
* * *
The following day, Beck walked to the park. He should have gone yesterday, but it was cold and damp, and he suspected Lady Lavinia wouldn’t go out in such conditions.
Or perhaps he’d just wanted an excuse to avoid her for a day. Which was silly since he’d agreed to help her find a husband. And she was going to help him find a new young lady to write about. Just as they couldn’t keep meeting in libraries, they probably shouldn’t keep meeting at the park. Their promenades had likely already been noted, which was the primary reason he’d refrained from going yesterday.
As soon as he passed through Grosvenor Gate, he saw her. She stood with her mother, and they were surrounded by a variety of people. Thankfully, Devaney was nowhere to be seen.
Beck considered whether he should bother. To intrude could result in a scene like the other day. He’d already decided he didn’t want to be linked to her in that way. Hell, in any way.
Except hewaslinked to her. At least privately. From the minute he’d brushed his lips against her neck, they’d become intertwined somehow.
Intertwined? Dear God, that summoned thoughts better left unthought. Hadn’t he already vowed to not think them?
As he stood there dithering, Lady Lavinia squinted in his direction. Dammit, the woman needed glasses. He’d like to see her in them. Perhaps he could convince her to wear them. Only it wasn’t her decision, apparently. He didn’t know her mother at all and had scarcely spoken to her father, but was inclined to dislike the woman.
Lady Lavinia continued to look his way, and his decision was made. Against his better judgment, he leapt into the fray.
“Why, it’s the Marquess of Northam,” her mother said, grinning. “Again.”
Beck stifled the urge to roll his eyes as he bowed to her. “Lady Balcombe, a pleasure to see you this fine afternoon.”
“And you, Lord Northam. I daresay you’re here to see Lavinia. Why don’t you take a promenade?”
That was precisely why he hadn’t wanted to come over. Not because he didn’t want to promenade with her, of course—and he needed to so they could exchange information—but because of the attention it would draw. He managed to lift one side of his mouth in a semblance of a smile at the countess. “I’d be delighted. If Lady Lavinia is amenable?” He turned to her, and she practically snatched his arm in her haste.
“Yes, thank you.”
They walked away from the group, and with each step, he felt her relax more and more. “You’re quite tense,” he observed.
“You saw that gaggle.” She peered up at him with a dry stare. “Haven’t I reason to be?”
“Every single one.”
“Every reason ever?”
“Yes.”
She laughed. “Thank you. Now I must castigate you. Where were you yesterday?”
He looked down at her in surprise. “Were you here?”
“I was.”
“You’re rather hardy to brave the chill.”
“It wasn’tthatcold. Besides, I had to get out. Too much time indoors makes me a bit mad.” She flashed him an endearing smile. “That’s why I like rocks and dirt so much. I was constantly digging in it as a child, much to my mother’s displeasure.” She shrugged. “I just liked being outside.”
“I did too.” He recalled growing up in Devon near the sea. “I liked to walk to the beach and watch the ocean. The sight and sound of the waves is what spawned my love of music, I think.”
“How so?” She watched him intently, and he realized he’d never shared this with anyone. Not because it was a secret but because it had simply never come up.
“The rhythm. I found it soothing, like a song. My nurse used to sing to me. She was Irish. She had a beautiful, lilting voice.” He closed his eyes briefly and could almost hear her croon on the wind.
“That’s lovely. I never thought of it that way before. To me, the ocean is harsh and relentless, carving away at the earth and yet gentle and creative, taking what it breaks away and building it anew.”
