Page 45 of The Duke of Seduction
“My mother listens to too much gossip. There are those who think the Duke of Kilve and the Duchess of Romsey behaved badly, and of course the Duke of Romsey is typically known as the Duke of Ruin. Because his wife died, and for a long time, he was suspected of killing her. Not officially, of course.”
“Wasn’t he vindicated with regard to his wife’s death?”
“He was, but you know how vicious and unforgiving Society can be.”
“I do.” The gravity of his tone and the curl of his lip gave her pause.
“Because of your sister,” she said softly.
“Yes.” He looked away, and she knew he didn’t want to talk about it. She wouldn’t press him. Someday, she’d like to know more about her, but not today.
There it was again:someday.
“You should go,” he said. “We’ve lingered long enough, and I’m sure your maid is wondering where you are.”
He’d seen her arrive with Carrin. Yet, he hadn’t known when she would come. “How long were you waiting for me?”
He shrugged. “Not long.”
Warmth spread through her. He’d brought her the most precious gift, and he’d waited to deliver them in person. He could very well have written a note to leave with it. Heaven knew he was quite good at that.
“I wanted to thank you for the poem you wrote for Sarah,” Lavinia said. “It’s really wonderful. She’s overjoyed with the attention.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I only want to help.” He hastened to add, “Those who want to be helped, that is.”
She grinned. “Just so.” She hated to go, but he was right, she must. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Her gaze settled on his, and a wave of awareness crested over her—starting at that spot on her neck and flowing through the rest of her body.
He inclined his head toward her wrist. “You should put the fossils in your reticule—if they'll fit.”
“Oh yes, I should.”
She tried to juggle both items, but Beck took the fossils while she opened her reticule, then he deposited them inside. She put her glove back on and looked up at him. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
That word—pleasure—sent another flash of anticipation over her. She made herself turn and go.
As soon as she stepped out from behind the shrub, a cool breeze rushed over her. It was as if they’d been in a private world just for them, and she’d had to leave it.
Carrin came rushing toward her. “I was beginning to grow concerned.”
“Sorry, I found some interesting rocks.” Which wasn’t a lie. She held up her reticule and jiggled the contents.
Carrin was well aware of Lavinia’s interest in rocks and dirt and science. “How lovely. Perhaps you can show me later.”
“Certainly.” Lavinia would simply show her some other things from her collection.
They walked back home in relative silence. Lavinia couldn’t shake a sense of giddiness. Beck had utterly surprised her with the fossils. They were without question the best gift she’d ever received.
But it was more than his generosity. It was the way he made her feel. When he looked at her. When he touched her. When he said things like, “That thirst for knowledge only enhances your face—and everything else about you.”
She suppressed a shiver. Something was kindling between them, and she couldn’t afford to play with fire. Not with a rake with no interest in marriage. And yet, moving a little closer to the heat was almost too exciting to resist.
* * *
Beck spentthe dinner at the Kilves’ stealing glances at Lavinia, who sat at the opposite end of the table near her friend Miss Colton. That might as well have been Scotland given the length of the table, which had to support all twenty-six guests.
