Page 27 of The Duke of Seduction
“Of course, but we don’t have a connection. Some would find your assistance inappropriate. Especially given your reputation.”
“As a rake.”
She gave a little shrug. “You don’t deny it. Indeed, you’ve told me you were going to engage in rakish activities. What’s more, I’ve personal knowledge of your rakish activities.” Heat rushed up her neck and flooded her face. “That is, because you met with Lady Fairwell.” She averted her gaze from his because she wasn’t sure she could stand another moment of the amused glint in his eyes.
“I daresay your knowledge isn’t all that personal, but I understand your meaning.”
“Why are you helping me?”
Now he looked away. “I felt poorly about the way we met, and I’m sorry the Duke of Seduction has caused you so much disquiet.”
“Yes, well, I eviscerated him in the letter.” She narrowed her eyes. “How I’d love to see his expression when he reads it.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Eviscerated him? He was trying to do good, and he did actually help a few young ladies.”
“I suppose, but I find the entire situation odd. Who is he to play matchmaker anonymously?” She cocked her head to the side. “Indeed,whois he? He has to be in Society to be aware of me and the others. And he’s obviously well-educated, given his skill with words.”
Northam lifted a shoulder. “An uneducated man could write as well.”
“Perhaps, but he wouldn’t be in Society.” She thought back to their other conversations and his steadfast defense of the man. She took another step toward him so she could see his expression quite clearly. “Do you know him?”
Northam’s dark blond brows arched for the briefest moment. “Why would you think so?”
“Because you’re eager to defend him, and I recall you saying it had to be someone who knew me.” She watched his reaction, but his gaze didn’t even flicker.
“I was merely trying to help you determine his identity.”
“Let us do that, then.” She turned and paced a few steps before pivoting back to face him. “Who do you think has the skill to write poetry like that?”
“Perhaps Byron has returned.”
She smirked. “Miss Pemberton suggested the same thing. I think we’d all know if he was back.”
Northam shrugged. “Not if he is well hidden.”
“I will concede that this duke is very well hidden, but it isn’t Byron. I daresay he’d publish under his own name. This man is secretive. Who in Society is intelligent and secretive?”
He exhaled, his gaze tilting to the ceiling briefly. “That could be any number of gentlemen. Or maybe it’s a woman. Have you considered that?”
“I had not. What an intriguing idea.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you trying to deflect my attention so I don’t discover his identity? I find it odd that you are so keen to help me. It’s almost as if you feel personally bad that this has caused trouble for me.”
“I do feel bad. I’m sure it was never his intent to cause harm. Which is why I’m wondering if you maybe shouldn’t send this letter.”
She froze, wondering if she’d heard him right. “Wait, I thought you offered to deliver it for me.”
“I did, but after you used the wordeviscerate, I wonder if you should consider not sending it. Or, perhaps you could ask the editor to forward this to the duke so that he can hear your quarrel with his endeavors.”
Anger began to bubble in her chest. “So the Duke of Seduction can write about me in a public manner, but I shouldn’t do the same to him?”
The marquess had the grace to wince. “Er, no. I was simply offering another path to the same objective.”
“My objective is to get him to stop, and publicly calling him out will be far more effective than sending him a note asking him to cease.” She shook her head, then froze again, widening her eyes as she stared at this man she had to admit she didn’t know very well. “Were you even going to deliver my letter?” She held her hand out. “Give it back.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Why not?”
“Because you don’t need to send it.” He exhaled, his gaze settling firmly—and apologetically on hers. “I’m the Duke of Seduction.”
